Air Filters And Wiper Blades for Particle Control in Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices accumulate particles such as dust and lint, which negatively affect their thermal conductivity and operational life by increasing temperature.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of air filters and wiper blades to remove or reduce particles within electronic devices, utilizing electrostatic, fiberglass, polyester, pleated, HEPA, or spun glass filters, and wiper blades actuated by motors to clean fans and filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air filters and wiper blades are installed to remove particles, then the life span and thermal performance of the electronic device are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelife span of electronic deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of electronic device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The particle removal system is divided into separate functional modules: air filters positioned at air intake locations to filter incoming air, and wiper blades attached to fans to clean accumulated particles. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability without requiring a completely redesigned device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper blades are designed to be actuated by the existing fan motor, allowing the fan to clean itself and the air filters without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention. This self-service approach improves device reliability while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing existing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If air filters and wiper blades are installed to remove particles, then the operating temperature of the electronic device is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperature of electronic deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of electronic device

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Air filters are positioned to intercept and remove particles from the air before it enters the electronic device or before it reaches heat-generating components. The wiper blades perform preliminary cleaning of the fan blades, preventing particle accumulation that would otherwise increase thermal resistance. This preliminary action maintains lower operating temperatures without requiring active cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The air filters act as intermediaries between the external environment and the internal components, blocking particles before they can contribute to thermal issues. The wiper blades serve as intermediaries that remove particles from the fan surfaces, maintaining efficient heat dissipation. These intermediary components address temperature issues without requiring direct thermal management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If air filters and wiper blades are installed to remove particles, then the need for periodic cleaning is decreased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime required for cleaningVSAvoidcomplexity of electronic device

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper blades are automatically actuated by the fan motor during normal operation, enabling the system to clean itself without manual intervention. The air filters continuously remove particles from incoming air automatically. This self-service mechanism dramatically reduces the time and effort required for maintenance while using existing device components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The air filters operate continuously to remove particles from incoming air, and the wiper blades perform continuous cleaning of the fan blades during fan operation. This continuous action eliminates the need for periodic manual cleaning, reducing maintenance time while the components are integrated into the existing device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Extends the life of electronic devices and reduces operating temperature by effectively filtering and removing particles, minimizing the need for device cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

an air filter configured to filter the air passed inside the media device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a wiper blade configured to remove particles from at least one of the fan or the air filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250319496A1Air filter and wiper blades for reducing particle inside electronic devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 ROKU INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for reducing particles (e.g., dust, lint, or the like) inside electronic devices. An example embodiment operates by a media device including one or more memories and at least one processor each coupled to at least one of the one or more memories and configured to process media content. The media device further include one or more openings configured to pass air inside the media device and an air filter configured to filter the air passed inside the media device.