Air cleaner including thermoelectric module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air cleaners are ineffective in isolated or small spaces, such as rooms or dining areas, and fail to provide adequate air purification at the height of human respiratory organs when placed on the floor, leading to health risks from particulate matter.

Innovation Solution

An air cleaner incorporating a thermoelectric module that generates conditioned air, is compact, and can be detachably coupled to furniture, using a single blowing fan to create airflow and integrate supply and heat dissipation channels, improving operation performance and user comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional air cleaners are placed on the floor, then they can cover large areas, but air purification is weak at the height of human respiratory organs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification effectiveness at respiratory heightVSAvoidplacement location
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the air cleaner from floor-level operation to desk-top operation, changing the vertical dimension of air delivery. The device supplies conditioned air at desk height (approximately 0.7-1.0m from floor) rather than floor level, directly targeting the respiratory zone of seated individuals and improving air purification effectiveness where people actually breathe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If a thermoelectric module is added to generate conditioned air, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconditioned air temperatureVSAvoidcomponent structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the thermoelectric module with the existing fan and housing structures. The thermoelectric module integrates with the blower housing and utilizes the same air intake and discharge pathways as the fan, merging cooling functionality with the existing air circulation system rather than adding completely separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermoelectric module serves multiple functions: it cools air for user comfort, and its heat dissipation side can be utilized for heating or ventilation purposes. The single module provides both cooling and potential heating capabilities, reducing the need for separate heating and cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If separate fans are used for blowing and heat dissipation, then airflow control is improved, but noise and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow controlVSAvoidfan quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blowing fan and heat dissipation fan into a single fan unit. The fan is positioned to simultaneously draw air through the thermoelectric module for cooling and expel heat from the heat dissipation channel, eliminating the need for separate motors and control systems while reducing noise and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The air cleaner effectively provides conditioned air, reduces noise, enhances usability by being compact and quiet, and ensures reliable operation by separating supply and heat dissipation channels, while being easily attachable to furniture for improved coverage.

Implementation Method 1

an air cooling portion cooling air discharged from the air outlet by using a thermoelectric effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3660407B1Air cleaner including thermoelectric module
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3660407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3660407B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3660407B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air cleaner including a thermoelectric module includes a blowing fan, a filter, and a thermoelectric module, so it is possible to generate cold air or hot air and perform air purification.