Integrated Air Cleaning and Humidification With Dryable Medium

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioning systems require separate purchase of humidifiers and air cleaners, and typical humidifiers lack effective air cleaning functions, with limited ability to operate either function independently.

Innovation Solution

A combined humidification and air cleaning apparatus that includes an air clean module for filtering air and an air wash module for humidifying, allowing separate operation of both functions, with filtered air being supplied to the air wash module and discharged after humidification, featuring a water tank humidification medium that maintains a dry state when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate humidifier and air cleaner are purchased, then both functions are available, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboth humidification and air cleaning functionsVSAvoidnumber of separate devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate devices (humidifier and air cleaner) into one integrated apparatus. The air cleaning module with multiple filters and the humidification module with water tank and humidification medium are combined into a single unit with a shared air outlet. This reduces the number of devices from two to one, simplifying the system while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform air cleaning, humidification, or both functions simultaneously. The modular design allows flexible operation modes, providing universal functionality that replaces multiple separate devices and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If humidification medium is continuously wet, then humidification function is maintained, but maintenance difficulty and mold risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidification functionVSAvoidmaintenance of humidification medium

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The humidification medium is designed to be periodically wetted and dried rather than continuously wet. During air cleaning operation, the humidification medium remains dry. During humidification operation, water is supplied to wet the humidification medium temporarily. This periodic wetting and drying cycle prevents mold growth and makes maintenance easier, as the medium can be fully dried between uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The state of the humidification medium is dynamically changed based on operational requirements. The medium transitions between dry state (during air cleaning mode) and wet state (during humidification mode). This dynamic state change is controlled by the water supply mechanism that activates only when humidification is needed, preventing continuous moisture that leads to mold and maintenance issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If air flow path is long and complex, then filtering and humidification are thorough, but flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair cleaning and humidification effectivenessVSAvoidflow resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow path is designed with nested flow passages where the pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter are arranged in sequence within compact spaces. The humidification medium is positioned within the air outlet region, creating a nested structure that allows thorough filtration and humidification in a compact arrangement, minimizing unnecessary flow path length and reducing flow resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The filters and humidification medium are arranged in a three-dimensional nested configuration rather than a linear sequence. The air flow passes through multiple filtration stages and humidification zones in a compact volumetric arrangement, achieving thorough air cleaning and humidification without excessive flow path length, thereby maintaining low flow resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 independent operation of humidification and air cleaning functions, providing intuitive humidification state indication and ensuring a sufficient air flow rate with 360-degree air distribution, while minimizing flow resistance and allowing for easy maintenance of the humidification medium.

Implementation Method 1

a humidification medium spaced from water of a water tank and configured to be supplied with water to wet the humidification medium... the humidification medium... providing moisture to the filtered air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation