Air Filter Assembly Pressure-Sealing for Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air leakage through gaps between the filter assembly and the case in air conditioning apparatuses remains a challenge, despite efforts to reduce these gaps, due to complex structures and pressure changes from airflow, which complicates filter replacement and increases leakage.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning apparatus incorporates a filter assembly with a support member, a side-surface member, and a sealing member, where the side-surface member is formed with grooves to transfer upstream pressure to the sealing member, effectively sealing the gap between the case and the filter, and includes an auxiliary frame for easy filter replacement and enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing member is added to cover the gap between the case and filter, then air leakage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed as a flexible component that can deform under air pressure to dynamically seal the gap between the case and filter, rather than using a rigid complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member utilizes the existing air pressure differential across the filter to automatically press itself against the gap, eliminating the need for additional actuating mechanisms or complex sealing structures
2Reliability
If the gap is reduced to prevent air leakage, then sealing performance improves, but filter replacement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed to be dynamically adjustable - it maintains a tight seal during operation under air pressure, but can be easily disengaged when the air pressure is removed during filter replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is separated from the structural support function, allowing the filter to be supported by rigid structures while the sealing is handled by a separate flexible member that can be easily engaged and disengaged
3Reliability
If a complex structure is used to control the gap, then sealing performance improves, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is achieved through a simple flexible sealing member rather than a complex rigid structure, making it easier to inspect, remove, and replace during maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if worn or damaged, rather than a complex expensive structure requiring specialized maintenance
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 significantly reduces air leakage by utilizing pressure differences to actively block airflow through the gaps, maintaining efficient filtration and simplifying filter replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one from among the support member and the side-surface member may be formed with a groove which transfers an upstream pressure of the filter to the sealing member when the fan is operated
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The air conditioning apparatus includes a filter, a fan configured to generate an air flow, a case configured to accommodate the filter and the fan within, and including a support member supporting the filter, and a sealing member covering a gap between the case and the filter, and the filter includes a side-surface member formed along a side-surface, and at least one from among the support member and the side-surface member is formed with a groove which transfers pressure of an upstream side of the filter to the sealing member based on the fan operating.