Filter cleaning device for an air conditioner and air conditioner having such filter cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter cleaning devices for duct-type air conditioners are either complex and expensive, insufficient in particulate matter removal, or require high suction forces that can damage filters, and often have large dust boxes that are difficult to empty and require significant space.
Innovation Solution
A filter cleaning device with a movable brush and dust box that uses gravity to collect particulate matter, allowing for a compact design and easy emptying via suction force, with a rotatable brush to reduce mechanical stress on the filter and enhance cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a suction device with a suction nozzle moving along the filter surface is used to remove particulate matter, then the filter can be cleaned automatically, but the device becomes relatively complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suction nozzle system with a rotating brush mechanism that mechanically removes particulate matter from the filter surface. The brush rotates against the filter surface to dislodge and collect dust, substituting the complex suction device with a simpler mechanical brushing system that achieves the same cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from a complex integrated suction system and implements it through a separate, simpler brush mechanism. The brush is positioned to contact only the filter surface without requiring the elaborate suction nozzle assembly, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining automated cleaning capability.
2Productivity
If a high suction force is applied to remove particulate matter from the filter surface, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the filter may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the suction force mechanism with a mechanical brush system that physically contacts and scrubs the filter surface. This mechanical approach allows for controlled, gentle removal of particulate matter without the risk of damage associated with high suction forces, as the brush can be designed with appropriate softness and pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the cleaning mechanism from aerodynamic (suction) to mechanical (brush contact). By altering the fundamental parameter of the cleaning action from airflow force to mechanical friction, the system achieves effective particulate removal while maintaining filter integrity through controlled mechanical interaction rather than uncontrolled suction forces.
3Quantity of substance
If a large dust box is used to collect particulate matter, then the collection capacity is increased, but the device requires a lot of space and the dust box is difficult to empty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dust collection function from a large, fixed dust box and implements it through a smaller, movable dust box that travels with the brush along the filter surface. This allows the collection capacity to be sufficient for the cleaning operation while minimizing the overall volume required, as the dust box only needs to accommodate dust from the section being cleaned at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the dust box from a static, large-volume container to a dynamic, small-volume container that moves along with the brush mechanism. The dust box is positioned to collect dust continuously during the brushing operation, and its movement along the filter surface allows for compact integration into the device while maintaining adequate collection capacity for the cleaning cycle.
4Device complexity
If a fixed mechanical cleaning member is used to remove particulate matter, then the cleaning function is simplified, but the device requires a specific filter configuration such as a continuous belt shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable brush mechanism that can adapt to different filter surface geometries. Unlike a fixed cleaning member that requires specific filter shapes, the rotating brush can conform to various filter configurations including flat surfaces, curved surfaces, and different frame structures, thereby maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving universal applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the cleaning function into a modular brush assembly that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmented design allows the brush to contact the filter surface at multiple points and adapt to different filter shapes and sizes, providing versatility without complicating the overall cleaning mechanism.
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
The solution effectively reduces the size and complexity of the cleaning device, improves particulate matter removal efficiency, and allows for easy emptying of the dust box without disturbing occupied spaces, while minimizing the risk of filter damage.
Implementation Method 1
a brush (17) as cleaning member which spans the filter surface (13, 14) in a direction of the width (w) of the filter and is movable along the length (L) of the filter
Implementation Method 2
a dust box (28) for receiving the particulate matter removed from the filter (12) by the brush (17) and being movable together with the brush (17) along the length (L) of the filter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a filter cleaning device (10) for an air conditioner (1), particularly a duct-type air conditioner, the filter cleaning device comprising a filter (12) to be passed through by an air flow and having a filter surface (13, 14) defining a width (W) and a length (L) of the filter; a brush (17) spanning the filter surface in a direction of a width of the filter and being movable along a length of the filter; and a dust box (28) for receiving particulate matter removed from the filter by the brush and being movable together with the brush along the length of the filter surface, wherein the dust box is arranged below the brush in a direction of gravity, whereby the particulate matter removed from the filter by the brush falls into the dust box by gravity. The present disclosure also relates to an air conditioner having such a filter cleaning device.