Air Filter Loading Status Detection for Service Life Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulty in determining the real-time loading status of individual air filters in air filtration systems, leading to ambiguity in change intervals and remaining lifetime prediction.

Innovation Solution

An air filtration system with an electronic control unit that determines the loading status of air filters by obtaining parameters such as particulate pollution levels, airflow, and filter efficiency, allowing for real-time monitoring and optimization of filter service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple air filters are used in an air filter device, then air filtration performance is improved, but it becomes difficult to determine the loading status of individual air filters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair filtration performanceVSAvoidloading status of individual air filters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the monitoring function by providing individual loading status indicators for each air filter within the air filter device. This allows users to see the loading status of each filter separately rather than as a single aggregate value, enabling precise tracking of each filter's condition while maintaining the benefits of multiple filters for improved air filtration performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If real-time monitoring of air filter loading status is implemented, then service life optimization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air filter device performs self-monitoring of its own loading status through integrated sensors and processing circuits that automatically detect and report the loading condition of each filter. This self-service capability enables real-time monitoring and service life optimization without requiring external monitoring equipment or complex manual inspection procedures, thus limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If loading status determination system is added, then filter change interval optimization is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter change interval optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The loading status determination functionality is merged into the existing air filter device structure, integrating sensors, processing circuits, and indicators directly into the filter assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external monitoring systems and reduces overall manufacturing costs while still providing optimized filter change interval determination based on actual loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4464398A1A system, control device, and method for determining a loading status of an air filter of an air filter device
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 MANNHUMMEL VENTURES PTE LTD
  • EP4464398A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4464398A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4464398A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed is an air filtration system for filtering air of an enclosed volume comprising a channel for receiving external air; a recirculation channel for receiving recirculated air from the enclosed volume; an air filter device for filtering an air flow into the enclosed volume, the air flow comprising at least one of the external air and the recirculated air; and an electronic control unit for determining a loading status of at least one air filter of the air filter device, based on: a level of particulate pollution in the external air, a level of particulate pollution in the recirculated air, a flow of the external air in the channel, a flow of the recirculated air in the recirculation channel, and an efficiency of the at least one filter of the air filter device. Further disclosed is a control device for the system, and a method for operating the system.