Telecommunication Air Filter Guiding Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunication apparatuses with horizontally stacked boards, the existing air filtering solutions require disconnecting cables for filter installation or removal, which is inconvenient and can disrupt continuous operation, as they necessitate switching off the apparatus and require skilled personnel for proper reconnection.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunication apparatus with a guiding structure and sliding frame that allows the air filter to be slid between installation/removal and operative positions without accessing the sidewall, enabling filter installation and removal without disconnecting cables, using a casing with a recess and grooves to facilitate smooth movement and engagement of the air filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air filter is installed on the sidewall opening covered by the fan, then the air flow filtration is effective, but the cable installation and maintenance become complex requiring disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guiding structure that extends from the sidewall opening into the interior of the housing along the air flow path. This structural extension creates a new spatial dimension for filter installation, allowing the filter to be positioned in the interior region rather than directly on the sidewall opening. The guiding structure comprises a guide wall extending from the sidewall and a guide plate perpendicular to the guide wall, forming a three-dimensional installation path that resolves the conflict between filtration effectiveness and cable access complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding structure acts as an intermediary element between the sidewall opening and the interior housing space. It provides a dedicated installation channel that mediates the relationship between the filter, the housing, and the cable management system. This intermediary structure allows the filter to be installed and removed through the guiding structure without requiring direct access to the sidewall opening, thereby maintaining cable connections while enabling filter maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If the air filter is accessible from the sidewall, then the filter can be easily installed and removed, but the telecommunication apparatus must be switched off and cables disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter installation function from the main housing structure by introducing a separate guiding structure. This segmentation allows the filter to be accessed and maintained through a dedicated installation path that does not require disassembling the housing or disconnecting cables. The guiding structure is itself segmented into a guide wall and guide plate, creating modular access points that enable filter maintenance while the telecommunication apparatus remains operational.
3Ease of operation
If the guiding structure extends into the housing interior, then the filter can be installed without accessing the sidewall, but the guiding structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structure is designed with local quality optimization, where the guide wall and guide plate are positioned only in the specific region needed for filter installation. The structure extends locally along the air flow path from the sidewall opening into the housing interior, providing the necessary guidance function without unnecessarily complicating the overall housing design. This localized approach minimizes the impact on the overall device complexity while achieving the desired ease of filter installation.
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 air filter installation and removal without interrupting the operation of the telecommunication apparatus, allowing for continuous service and simplifying the process by allowing operators to perform these tasks without direct access to the sidewall, thus maintaining high reliability and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a fan unit for generating an air flow for cooling the plurality of boards
Implementation Method 2
an air filter for filtering the air flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
It is disclosed a telecommunication apparatus with air filtering. The telecommunication apparatus includes a plurality of boards (9), a fan unit (8) for generating an air flow for cooling the plurality of boards and an air filter (6) for filtering the air flow. The telecommunication apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises a guiding structure (4b,3b), the air filter slidably cooperating with the guiding structure so that the air filter is slidable between a non operative position, wherein the air filter is applicable to and removable from the telecommunication apparatus, and an operative position, wherein the air filter actually filters the air flow.