Filter arrangement, humidifying device comprising a filter arrangement and method for cleaning a humidifying filter member of a humidifying device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current humidifying devices require extensive manual effort for cleaning, including disassembly, which can be cumbersome and unhygienic, especially when dealing with mold and limescale buildup, and do not allow for effective automatic cleaning of the filter without opening the device.
Innovation Solution
A filter arrangement with a rotatable body featuring discharge and wetting buckets that automatically lift and discharge water from a tray, allowing for automated cleaning operations without disassembling the device, using a motor-driven system with different speed settings and a guiding arrangement to direct water to a discharge region outside the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning of the humidifying device is performed, then the filter and components can be cleaned, but the user must disassemble the device and expend significant effort to reach difficult areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by automatically circulating cleaning solution through the filter member and tray using a pump, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and effort. The control unit automates the entire cleaning process, allowing the device to clean itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses a multi-functional approach where the same pump and circulation system used for normal humidifying operation is also used for cleaning operations. The filter member serves both as a humidifying element and as a component that can be cleaned in place through the circulation system.
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with brush and water is used, then the filter can be cleaned, but stubborn dirt and limescale buildup cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic principles by employing a pump to circulate cleaning solution through the filter member and tray. This pressurized circulation ensures that the cleaning solution effectively reaches all surfaces and penetrates stubborn dirt and limescale buildup, significantly improving cleaning effectiveness compared to manual brushing.
3Ease of operation
If the device is disassembled for cleaning, then all components can be accessed, but the user is exposed to unhygienic components and mold growth
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning system eliminates the need for disassembly, keeping the device assembled throughout the cleaning process. This prevents user exposure to unhygienic components and mold growth while the pump circulates cleaning solution through internal channels, maintaining hygiene and reducing cleaning time.
4Extent of automation
If a rotatable body with discharge buckets is used for automatic cleaning, then cleaning can be performed without disassembly, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pump-based hydraulic system to circulate cleaning solution through the filter member and tray, providing automatic cleaning capability. This hydraulic approach achieves automation without requiring complex mechanical structures like rotatable bodies with discharge buckets, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective automatic cleaning.
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 simple, convenient, and hygienic automatic cleaning of the humidifying device's filter without manual disassembly, reducing user effort and minimizing exposure to unhygienic components, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
each of the discharge buckets is configured to lift water from a tray and to discharge the water to a guiding arrangement as the rotatable body rotates
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable body; a humidifying filter member arranged to be wetted with water; a guiding arrangement configured to guide water to a discharge region; and at least one discharge bucket arranged on the rotatable body
Implementation Method 3
a humidifying filter member arranged to be wetted with water
Data Source
AI summary
A filter arrangement for a humidifying device. The filter arrangement has: a rotatable body; a humidifying filter member arranged to be wetted with water; a guiding arrangement configured to guide water to a discharge region; and at least one discharge bucket arranged on the rotatable body. The at least one discharge bucket is configured to lift water from a tray and to discharge the water to the guiding arrangement as the rotatable body rotates in a first direction about a rotational axis. A humidifying device comprising a filter arrangement and a method for cleaning a humidifying filter member of a humidifying device are also provided.