Filter unit, gas supply device, inside air conditioner, and cooling device for container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter units in inside air control systems for container refrigeration apparatuses have a short lifespan, requiring frequent replacements, which can lead to increased size issues when attempting to enhance dust holding capacity.
Innovation Solution
The filter unit design includes a filter box with an air filter arranged to be spaced apart from its walls, featuring a primary and secondary air flow system, and an intake port configuration that allows air to flow into and out of the filter in various directions, reducing the overall size and preventing water accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the size of the filter is increased to give the filter with a larger dust holding capacity, then the dust holding capacity is improved, but the size of the filter unit increases, making it difficult to install in the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by utilizing the space between the filter element and the filter box wall. Instead of simply increasing the filter size in one direction, it creates a circumferential gap that allows air to flow through the filter from multiple directions (front, back, and sides), effectively increasing the dust holding capacity without proportionally increasing the overall filter unit volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is nested within the filter box with a deliberate circumferential gap, creating a nested structure where the filter element is surrounded by air passages. This allows the filter to utilize the three-dimensional space more efficiently, increasing dust holding capacity while maintaining a compact overall size that fits within the casing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the filter is covered with a sheet metal cover to prevent water from being applied directly, then water protection is improved, but water may still accumulate inside the filter unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water accumulation problem from the general water protection function by providing a dedicated drainage path. The circumferential gap between the filter element and filter box creates a natural water collection area at the bottom, from which water can be drained through openings in the bottom wall, separating the water protection function from the filtration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential gap acts as an intermediary space between the external environment and the filter element. This gap allows water to be collected and drained away before it can reach and damage the filter element or internal components, serving as a protective buffer zone that mediates between water exposure and component protection.
3Volume of stationary object
If air flows directly into the filter without a primary space, then the filter unit size is reduced, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air flow path into distinct zones: a primary space for initial air intake and distribution, and secondary spaces for filtered air discharge. This segmentation allows air to be distributed more evenly across the filter surface, reducing localized pressure drops and improving overall flow efficiency without significantly increasing the filter unit size.
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 design enables a larger dust holding capacity without increasing the filter unit's size, reduces pressure loss, and protects the air pump and target space from water damage, while maintaining a compact and efficient structure.
Implementation Method 1
an air filter (76) housed in the filter box (90)
Data Source
AI summary
A space which is present between an air intake surface (90a) provided with an air intake port and an air filter (76) is regarded as a primary space (P) through which air flows into the air filter (76), and a plurality of spaces, each of which is present between one of other surfaces of the air filter (76) and a filter box (90), are regarded as secondary spaces (Q) into each of which the air flows out from the air filter (76), so that the air is taken out from side surfaces and an upper surface of a filter unit (75). This configuration reduces the increase in size of the filter unit (75) of a gas supply device (30) even if a dust holding capacity of the filter is made larger than before.