Detachable Filter Unit for Transport Device Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices require frequent replacement of filters due to dirt accumulation, with no clear guidance on filter replacement procedures, leading to inefficiencies and user difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a detachable filter unit that can be pulled out for easy removal and replacement, incorporating a storage unit, flow path member, and a control unit to manage liquid flow and drainage, along with an accommodating unit for protection and maintenance, and light irradiation for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter is integrated into the device main body, then the liquid circulation system is compact and stable, but the filter replacement becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is segmented from the main device body as a separate, detachable component. This allows the filter to be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the entire liquid circulation system, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is extracted as a standalone unit that can be pulled out in the width direction of the transporting belt. This extraction design enables easy filter replacement while maintaining the integrated structure of the remaining liquid circulation system during operation.
2Loss of time
If the filter is easily accessible for replacement, then maintenance time is reduced, but the risk of liquid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is configured to stop automatically when the filter unit is pulled out. This preliminary action prevents liquid leakage during filter replacement by ensuring the liquid circulation system is halted before the filter is removed, resolving the contradiction between quick maintenance and leak prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the filter unit position and the pump operation. It detects when the filter is pulled out and automatically controls the pump to stop, providing a reliable mechanism that prevents leakage while enabling easy filter replacement.
3Ease of repair
If the filter unit is detachable and pullable in width direction, then filter replacement workability is enhanced, but the liquid circulation path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is segmented as a separate component with its own mounting structure that allows it to be pulled out in the width direction. This segmentation enables easy filter replacement while the liquid circulation path maintains a relatively simple structure through the use of a storage unit and flow path member.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed to be movable in the width direction (lateral dimension) rather than requiring disassembly along the liquid flow path. This dimensional change in accessibility simplifies the replacement operation while the liquid circulation path complexity is managed through the storage unit and flow path member configuration.
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
Enhances filter replacement workability, allows for liquid reuse, reduces leakage risks, facilitates maintenance, and protects the filter from external forces, while maintaining cleanliness by providing a receiving unit for leaked liquid.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that causes the liquid to flow to the storage unit, the filter unit, and the storage unit again through the flow path member
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning liquid L is filtered by a filter 12c in a process of circulating in a liquid feeding path
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device includes a transporting belt having a support face configured to support a medium and configured to transport the medium, a device main body in which the transporting belt is provided, and a cleaning unit configured to clean the support face with a liquid. The cleaning unit includes a storage unit in which the liquid is stored, a flow path member through which the liquid discharged from the storage unit and returned to the storage unit passes, and a filter unit detachably provided to the flow path member. Here, the filter unit is configured to be pulled out in a direction away from the device main body.