Optional Air Purifier for Electrical Machine Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical machines, such as image forming apparatuses, face challenges in efficiently purifying exhaust gases containing ultrafine particles without the need for electrical connections or additional interfaces, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A discrete optional device is mounted on the electrical machine, comprising a duct, an air flow sensor, and an air purifier with a controller, allowing for air flow detection and control of the air purifier operation without electrical connection to the machine, using a HEPA filter and electric fan to collect and purify ultrafine particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrical connection interface is provided to enable control signaling between the electrical machine and the optional device, then the optional device can be controlled based on the machine's operation mode, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optional device includes its own air flow sensor that independently detects exhaust gas presence and controls the air purifier operation without needing control signals from the electrical machine. The device serves itself by autonomously determining when purification is needed based on local environmental conditions rather than relying on external control infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If the optional device is mounted without electrical connection to the electrical machine, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to control the optional device based on the machine's operation mode is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical control system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of using electrical signals to communicate operation mode, the air flow sensor detects the physical presence of exhaust gas flow and triggers purification accordingly. This substitutes mechanical/physical sensing for electrical control infrastructure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a discrete optional device is added to purify exhaust gas, then ultrafine particle emissions are reduced, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air purifier is integrated with the exhaust gas discharge path of the electrical machine, combining the purification function with the existing exhaust system. The duct connects the air purifier to the exhaust port, merging two functions (purification and exhaust) into a unified system that reduces overall complexity compared to separate installations.
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 solution enables effective air purification of exhaust gases from electrical machines without modifying the machine's electrical connections, ensuring compliance with stricter regulations on ultrafine particle emissions and reducing operational costs by using a self-sufficient, interface-free air purification system.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow sensor, configured to detect presence or absence of an exhaust gas from the electrical machine
Implementation Method 2
using a HEPA filter and electric fan to collect and purify ultrafine particles
Implementation Method 3
using a HEPA filter and electric fan to collect and purify ultrafine particles
Data Source
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AI summary
An optional device is for an electrical machine. The optional device is mountable to the electrical machine without electrical connection to the electrical machine. The optional device includes a duct, an air flow sensor, an air purifier, and a controller. Through the duct, an air flow containing an exhaust gas from the electrical machine is guided. The air flow sensor is configured to detect presence or absence of the exhaust gas from the electrical machine. The air purifier is configured to purify the exhaust gas and discharge the purified exhaust gas into an atmosphere. The controller is configured to control an operation of the air purifier based on an output from the air flow sensor.