Air Flow Sensor Partitioning for Electrical Machine Exhaust Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical machines, such as image forming apparatuses, face challenges in efficiently purifying exhaust gases containing ultrafine particles without the need for electrical connections, as conventional devices struggle to accurately detect exhaust gas presence amidst the influence of the operating electric fan's airflow.
Innovation Solution
An optional device with a duct, electric fan, and air flow sensor is mounted on the exhaust port, where the air flow sensor, partitioned from the duct by a wall, accurately detects exhaust gas presence by using a to-be-detected object and photosensor to differentiate between exhaust gas and fan airflow, enabling the air purification function to operate independently of electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the air flow sensor is arranged inside the duct to detect exhaust gas, then the detection capability is improved, but the sensor is influenced by the electric fan's airflow causing false detection
Solution Approach 1:
The duct interior is divided into two separate spaces by a partition wall: a sensor accommodation space containing the air flow sensor, and a exhaust gas passage space. This segmentation isolates the sensor from the exhaust gas flow while allowing the sensor to detect exhaust gas particles that pass through the partition wall, eliminating false detection from fan airflow while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary barrier that allows exhaust gas particles to pass through to the sensor while blocking the electric fan's airflow from directly reaching the sensor. This intermediary structure enables the sensor to detect exhaust gas presence without being interfered by the fan's operational airflow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connection is provided between the electrical machine and optional device, then control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optional device uses its own electric fan to create airflow that passes through the duct and activates the air flow sensor, enabling the device to autonomously detect exhaust gas presence and control its own operation without requiring electrical connections or control signals from the electrical machine. The device serves itself by using its operational airflow for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical control system (requiring electrical connections and signals between the electrical machine and optional device) with a mechanical/physical detection system where the electric fan's airflow directly activates the air flow sensor through the partition wall, eliminating the need for complex electrical interconnections while maintaining control capability.
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
This configuration allows the air purification device to accurately detect exhaust gas presence and activate the air purification function without electrical connections, effectively reducing ultrafine particle emissions while minimizing fan airflow interference, thus meeting stringent regulations.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow sensor configured to detect presence or absence of the exhaust gas flowing from the electrical machine
Implementation Method 2
an electric fan configured to move the exhaust gas flowing through the duct and configured to discharge the exhaust gas into an atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical machine includes an exhaust fan and an exhaust port on which an optional device is mounted. The optional device includes a duct, an electric fan, and an air flow sensor. Through the duct, an exhaust gas from the exhaust port is guided. The electric fan draws in the exhaust gas flowing through the duct and discharges the exhaust gas into an atmosphere. The air flow sensor detects presence or absence of the exhaust gas flowing from the electrical machine. The air flow sensor includes an air path partitioned from an inside of the duct by a partition wall. The air path includes an exhaust gas and an exit port. The exhaust gas intake port includes an opening facing the exhaust gas. The exit port communicates with the atmosphere at a position outside the duct.