Air conditioner having air purifying module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems face issues with viral proliferation and unpleasant odors due to inadequate sterilization and deodorization methods, with conventional ultraviolet lamps being fragile and ozone generators producing harmful ozone.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an air purifying module with a light emitting diode part providing ultraviolet rays and a filter part, including a photocatalytic filter and carbon filter, to effectively sterilize and deodorize indoor air, enhancing air quality and extending the lifespan of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet lamps are used for sterilizing and deodorizing, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes fragile and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultraviolet lamp system with a light-emitting diode (LED) system that generates ultraviolet light through electroluminescence. This substitution eliminates the fragile glass envelope and filament structure of traditional lamps, providing a solid-state solution that maintains sterilization effectiveness while dramatically improving durability and resistance to impact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using LED technology that operates at lower voltages and currents compared to traditional ultraviolet lamps. This parameter change not only improves durability but also reduces energy consumption and heat generation, while maintaining the necessary ultraviolet output for effective sterilization and deodorizing.
2Reliability
If ozone generating devices are used for sterilizing and deodorizing, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but harmful ozone is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful byproduct (ozone) into a beneficial outcome by using photocatalytic oxidation. The ultraviolet light from LEDs activates a photocatalyst that oxidizes organic odors and contaminants directly, achieving sterilization and deodorizing effects without generating harmful ozone as a byproduct. This transforms the potential harm into a useful oxidation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a photocatalyst as an intermediary substance that mediates between the ultraviolet light and the organic contaminants. The photocatalyst absorbs UV energy and transfers it to oxygen molecules, generating reactive oxygen species that oxidize odors and pathogens without requiring direct ozone formation, thus eliminating the harmful intermediate.
3Ease of operation
If periodic cleaning is not performed continuously, then operational simplicity is improved, but viral proliferation and unpleasant odors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service air purification system where the air conditioner automatically performs sterilization and deodorizing functions during normal operation. The LED ultraviolet source and photocatalytic filter work continuously or periodically without requiring user intervention for manual cleaning, enabling the system to maintain air cleanliness autonomously while preserving operational simplicity for the user.
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 purifying module effectively sterilizes and deodorizes indoor air, improving cleanliness and extending the lifespan of components by using durable UV LEDs and photocatalytic reactions, while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode part disposed along a flow path of the air to emit ultraviolet rays
Implementation Method 2
a filter part disposed adjacent to the light emitting diode part, including a photocatalytic filter and a carbon filter
Implementation Method 3
a filter part disposed adjacent to the light emitting diode part, including a photocatalytic filter and a carbon filter
Implementation Method 4
a body including an evaporator for heat-exchanging air flowing therein
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner including a body having an evaporator for heat-exchanging air flowing in the body, and an air purifying module coupled to the body. The air purifying module may have a light emitting diode part disposed along a flow path of the air to provide ultraviolet rays, and a filter part disposed adjacent to the light emitting diode part.