Movable Filter Cleaner for Automatic Air Conditioner Dust Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioners require frequent filter cleaning and replacement, which is inconvenient and can lead to reduced performance and potential damage due to the lack of automatic cleaning mechanisms, making it difficult for users to maintain the filters effectively.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner design that includes a filter cleaner kit with movable kit cases and suction force generation units, allowing for automatic cleaning of filters without separating them from the unit, using agitators and cyclones to collect and separate alien substances, and a damper system to control suction force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the filter is detachably installed to enable replacement and cleaning, then the filter can be replaced or cleaned, but the installation position and method are restricted and the layout of peripheral components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter replacement and cleaningVSAvoidinstallation position restriction and component layout limitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cleaner kit enables automatic self-cleaning of the filter without requiring user disassembly or manual cleaning operations. The suction force generation unit automatically draws dust and debris from the filter surface, allowing the filter to clean itself while remaining installed in the air conditioner, thus eliminating the trade-off between ease of cleaning and installation flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cleaner kit acts as an intermediary device between the filter and the user. Instead of the user directly handling filter removal and cleaning, the automated cleaner kit mediates the cleaning process by introducing suction force to remove contaminants, thereby simplifying user operation while maintaining flexible filter installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the filter is cleaned manually by the user, then the filter can be cleaned, but the process is inconvenient and reduces the sensitivity quality of the air conditioner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning convenienceVSAvoidmanual cleaning requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cleaner kit enables the filter to clean itself automatically through the suction force generation unit that draws dust and debris from the filter surface. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual user intervention, significantly improving convenience and automation level while maintaining effective filter cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced by an automated pneumatic system. Instead of users physically removing and washing filters, the suction force generation unit uses air flow to automatically remove contaminants, substituting manual mechanical action with an automated pneumatic mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the filter is not cleaned regularly, then the air conditioner can operate without maintenance, but the accumulated alien substances interrupt air flow and deteriorate the function of the air conditioner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation without maintenanceVSAvoidair flow interruption and function deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cleaner kit enables continuous maintenance of filter performance by automatically removing accumulated dust and debris. This continuous cleaning action prevents air flow interruption and maintains the air conditioner's function, allowing the system to operate continuously at optimal performance without periodic maintenance shutdowns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic feedback-based cleaning by continuously monitoring filter contamination levels and activating the suction force generation unit when cleaning is needed. This feedback mechanism ensures the filter is cleaned at appropriate intervals, maintaining reliable air flow and system function without requiring user intervention or system shutdown

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If a movable suction nozzle is used to remove dust from the filter, then dust can be removed, but the structure for moving the cleaner kit is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal efficiencyVSAvoidstructure for moving cleaner kit
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cleaner kit uses pneumatic principles through the suction force generation unit to remove dust from the filter. Instead of complex mechanical moving structures, the system employs air flow to transport dust and debris from the filter surface to the collection container, achieving effective dust removal with a simpler pneumatic-based structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Enables efficient and automatic filter cleaning, reducing maintenance burdens, improving air conditioner performance, and extending filter lifespan by ensuring regular cleaning without user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a suction force generation unit connected to the kit case, for generating suction force for collecting the alien substances of the filter in the kit case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a filter cleaner that includes a kit case movable on the filter to collect alien substances from the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical agitation: Stirring

Data Source

PatentEP2049844B1Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2011.04.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2049844B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2049844B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2049844B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses an air conditioner including a passage extended from a suction hole (3, 4, 5) to a discharge hole (6, 7, 8) through a heat exchanger (10), a filter disposed on the passage, a case (300) having an opening at its side facing the filter, and sucking dust from the filter through the opening, and a motor (317) for moving the case along the filter.