Air Filter with UV and Catalyst Coating for Grease Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filters for kitchen ventilation systems are inadequate in removing small grease particles and gaseous grease, leading to fire hazards, increased maintenance demands, odor nuisances, and contamination of buildings and surroundings due to grease migration.
Innovation Solution
An air filter system incorporating a mechanical separation element, a UV source, and a catalyst coating, such as titanium dioxide, that transforms grease into carbon dioxide, water, and carbon particles using UV light or photocatalysis, effectively removing grease from airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating perforated plate is used for grease filtering, then solid impurities can be separated from airflow, but small grease particles and gaseous grease cannot be completely eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical state of grease by applying UV irradiation and catalytic oxidation, transforming gaseous and liquid grease into solid particles that can be effectively captured by the rotating plate, thereby improving removal effectiveness and eliminating fire hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV light and catalyst coating as intermediary substances that facilitate the transformation of grease from uncatchable gaseous/liquid state to catchable solid particle state, enabling the rotating plate to effectively remove all forms of grease
2Reliability
If a rotating perforated plate is used for grease filtering, then some grease can be captured, but grease accumulates on filter elements and in the air duct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UV irradiation and catalytic oxidation preliminarily to transform grease into solid particles before they can accumulate on filter elements and air ducts, preventing the buildup that would require extensive cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful gaseous and liquid grease that penetrates through the plate into beneficial solid particles through UV and catalytic transformation, turning a problem (grease penetration) into a solution (easily removable solid particles)
3Reliability
If a rotating perforated plate is used for grease filtering, then some particles can be removed, but grease migrates through the air duct to the surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the physical-chemical parameters of grease through UV irradiation and catalytic oxidation, changing it from a migratory gaseous/liquid state to a stationary solid particle state that can be captured and prevented from migrating through the air duct
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses UV light and catalyst coating as intermediary agents that transform grease into a form that cannot migrate through the air duct, thereby preventing odor nuisance and building contamination
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 system efficiently captures grease, reduces odor nuisances, minimizes fire hazards, and simplifies maintenance with a single filtration process, while being energy-efficient and safe, with a non-ozone producing UV source and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
a UV source for generating UV light. The UV light and a catalyst coating inside the filter are adapted to transform the physical state of grease flowing into the air duct along with the airflow
Implementation Method 2
The UV light and a catalyst coating inside the filter are adapted to transform the physical state of grease flowing into the air duct along with the airflow
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1e
Figure 1f~2
AI summary
The application relates according to one embodiment to an air filter (104) for grease filtering. The filter comprises a filter mounting element (112) for installing the filter in connection with an intake opening (102) of an air ventilation duct (101), at least one mechanical separation element (120) for separating solid impurities from flowing air (103), and a UV source mounting element (132) capable of being fitted with a UV source (130) for generating UV light. The UV light and a catalyst coating present inside the filter are adapted to transform the physical state of grease flowing into the ventilation duct along with the airflow.