Rotatable Filter Arrangement for Self-Cleaning Humidifier Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current humidifying devices require manual disassembly and labor-intensive cleaning processes, which can be inefficient and unhygienic, especially when dealing with stubborn dirt like limescale buildup and mold growth, and do not allow for easy cleaning without opening the device.
Innovation Solution
A filter arrangement with a rotatable body featuring discharge and wetting buckets that collect and discharge water automatically, allowing for cleaning operations to be performed 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 is performed by disassembling the device, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but cleaning time and user effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic cleaning of the filter member through self-service mechanisms. The filter member is automatically wetted with cleaning solution and rinsed without requiring manual disassembly or intervention, thereby reducing cleaning time while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter member is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic positioning during cleaning operations. This rotation enables different parts of the filter to be sequentially exposed to cleaning solution and rinse water, improving cleaning coverage without increasing user effort or time.
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with brush and water is used, then cleaning simplicity is improved, but cleaning effectiveness for stubborn dirt deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of cleaning solution by providing both fresh water and cleaning solution to the filter member. This allows effective removal of stubborn dirt like limescale and mold while maintaining operational simplicity through automated delivery of appropriate cleaning agents.
3Reliability
If complete manual disassembly is performed, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but hygiene risk increases due to exposure to unhygienic components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-cleaning through automated wetting and rinsing cycles, eliminating the need for users to manually handle and disassemble unhygienic components. The filter member is cleaned in situ, reducing hygiene risks while maintaining cleaning thoroughness.
4Extent of automation
If automatic cleaning system is implemented, then cleaning automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system serves multiple functions: it delivers fresh water for wetting, provides cleaning solution, and delivers rinse water. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each cleaning stage, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable filter member enables dynamic cleaning coverage, allowing a simplified stationary pump and water delivery system to achieve comprehensive cleaning automation without requiring complex moving parts or multiple automated mechanisms.
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, automatic, and hygienic cleaning of the humidifying device's filter without manual effort, reducing the risk of exposure to unhygienic components and effectively removing dirt and debris, including limescale and mold, through alternating wetting and discharge operations.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable body and the filter member supported by the rotatable body are arranged to rotate about a rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
at least one wetting bucket arranged on the rotatable body and configured to lift water from the tray and to sprinkle the water on the filter member as the rotatable body rotates
Implementation Method 3
a guiding arrangement configured to guide the water away from the rotatable body and the filter member supported by the rotatable body to a discharge region
Data Source
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AI summary
Filter arrangement (22) for a humidifying device (10), the filter arrangement (22) comprising a rotatable body (30); a humidifying filter member (28) arranged to be wetted with water; a guiding arrangement (46) configured to guide water to a discharge region (62); and at least one discharge bucket (36) arranged on the rotatable body (30), wherein the at least one discharge bucket (36) is configured to lift water from a tray (26) and to discharge the water to the guiding arrangement (46) as the rotatable body (30) rotates in a first direction (58) about a rotational axis (32). A humidifying device (10) comprising a filter arrangement (22) and a method for cleaning a humidifying filter member (28) of a humidifying device (10) are also provided.