Filter Unit With RFID Identification and Force-Fit Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter units for particle collection and weighing in environmental measurement technology face challenges such as fiber detachment during handling, manual identification and tracking issues, and difficulty in automating the removal process, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in daily routine measurements.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with a flat, disc-shaped particle collection filter and a multi-part housing assembly featuring force-fitting areas for secure attachment and easy detachment of the filter insert, along with an electronic circuit for RFID identification, allowing for automated handling and precise weighing without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the particle collection filter is handled with tweezers for removal and weighing, then the filter can be manually processed, but fibers may detach affecting weighing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical identification system (camera and image processing) to create a digital copy/representation of the filter's position and identity, replacing the need for physical handling with tweezers. The filter is identified and tracked through its visual characteristics in the automated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tweezers-based handling system with an automated optical identification and robotic handling system. The camera-based identification eliminates the need for manual tweezers operation, and robotic arms perform the physical removal and placement operations.
2Loss of information
If the particle collection filter is marked for identification, then tracking is possible, but the marking process adds complexity and potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the natural color and visual characteristics of the filter itself (including any existing markings or unique visual features) as the identification marker. The camera system detects and tracks these visual characteristics without requiring additional marking materials or processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter itself serves as its own identifier through its inherent visual characteristics. The system automatically detects and uses the filter's own visual features (color, pattern, existing markings) for identification, eliminating the need for external marking processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling processes are used for filter removal and weighing, then flexibility is maintained, but automation cannot be effectively implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated system combining optical sensors (camera), image processing algorithms, and robotic manipulation. This substitution enables full automation while maintaining the flexibility to handle different filter types through software-based identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the camera continuously monitors the filter's position and identity, the system processes this visual information, and adjusts the robotic handling accordingly. This closed-loop control provides both automation and adaptability to handle variations in filter placement and characteristics.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter unit with a planar particle collection filter, wherein the filter unit is permeable to air in order to collect particles contained in the air, in particular dust, on the particle collection filter, wherein the filter unit (F) comprises at least the following: - a multi-part housing assembly (1, 3) for the particle collection filter (20), with two interconnected housing parts (1, 3), - a filter element (2) which is received in the housing assembly (1, 2) and which has a support component (21) on which the particle collection filter (20) is held, and - a support screen (30) for supporting the particle collection filter (20) within the housing assembly (1, 2), which is arranged on a housing part (2).According to the invention, the support component (21) has at least one frictional contact area (210, 211) which projects substantially perpendicularly from a filter plane spanned by the planar particle collection filter (20) and via which the filter insert (2) is attached to one of the housing parts (1, 3) in such a way that when the two housing parts (1, 3) are separated from each other, the filter insert (2) with the particle collection filter (20) continues to be held on one of the housing parts (1, 3).According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is proposed to provide a support component (21) of the filter insert with a recess into which the particle collection filter (20) is inserted, and/or to equip the filter insert (2) with an electronic circuit (4) which is designed and intended to provide an electronically readable identifier of the filter insert (2) and/or to provide electronically readable data generated during use of the filter unit (F).