Curved Flow Particle Filter with Local Quality Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In miniaturized image forming apparatuses, the curved or bent flow passages in dust collecting devices lead to non-uniform particle collection efficiency due to variations in flow velocity and particle size, resulting in reduced effectiveness and potential filter clogging.
Innovation Solution
A particle collecting device with a filter that varies in thickness, pore size, and pore density from the inner to the outer side of the curved flow passage, combined with a charging unit that adjusts chargeability to match flow velocity and particle size distributions, ensuring uniform collecting efficiency across the flow passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided in a curved or bent flow passage to collect particles, then particle collection function is achieved, but non-uniform flow velocity distribution causes non-uniform collecting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed with locally varying properties: thickness, pore size, and pore density all change from the inner side to the outer side of the curved flow passage. This local quality variation compensates for the non-uniform flow velocity distribution, ensuring uniform particle collection efficiency across the entire filter surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes multiple filter parameters simultaneously - thickness increases from inner to outer side, pore size decreases, and pore density increases. These parameter changes are coordinated to maintain uniform collecting efficiency despite the curved flow passage geometry causing velocity variations.
2Reliability
If filter thickness is increased to improve particle collection, then collection efficiency improves, but pressure loss increases and filter clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter thickness is varied locally - thicker at the inner side where flow velocity is higher and particles are more concentrated, and thinner at the outer side where flow velocity is lower. This local quality variation maintains collection efficiency while minimizing overall pressure loss and clogging risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention coordinates changes in multiple parameters: thickness, pore size, and pore density. The thickness increases from inner to outer side, but this is compensated by decreasing pore size and increasing pore density, maintaining collection efficiency while controlling pressure loss through optimized structural distribution.
3Reliability
If pore size is decreased to improve particle collection, then collection efficiency improves, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pore size is varied locally across the filter - smaller pores at the outer side where flow velocity is lower, and larger pores at the inner side where flow velocity is higher. This local quality variation ensures uniform collection efficiency while minimizing pressure loss by matching pore characteristics to local flow conditions.
4Reliability
If pore density is increased to improve particle collection, then collection efficiency improves, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pore density is varied locally - higher density at the outer side where flow velocity is lower, and lower density at the inner side where flow velocity is higher. This local quality variation compensates for velocity differences to maintain uniform collection efficiency while controlling pressure loss.
5Volume of moving object
If the flow passage is curved or bent to save space in miniaturized apparatus, then apparatus size is reduced, but non-uniform flow velocity distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The filter's physical properties (thickness, pore size, pore density) are designed with local quality variations that correspond to the flow velocity distribution in the curved passage. This allows the filter to function effectively despite the non-uniform flow conditions created by the space-saving curved geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes filter parameters (thickness, pore size, pore density) to compensate for the flow velocity non-uniformity caused by the curved passage. These parameter changes enable uniform particle collection efficiency while maintaining the compact curved passage geometry.
6Reliability
If a charging unit is added to adjust chargeability distribution, then uniform collecting efficiency is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging unit is designed with local quality variations - different electrode configurations, spacing, or voltages at different positions across the filter. This creates non-uniform chargeability distribution that compensates for the non-uniform particle concentration and flow velocity, achieving uniform collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging unit parameters (electrode spacing, voltage, configuration) are varied to create appropriate chargeability distribution. This parameter variation works in coordination with the filter's physical property variations to achieve uniform particle collection across the curved flow passage.
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 maintains uniform collecting efficiency and extends filter life by evenly distributing particle collection and chargeability, reducing pressure loss and clogging risks.
Implementation Method 1
a filter which collects particles in a fluid passing through the flow passage
Implementation Method 2
a charging unit which charges the particles in the fluid passing through the flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a flow passage associated with a direction of flow and a particle collecting device including a filter to collect particles in a fluid passing through the flow passage in the direction of flow. The flow passage includes a curved portion, and a distribution in particle collecting performance of the filter in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow results from the curved portion of the flow passage.