Multi-Probe Air Filter Leak Inspection Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filter leak inspection methods are inefficient and inaccurate, often causing equipment damage due to probe misalignment and size discrepancies, which can lead to incomplete inspections and damage to air filters.
Innovation Solution
An air filter leak inspection method using a leakage inspection unit with multiple probes that traverse between parallel edges of the air filter, adjusting their path and speed to ensure comprehensive scanning without hitting the frame, utilizing formulas to determine the number of traversals, overlapping areas, and probe positioning to maintain accuracy and avoid damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single probe is used to traverse the air filter, then the inspection equipment is simple, but the inspection efficiency is low and the probe may hit the frame causing equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection task into multiple parallel probe units that simultaneously traverse the air filter. Each probe independently inspects a portion of the filter, enabling parallel processing and significantly improving inspection efficiency while maintaining relatively simple individual probe structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple probes arranged in parallel across the width of the air filter, adding a spatial dimension to the inspection process. This allows simultaneous coverage of multiple horizontal positions, transforming a sequential single-probe inspection into a parallel multi-probe system that completes inspection faster
2Productivity
If the probe traverses quickly to improve efficiency, then productivity increases, but measurement precision decreases and equipment damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and sets the traversal speed and positioning parameters for each probe before inspection begins. By determining optimal speeds and positions in advance based on probe dimensions and filter characteristics, the system achieves both high efficiency and high precision without requiring slow, cautious movement during actual inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time monitoring of probe positions and traversal speeds during inspection. The system continuously tracks probe movement and adjusts parameters as needed to maintain both speed and accuracy, preventing probes from exceeding boundaries while ensuring complete coverage and accurate leak detection
3Measurement precision
If the probe size is reduced to improve precision, then measurement precision improves, but the probe becomes more vulnerable to damage and inspection coverage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large robust probe, the patent segments the inspection function across multiple smaller probes. Each probe is smaller and more precise, but the collective array of probes provides both comprehensive coverage and redundancy, so individual probe vulnerability does not compromise overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes probe dimensions and material properties to achieve the right balance between precision and durability. By carefully selecting probe size, shape, and material parameters, each probe achieves sufficient precision for leak detection while maintaining adequate structural integrity to withstand the inspection process
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 method enhances inspection efficiency and accuracy by ensuring thorough coverage of the air filter while preventing equipment damage, allowing for reliable detection of leaks and maintaining filter integrity.
Implementation Method 1
passing an aerosol to be filtered containing particles through an air filter
Implementation Method 2
the leak inspection unit includes n probes... scanning the entirety of the air filter
Data Source
AI summary
An air filter leak inspection method is provided. First, an aerosol to be filtered containing particles is passed through an air filter having a first edge and a second edge. Next, a leakage inspection unit is provided. The leakage inspection unit includes n probes, wherein n indicates a positive integer. Afterward, a moving procedure is set to make the probes traverse between the first edge and the second edge, thereby scanning the whole portions of the air filter. When the probes move to the second edge, the probes move along the extending direction of the second edge with a designed distance, wherein the designed distance is less than the length of each probe. Besides, the number of times that the probes traversing between the first and the second edge is determined according to the amount of the probe, the length of each probe and the height of the air filter.