Vehicle Ventilation Filter Switching for Reduced Maintenance Downtime

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation systems in transport vehicles, such as rail vehicles, require frequent maintenance and filter replacement, which is time-consuming and costly, as the air filter's clogging rate varies with usage conditions and seasons, leading to inefficient air filtration and pressure loss.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation device with multiple air filters and an automatic filter replacement system, where filters are moved between filtration and storage positions based on clogging thresholds, monitored by an electronic maintenance device to optimize replacement timing and minimize downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single air filter is used in the ventilation system, then the device structure remains simple, but the filter must be replaced frequently leading to increased maintenance operations and vehicle downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation device structureVSAvoidvehicle downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation device is segmented to include multiple air filters (at least two filters) arranged in series within the air circulation duct. This segmentation allows the system to maintain filtration capacity even when one filter becomes clogged, as the other filter(s) continue to provide filtration. The system thereby reduces the frequency of maintenance operations and vehicle downtime without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If air filters are replaced periodically according to manufacturer recommendations, then filter replacement is scheduled, but the vehicle must be taken to a depot resulting in costly and time-consuming operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidfilter replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation device enables self-service maintenance by incorporating multiple filters that can be independently replaced. The system allows for filter replacement without requiring the vehicle to be taken to a depot, as the filters are designed to be accessible and replaceable at the location where the ventilation device is installed. This self-service capability significantly reduces both the time and cost associated with filter replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If multiple air filters are installed in the ventilation system, then maintenance frequency is reduced, but the device structure and initial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance frequencyVSAvoidventilation device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation device is segmented to include multiple air filters (at least two filters) arranged in series within the air circulation duct. This segmentation allows the system to maintain filtration capacity even when one filter becomes clogged, as the other filter(s) continue to provide filtration. The system thereby reduces the frequency of maintenance operations and vehicle downtime without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stress or pressure

If a single air filter is used, then the device remains compact, but airflow pressure is lost when the filter becomes clogged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow pressureVSAvoidventilation device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation device is segmented to include multiple air filters (at least two filters) arranged in series within the air circulation duct. This segmentation allows the system to maintain filtration capacity even when one filter becomes clogged, as the other filter(s) continue to provide filtration. The system thereby reduces the frequency of maintenance operations and vehicle downtime without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces the frequency of maintenance operations while maintaining airflow pressure and filtration efficiency, allowing for more precise filter lifespan management and reducing the need for periodic inspections, thus lowering operational costs and vehicle downtime.

Implementation Method 1

To remove dust and/or other sources of pollution from the airflow, it is common practice to install a filter in the path of said airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

an airflow generation device; at least one air circulation duct intended to receive the airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow generation: Fan

Data Source

PatentEP4166412B1Ventilation device for transport vehicle, associated transport vehicle and maintenance method

Publication Date: 2024.07.31 SPEEDINNOV

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AI summary

A ventilation device (20) for a transport vehicle (10) comprising an airflow generation device (26), at least one air circulation duct (36), and an air filter (28) in a filtration position in which said filter is disposed between an air inlet (40) and an air outlet (42) in the air circulation duct. The ventilation device further comprises a storage compartment (38) for a plurality of air filters (28), at least one air filter (28) in a storage position in which said filter is disposed in the storage compartment, and an air filter changing device (30) configured to move each filter between the filtration position and the storage position of said filter.