Heat exchange-type ventilation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional heat-exchange type ventilation apparatus faces an increase in the number of components due to the inclusion of positioning members for supply and discharge air filters, which complicates the system.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus integrates a rib frame body that supports the heat exchanger, supply air filter, and discharge air filter within the housing, using a single positioning member to reduce the number of components and enhance airtightness, while allowing for easy maintenance and reduced pressure loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If positioning members for supply air filter and discharge air filter are provided inside the main body, then the filters can be positioned properly, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter positioningVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positioning functions for both filters into a single integrated positioning member. This positioning member includes a positioning protrusion that fits into a positioning groove, and simultaneously supports both the supply air filter and discharge air filter in their respective positions. By combining multiple positioning functions into one component, the patent reduces the total number of parts while ensuring proper filter placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning member serves multiple functions: it positions the supply air filter, positions the discharge air filter, and provides structural support within the main body. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate positioning members for each filter, thereby reducing component count while maintaining positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple positioning members are provided for filters, then filter positioning is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter positioningVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple positioning functions into a single positioning member, which reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This consolidation lowers manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the necessary positioning functionality for both filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single integrated positioning member is used, then the number of components is reduced, but positioning precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidfilter positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member incorporates a positioning protrusion with a specific geometric shape that fits into a corresponding positioning groove. This localized geometric feature provides precise positioning for both filters through its shape and dimensions, ensuring accurate placement despite the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using multiple separate positioning members that each provide localized precision, the patent inverts the approach by designing a single positioning member with an integrated positioning structure. The positioning protrusion and groove configuration ensures that the single member can precisely position both filters simultaneously through its geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 allows for efficient positioning and maintenance of filters while minimizing the number of components, reducing manufacturing costs and improving thermal exchange efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger (2) placed in the housing (1) and allowing heat exchange between a supply airflow and a discharge airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a supply air filter (5) that covers the supply air inlet surface (61) and catches dust and the like included in the supply airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a discharge air filter (6) that covers the discharge air inlet surface (62) and catches dust and the like included in the discharge airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3306211B1Heat exchange-type ventilation device
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3306211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3306211B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3306211B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A heat-exchange type ventilation apparatus includes: a main body (1) in which a supply air path and a discharge air path are formed; an air supplying fan placed in the supply air path; and an air discharging fan placed in the discharge air path. Moreover, the heat-exchange type ventilation apparatus includes a heat exchanger having a polygonal prismatic shape, having a supply air inlet surface, in which a supply airflow passing through the supply air path flows, and a discharge air inlet surface, in which a discharge airflow passing through the discharge air path flows and which is adjacent to the supply air inlet surface, formed as adjacent side surfaces, and allowing heat exchange between the supply airflow and the discharge airflow. Furthermore, the heat-exchange type ventilation apparatus includes: a supply air filter; and a discharge air filter. Moreover, the heat-exchange type ventilation apparatus includes a positioning member (13) including a heat-exchanger positioning portion (71), a supply-air-filter positioning portion (72), and a discharge-air-filter positioning portion (73) that are integrally formed with one another, the heat-exchanger positioning portion retaining a corner portion of the heat exchanger to position the heat exchanger, the supply-air-filter positioning portion retaining the supply air filter to position the supply air filter, the discharge-air-filter positioning portion retaining the discharge air filter to position the discharge air filter.