Electrostatic Filter Sliding Coupling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioners face challenges in adjusting the size of electrostatic filters to match varying inlet sizes, leading to increased manufacturing costs and difficulties in coupling and decoupling the electrostatic filter and filter handle, which can cause safety accidents.

Innovation Solution

The air conditioner features a sliding coupling structure with filter handles that allow electrostatic filters to be easily adjusted in size and securely connected, incorporating a switch to prevent safety accidents during separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic filters are manufactured in different sizes to match varying inlet sizes, then the adaptability to different air conditioner configurations is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to producing multiple sizes separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to inlet sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic filter is divided into multiple modules that can be coupled together in different combinations. Each module has standardized coupling structures that allow them to be assembled into various sizes, enabling the filter to adapt to different inlet dimensions without manufacturing completely different sized filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structure between filter modules and between filter and handle is designed with universal interfaces. The same coupling mechanism works regardless of the number or arrangement of modules, allowing a single design to serve multiple configuration needs across different air conditioner sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the electrostatic filter and filter handle are designed with a simple coupling structure, then the ease of operation for coupling and separation is improved, but the reliability of electrical connection during coupling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of coupling and separationVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical coupling function and electrical connection function are merged into a single integrated coupling structure. When the filter modules are mechanically coupled together or to the handle, electrical contacts automatically engage simultaneously, ensuring that both mechanical assembly and electrical connection are achieved through one operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contacts are pre-positioned within the coupling structure such that they are ready to connect as soon as the mechanical coupling begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that electrical connection is established automatically during the coupling process without requiring separate alignment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of repair

If the electrostatic filter and filter handle are easily separated for maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the risk of safety accidents during separation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of filter separationVSAvoidsafety accident risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A switch is integrated into the coupling structure that automatically detects whether the filter and handle are coupled or separated. When separated, the switch provides feedback that triggers the high voltage generator to stop operation, preventing safety accidents. When coupled, the switch confirms proper assembly and enables normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The switch mechanism is designed to preemptively stop the high voltage generator before any dangerous situation can occur during separation. By monitoring the coupling state continuously and cutting power in advance when separation is detected, the system prevents potential electrical shocks or arcs that could harm users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Facilitates flexible assembly and manufacturing of electrostatic filters, ensures electrical connection during coupling, and prevents safety hazards by short-circuiting or releasing contact upon separation.

Implementation Method 1

a charging unit for charging particles in the air and a dust collecting unit for collecting the particles charged by the charging unit by an electrostatic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

a dust collecting unit for collecting the particles charged by the charging unit by an electrostatic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP4242534B1Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4242534B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4242534B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4242534B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes: a housing having an inlet on one side thereof and an outlet on another side thereof; a fan disposed in the housing and by which air flows from the inlet to the outlet; and an electrostatic dust collector disposed in the housing and configured to remove foreign matter from air introduced into the inlet, allowing the air introduced into the inlet to be filtered. The electrostatic dust collector includes: at least one electrostatic filter including a first side wall and a second side wall disposed in an opposite direction to the first side wall; a first filter handle coupled to the first side wall; and a second filter handle coupled to the second side wall.