Mesh Air Inlet Filter for Ultra-Fine Particle Collection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses are inefficient in collecting and reducing ultra-fine particles with diameters of 100 nm or less, particularly when using non-woven fabric or sponge filters, which lead to increased pressure loss and potential temperature increases within the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a mesh member with specific mesh sizes on the air inlet of the exhaust device to collect ultra-fine particles before they enter the exhaust passage, reducing the particle count and minimizing pressure loss by allowing smoother airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter made of non-woven fabric or sponge is used to collect ultra-fine particles, then particle collection capability is improved, but pressure loss increases and temperature rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle collection capabilityVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a mesh member with specific mesh sizes (50-200 mesh) as a porous structure to collect ultra-fine particles. This mesh structure allows airflow while capturing particles, achieving effective particle collection without the excessive pressure loss associated with non-woven fabric or sponge filters. The porous nature of the mesh enables selective filtration based on particle size while maintaining breathability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the filtration system by specifying precise mesh size ranges (50-200 mesh) and mesh opening dimensions (0.05-0.2 mm). This parameter optimization allows the system to capture ultra-fine particles effectively while controlling pressure loss, unlike conventional filters that use arbitrary material selections. The parameter control balances filtration efficiency with airflow requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a filter made of non-woven fabric or sponge is used to collect ultra-fine particles, then particle collection capability is improved, but temperature increase occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle collection capabilityVSAvoidtemperature increase
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh member's porous structure with controlled mesh sizes provides adequate particle collection while maintaining sufficient airflow passage. This prevents the air from stagnating and heating up, which occurs with denser non-woven fabric or sponge filters. The porosity ensures heat dissipation while capturing particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

By controlling mesh size parameters within specific ranges, the system optimizes the balance between particle collection efficiency and thermal management. The mesh structure allows enough airflow to prevent temperature buildup while still capturing ultra-fine particles, avoiding the overheating issue caused by overly dense conventional filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a mesh member with specific mesh sizes is used, then ultra-fine particle collection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultra-fine particle collection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple mesh structure with standardized mesh sizes (50-200 mesh) that can be directly installed on the air inlet. This approach avoids complex multi-layer filter assemblies or sophisticated filtration mechanisms. The mesh member's simplicity reduces device complexity while maintaining effective ultra-fine particle collection through its porous geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent simplifies the device by specifying concrete parameter ranges for mesh size (50-200 mesh) and mesh opening (0.05-0.2 mm), replacing complex material selections with straightforward dimensional specifications. This parameter-based approach makes the filtration system easier to design, manufacture, and maintain while achieving superior particle collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 mesh member effectively reduces ultra-fine particle counts and maintains efficient airflow, preventing temperature increases and noise or power consumption issues associated with traditional filter systems, while extending the service life of the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a mesh member that is provided on the air inlet and that collects fine particles contained in the air that is sucked

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11561506B2Image forming apparatus with mesh member in air inlet of exhaust device
Publication Date: 2023.01.24 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US11561506B2 patent drawing
  • US11561506B2 patent drawing
  • US11561506B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a housing; a fixing device that is disposed in the housing and that heats an unfixed image made of developer to fix the unfixed image to a recording medium; an exhaust device having an air inlet through which air heated by the fixing device is sucked, an air outlet through which the air sucked through the air inlet is discharged from the housing, and a flow path portion having a flow path space through which the air flows from the air inlet to the air outlet; and a mesh member that is provided on the air inlet and that collects fine particles contained in the air that is sucked.