Device for measuring clogging of filter in air conditioner and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner filter clogging measurement technologies are complex, expensive, and require multiple devices for accurate pressure loss measurement, limiting their use to large air conditioners and being affected by airflow variations.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures sound pressure at specific frequencies using a microphone and data processor to estimate filter clogging, with options for buzzer or oscillator generation of sound pressure, allowing for accurate clogging measurement without noise interference and simple maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a differential pressure gauge with flow controller and flowmeter is used to measure filter clogging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (differential pressure gauge, flow controller, flowmeter) with an acoustic measurement system using a microphone to detect sound pressure levels. This substitutes mechanical/physical measurement devices with acoustic field-based detection, simplifying the device structure while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex multi-device system and implements it through a single microphone-based acoustic detection system. By taking out only the necessary measurement capability and implementing it through sound pressure detection, the system achieves simplified structure without sacrificing measurement purpose.
2Measurement precision
If a differential pressure gauge with flow controller and flowmeter is used to measure filter clogging, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical measurement equipment with a cost-effective acoustic detection system using a microphone. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to measure filter clogging, making the technology economically viable for widespread application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a microphone, which is a relatively inexpensive and easily replaceable component, compared to the expensive differential pressure gauge and flow measurement equipment. This approach uses cheap, readily available components to achieve the measurement function, reducing overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If pressure loss measurement is adjusted to standard airflow, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to required airflow adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the operational complexities of airflow adjustment and pressure measurement with direct acoustic measurement. The microphone-based system measures sound pressure levels without requiring airflow control or adjustment, making the operation simple and straightforward while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Device complexity
If ambient light is used for filter clogging measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens due to ambient light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement methods that are susceptible to ambient light interference with acoustic measurement using a microphone. This substitution eliminates sensitivity to ambient light conditions while maintaining device simplicity, achieving both low complexity and high measurement precision.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective filter clogging measurement with a simple structure, unaffected by noise, and suitable for various air conditioner types, facilitating maintenance and widespread use.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a sound pressure by means of a device for measuring a sound pressure that is provided in the duct
Implementation Method 2
a data processor that extracts data on the sound pressure at a specific frequency from data on the sound pressure that have been measured
Data Source
AI summary
A device that can accurately detect clogging of a filter and that has a simple structure is provided. A device for measuring clogging of a filter in an air conditioner (2) having a blower (30) that blows gas (40), (42) through a duct (10) and a filter (20) that is provided in the duct (10) and filters dust floating in the gas, comprises a device (26) for measuring a sound pressure that is provided in the duct (10), a data processor (70) that extracts data on the sound pressure at a specific frequency from the data on the sound pressure that have been measured by means of the device (26) for measuring a sound pressure, and an estimating device (70) that estimates clogging of the filter based on the data on the sound pressure at the specific frequency that have been extracted by means of the data processor (70).