Air Filter Cleaner Module for Self-Cleaning Purifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purifiers require frequent filter replacement or removal for cleaning, and their automatic cleaning mechanisms are inefficient, leading to suboptimal air filtration and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
An air purifier with a filter cleaner module that performs mechanical cleaning and UV sterilization of the air filter without removing it, using a cleaning member and UV light sources within the module, allowing for automatic and efficient cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filter is cleaned by removing it from the air purifier, then the cleaning can be performed, but the air purifier cannot operate continuously and maintenance time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The air purifier performs self-cleaning by automatically engaging the cleaning member to contact the filter surface and the UV light source to irradiate the filter, eliminating the need for manual filter removal and enabling continuous operation without maintenance time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning member and UV light source are positioned to automatically clean and sterilize the filter before it becomes excessively dirty, preventing filter clogging and maintaining continuous air purification capability
2Productivity
If a cleaning member contacts the filter surface for mechanical cleaning, then dust is removed, but the filter structure may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member applies gentle partial contact to the filter surface rather than aggressive full-contact cleaning, removing dust effectively while preserving the filter's delicate structure through controlled, mild mechanical action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines mechanical cleaning with UV light irradiation, where the UV component provides sterilization and additional cleaning action, reducing the need for aggressive mechanical contact and protecting filter integrity
3Productivity
If UV light is applied to sterilize the filter, then bacteria are killed, but the filter may become brittle or degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source applies sterilization through controlled irradiation rather than excessive exposure, effectively killing bacteria while maintaining filter material integrity through optimized UV dosage and exposure time
Solution Approach 2:
The UV light source operates continuously during the cleaning cycle alongside the mechanical cleaning member, providing ongoing sterilization protection without interrupting the cleaning process or compromising filter durability through sustained gentle irradiation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous operation with efficient air filter cleaning and sterilization, removing dust and bacteria without filter removal, optimizing the cleaning process while minimizing downtime and improving filter maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
perform mechanical cleaning of the air-filter by making a cleaning member contact the surface of the air-filter
Implementation Method 2
perform sterilization of the air-filter by applying UV light from at least one UV light source located in the filter cleaning module
Data Source
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AI summary
An air purifier and a filter cleaner are provided that can use an efficient air- filter cleaning procedure. The air filter can advantageously be placed in its operational position during the cleaning. The filter cleaner is configured to perform mechanical cleaning (409) of the air-filter by making a cleaning5 member contact the surface of the air-filter for a first period of time, and to perform sterilization (411) of the air-filter by applying UV light on the air- filter for a second period of time. Hereby an efficient cleaning of an air-filter can be achieved that removes dust and kills bacteria on the air-filter. The air- filter does not need to be removed during the cleaning and sterilization10 process.