Circular Air Cleaner Filter Assembly with Nested Segmented Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical air cleaning apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing viruses and germs, and replacing filters of different sizes is difficult, with existing air cleaning apparatuses also lacking in aesthetic appeal and user-friendly filter replacement mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The air cleaner features a circular filter assembly with three stacked filters - a superfine filter, a HEPA filter, and a deodorization filter - with flush edges and distinct colors for easy identification, along with a design that includes a metal front panel for aesthetic appeal and a cleanliness display module using light colors to indicate air quality, and a three-point bottom support for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple filters of different sizes are used to effectively remove various pollutants, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but filter replacement difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidfilter replacement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is segmented into three distinct filters (superfine filter, HEPA filter, and deodorization filter) that can be replaced as separate units. Each filter is designed with specific coupling protrusions and holes that allow individual removal and replacement, enabling users to replace only the specific filter that needs maintenance while keeping the other filters in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filters are arranged in a nested configuration where the first filter is disposed inside the second filter, and the second filter is disposed inside the third filter. This nested structure allows each filter to be independently accessed and replaced while maintaining the compact overall assembly, solving the problem of replacing different-sized filters efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If a compact filter assembly design is used to save space, then device size is reduced, but filter identification and replacement ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidfilter identification ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each filter frame is assigned a distinct color (first frame: first color, second frame: second color, third frame: third color) to enable easy visual identification. This local quality differentiation allows users to quickly identify which filter needs replacement without having to disassemble the compact nested structure, maintaining both compactness and usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The filter frames utilize different colors to provide visual cues for filter identification and replacement status. The color coding system allows users to easily distinguish between the superfine filter, HEPA filter, and deodorization filter, making the compact filter assembly user-friendly despite its space-efficient design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of manufacture

If basic functional design is used to reduce manufacturing complexity, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The air cleaner employs a circular/cylindrical overall shape with curved surfaces, creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The circular filter frames and cylindrical case structure provide visual appeal while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized curved component production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines metal materials for the front panel and case with plastic materials for the filter frames and internal components. This composite material approach enhances aesthetic appeal through the premium look of metal surfaces while keeping manufacturing complexity manageable through the use of molded plastic parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides effective filtration, easy filter replacement, improved aesthetics, and stability, enhancing the air cleaning process while allowing users to easily monitor air quality through color-coded lighting.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting device may emit light having different colors from each other according to an air pollution level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a hairline may be formed to diffuse light in a radial direction of the air cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

a superfine filter attached to the filter frame and the support rib to filter foreign substances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

a filter member including a HEPA filter that filters fine dust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 5

a first deodorization filter that filters at least an ammonia component; and a second deodorization filter that filters at least acetic acid component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2946825B1Air cleaner
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2946825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2946825B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2946825B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air cleaner is provided. The air cleaner may include a circular filter assembly, in which a plurality of filters may be stacked, a circular rear or first case including a mount sleeve, on which the filter assembly may be mounted, a circular middle or second case, on which a discharge grille may be disposed, the second case being coupled to a front or first surface of the first case, a circular front or third case coupled to a front or first surface of the second case, and a circular panel attached to a surface of the third case. The filter assembly may include a first filter, a second filter disposed at a side of the first filter to accommodate the first filter, and a third filter disposed at a side of the second filter to accommodate the second filter. Edges of surfaces of the first to third filters may be flush with each other.