Method of determining remaining use time of a device, and apparatus and computer program to implement such a method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of air purifiers often fail to timely replace the filter element due to lack of accurate information about its remaining use time, leading to reduced air purifier performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the remaining use time of an air purifier filter by acquiring use information, including power-on/off times and operating levels, to calculate an average air-flow speed, and combining this with attribute information and environment data using the formula t = M * X * V * S * ρ, where t is the remaining use time, M is the total absorption capacity, X is the absorption percentage, V is the average air-flow speed, S is the air contact surface area, and ρ is the particle concentration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the filter element is used for a long time to reduce replacement frequency, then the air purifier operates continuously, but the filter performance deteriorates and air purification efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring filter usage conditions (operating hours, air flow rates, pressure differential) and calculating remaining lifespan before the filter actually fails. This allows proactive replacement scheduling that prevents performance deterioration while maximizing filter utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring actual filter performance parameters (air flow rate, pressure drop across filter) and comparing them against baseline values. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of replacement timing based on actual wear conditions rather than fixed schedules, resolving the contradiction between extended usage and maintained performance.
2Reliability
If the filter is replaced frequently to maintain performance, then air purification reliability is maintained, but resource waste and increased maintenance cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by transitioning from fixed-time replacement schedules to condition-based replacement timing. It monitors multiple parameters (operating hours, air flow rate, pressure differential) and uses them to dynamically determine the optimal replacement moment, thereby extending filter life while maintaining performance and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically tracking filter usage conditions, calculating remaining lifespan, and notifying users when replacement is needed. This eliminates the need for conservative scheduled replacements and allows the system to optimize its own maintenance timing based on actual wear, reducing both resource waste and performance degradation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional fixed-time replacement method is used, then replacement scheduling is simple, but remaining use time determination is inaccurate leading to premature or delayed replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the simple mechanical countdown approach with an intelligent measurement system that uses sensors to monitor actual filter conditions (air flow rate, pressure differential) and processes this data through algorithms to calculate remaining lifespan. This substitution maintains ease of operation through automated notifications while dramatically improving measurement precision of remaining use time.
4Measurement precision
If multiple parameters are monitored to improve remaining life calculation accuracy, then determination precision increases, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated monitoring framework that simultaneously tracks multiple parameters (operating hours, air flow rate, pressure differential) to serve the single purpose of calculating remaining filter lifespan. This universal approach improves determination accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate specialized systems for each parameter.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure related to a method of determining remaining use time of a device, and an apparatus thereof, belonging to the field of apparatus maintenance. The method includes acquiring (S101) use information of a target device, which includes power-on/off times of the target device; determining (S102) an average air-flow speed of the target device according to the use information; and determining (S103) the remaining use time of the target device according to the average air-flow speed, attribute information of the target device and environment data. In the present disclosure, by acquiring use information of a target device and determining an average air-flow speed of the target device according to the use information, the remaining use time of the target device is thus determined according to the average air-flow speed, attribute information of the target device and environment data. Since the remaining use time of the target device is determined according to some reliable data such as use information of the target device, attribute information of the target device and environment data, the real use state of the device may be reflected more accurately.