Ventilation Apparatus Pressure Sensing for Filter Dirt Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ventilation apparatuses lack an effective method to determine when filters need to be replaced, relying on usage time rather than filter dirt levels, leading to inefficiencies and energy waste due to either premature or unnecessary filter replacements.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation apparatus equipped with a pressure sensor module that senses and transmits pressure data to an analysis monitor device, allowing for the calculation of pressure offset values to determine the filter's dirty level and issue timely replacement reminders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a timer is used to accumulate usage time and remind users to replace filters at predetermined intervals, then users are reminded to replace filters regularly, but the reminder timing does not reflect actual filter dirt levels leading to either premature or unnecessary replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter replacement timing accuracyVSAvoidfilter dirt level detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical timer-based reminder system with a pressure sensing system. The pressure sensor module detects pressure differences across the filter to determine actual filter dirt levels, substituting time-based estimation with physical measurement-based detection for more accurate replacement timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pressure sensor modules as intermediary devices that measure pressure differences across the filter. These sensors act as mediators between the filter's actual condition and the replacement decision, providing objective data about filter dirt levels rather than relying on time-based estimates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If filters are replaced based on predetermined usage time intervals, then maintenance scheduling is simplified, but energy waste occurs due to replacing filters before they are actually dirty or not replacing them when needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance scheduling simplicityVSAvoidenergy waste from premature or unnecessary filter replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pressure sensor modules continuously monitor pressure differences across the filter and transmit data to a server. The system provides feedback about actual filter condition, enabling dynamic adjustment of replacement timing based on real-time data rather than fixed schedules, thus preventing both premature and delayed replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static, time-based replacement scheduling to dynamic, condition-based scheduling. The system continuously adapts replacement timing based on real-time pressure measurements and filter dirt accumulation rates, allowing the maintenance schedule to flex according to actual filter conditions rather than following a rigid time interval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If pressure sensor modules are installed to detect actual filter dirt levels through pressure offset values, then filter replacement timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and data transmission components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter dirt level detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs pressure sensor modules that serve multiple functions: detecting pressure differences across the filter, determining filter dirt levels, triggering replacement alerts, and providing data for predictive maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and justifies the added complexity through consolidated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a more accurate determination of filter replacement needs, reducing energy waste and improving ventilation efficiency by basing decisions on actual filter conditions rather than usage time alone.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor module disposed between the filter and the air exit for sensing pressure caused by air flowing into the main body via the air entry and the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS10343097B2Ventilation apparatus and method for filter dirt detection

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

A ventilation apparatus includes a main body, an air entry and an air exit respectively arranged on two sides of the main body, a filter arranged behind the air entry, and a pressure sensor module located between the filter and the air exit, which senses pressure caused by air flowing inside the main body through the air entry and the filter. The pressure sensor module firstly senses pressure related data when the apparatus begins to start for initial data, and senses pressure related data continuously after the apparatus starts for working data, and transmits these data externally. An analysis monitor device computes a reference pressure offset value and a working pressure offset value according to the initial data and the working data, and compares the two pressure offset values for determining whether the filter needs to be replaced.