Air Filter Cleaning Device with Vertically Movable Outlet Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter cleaning devices require operators to lift heavy air filters to a high height, making the process labor-intensive and potentially injurious, especially when cleaning multiple filters daily.
Innovation Solution
An air filter cleaning device with a rotating stage and a vertically movable inner outlet head that can be positioned below 1,500 mm above the support surface, reducing the lifting distance and incorporating a rigid chain actuator for efficient movement of the nozzle head between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner outlet head is positioned at a minimum height of about 1,500 mm above the support surface, then the air filter can be properly seated and cleaned, but the operator must lift heavy air filters to a high height making the process labor-intensive and potentially injurious
Solution Approach 1:
The inner outlet head is made vertically moveable between a lower position (less than 1,500 mm above support surface) and an upper position, allowing dynamic adjustment of height. This enables the outlet head to be at a convenient height for seating air filters during loading, then move to the upper position for effective cleaning operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of seating and cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is divided into functionally independent segments: the rotatable air filter, the vertically moveable inner outlet head, and the stationary outer vacuum head. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the inner outlet head for adaptable positioning during seating and cleaning, while maintaining effective cleaning capability
2Ease of operation
If the inner outlet head is vertically moveable between lower and upper positions, then the lifting distance is reduced and operation is safer, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical movement of the inner outlet head is achieved through a pneumatic or hydraulic ram mechanism, which provides smooth, controlled motion with minimal structural complexity. This allows the outlet head to move between positions without requiring complex mechanical linkages or multiple moving parts, thus improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vertically moveable inner outlet head serves multiple functions: it facilitates easy seating of air filters at low height, enables effective cleaning at upper height, and can be positioned at intermediate heights during operation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile positioning capability for different operational phases
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
The solution significantly reduces labor intensity and the risk of injury by lowering the operational height, enabling safer and more efficient cleaning of multiple air filters without the need for excessive lifting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas outlet for discharging pressurised gas outwardly through at least one wall of the air filter for dislodging contaminants
Implementation Method 2
an outer vacuum head located externally to the air filter to suction the contaminants dislodged from the air filter by the inner outlet head
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an air filter cleaning device having a rotating stage on which an air filter to be cleaned is seated and rotated about its central axis; and an inner outlet head configured to extend through a central opening of the rotating stage and be vertically moveable between a lower position and an upper position at least parallel to the central axis of the air filter, said outlet head having at least one gas outlet for discharging pressurized air outwardly through at least one wall of the air filter for dislodging contaminants; an outer vacuum head located externally to the air filter for suctioning the contaminants dislodged from the air filter by the inner outlet head wherein the inner outlet head is further configured such that the lower position is located less than about 1,500 mm above a support surface for the cleaning device.