Air cleaner and method for controlling an air cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air cleaners have limited capacity and reliability due to structural constraints, resulting in incomplete air purification in indoor spaces, with increased noise and the need for manual relocation to achieve effective air cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The air cleaner design incorporates multiple air cleaning modules with adjustable suction and discharge configurations, including cylindrical shapes and 360-degree suction ports, along with an air flow control device that allows for directional airflow adjustment, enhancing suction capacity and air distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the blowing amount of the fan is increased to improve air purification capacity, then the purification performance is improved, but noise generated by the fan increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air blowing function into multiple independent fans (first blowing fan and second blowing fan) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher total purification capacity without overloading a single fan, thereby maintaining reliability and reducing noise per unit while improving overall productivity.
2Productivity
If a single blowing fan is used to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the blowing capacity is limited and air distribution coverage is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowing system is segmented into multiple fans (first blowing fan in the lower portion, second blowing fan in the upper portion) that operate independently. This segmentation increases blowing capacity and improves air distribution coverage throughout the indoor space while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point blowing source to a distributed multi-dimensional blowing system. By positioning fans at different vertical levels (lower and upper portions) and different horizontal locations, the system achieves three-dimensional air distribution, significantly expanding coverage area and blowing capacity.
3Productivity
If air is discharged in only one upward direction to simplify the discharge structure, then the device structure is simplified, but air purification coverage in the entire indoor space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air discharge function is segmented into multiple discharge ports positioned at different locations and orientations. The first discharge port discharges air upward from the lower portion, while the second discharge port discharges air in different directions from the upper portion. This segmentation enables comprehensive spatial coverage of purified air throughout the indoor environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge system transitions from single-direction (vertical only) to multi-directional discharge by adding horizontal and angled discharge components. This dimensional expansion allows purified air to reach all areas of the indoor space, including corners and regions away from the air cleaner, significantly improving purification coverage.
4Productivity
If a rectangular parallelepiped case is used for structural simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but corner portions create structural resistance that reduces suction capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curved guide surfaces and rounded air flow paths within the rectangular case structure. The guide ribs and curved surfaces at the air suction ports and internal passages reduce turbulence and resistance caused by sharp corners, improving suction capacity while maintaining the manufacturable rectangular external form.
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 design improves air purification efficiency by increasing suction capacity, reducing noise, and allowing for effective air distribution across larger areas without manual relocation, ensuring better air quality and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a fan, and a housing, the fan being provided in the housing and the housing being movable from an initial horizontal position in which the air flow controller directs air flow in a vertical direction to an inclined position in which the air flow controller directs air flow in a diagonal direction
Data Source
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AI summary
An air cleaner and a method for controlling an air cleaner are provided. The air cleaner may include a first air cleaning module having a first fan and a first filter; a second air cleaning module having a second fan and a second filter, the second air cleaning module provided vertically over the first air cleaning module; an air flow controller provided at an upper side of the second air cleaning module and including a circulation fan; a sensor configured to sense a pollution level in a room space; an input configured to receive input of a command for an operation mode of a plurality of operation modes to operate the first and second air cleaning modules and the air flow controller; and a controller configured to drive at least one of the first fan, the second fan, or the circulation fan selectively and determine an amount of discharge air flow. Based on at least one of an operation mode input or the pollution level, the controller may operate one of (1) the first fan, (2) the first and second fans, (3) the first and second fans and the circulation fan, or (4) the second fan and the circulation fan.