Automated air filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator coils are prone to debris accumulation, which interferes with heat transfer, reduces efficiency, and necessitates inconvenient and labor-intensive cleaning, while existing air filtering solutions are not effectively integrated with refrigerators.
Innovation Solution
An automated air filter system with a rotatable filter sheet and actuator, mounted on a frame, that automatically prevents debris accumulation by filtering air before it reaches the coils, compatible with existing refrigerators and HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If airflow is increased to improve heat transfer from coils, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but debris accumulation on coils increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated air filter as an intermediary component positioned between the environment and the refrigerator coils. The filter captures debris particles from the air stream before they can reach and accumulate on the coils, while still permitting adequate airflow to maintain heat transfer efficiency. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by decoupling the airflow function from the debris collection problem.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning of coils is performed to remove debris, then debris accumulation is reduced, but labor effort and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the automated air filter continuously prevents debris accumulation on the coils without requiring user intervention. The filter is automatically deployed and maintained, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations. This transforms the maintenance task from a labor-intensive manual process to an automated self-managing system that protects the coils proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated air filter performs preliminary action by preventing debris from reaching the coils in the first place, rather than requiring corrective action through manual cleaning after accumulation occurs. The filter is positioned upstream in the airflow path to intercept and remove debris before it can contaminate the coils, thereby preventing the need for future cleaning operations.
3Ease of repair
If filter is made replaceable to simplify maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air filter system into a removable filter element and a permanent housing structure. The filter media is contained within a frame assembly that can be detached as a unit from the refrigerator housing, allowing users to replace only the filter component without replacing the entire assembly. This segmentation simplifies maintenance by isolating the consumable part while keeping the structural components permanent.
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 system effectively prevents debris from reaching the coils, improving efficiency and longevity, reducing cleaning frequency, and saving energy with minimal user effort.
Implementation Method 1
a filter sheet extending between the reels and across the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An automated air filter comprises a frame, a plurality of reels mounted on the frame such that the reels are rotatable, a filter sheet extending between the reels and across the frame, and an actuator configured for rotating one or more of the reels. The automated air filter can automatically prevent accumulation of debris and avoid clogging, with little or no effort by the owner or user.