Air flow vessel and spray ring air purification device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to simultaneously purify, humidify, and dehumidify air while maintaining controlled humidity levels, leading to inadequate indoor air quality management, especially in enclosed environments where air pollution and humidity extremes pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid device that combines air purification, humidification, and dehumidification capabilities, utilizing a cyclonic vessel, cold water baths, a heat pump, and a controller with sensors to maintain setpoint humidity levels and meet EPA PM2.5 standards, using tap water and a self-flushing system without requiring user-replaced filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air purification devices are used, then air purification is achieved, but humidity control capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air purification and humidity control functions into a single integrated device. The cyclonic vessel performs both particle separation and humidification/dehumidification by injecting water droplets into the air stream, eliminating the need for separate air purifier and humidifier devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: air purification through cyclonic separation, humidification through water injection, and dehumidification through cooling coils. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace multiple conventional devices.
2Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for air purification and humidity control, then each function is performed adequately, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges air purification, humidification, and dehumidification functions into a single device with integrated components. The cyclonic vessel, water injection system, and cooling coils work together in one unit, reducing the number of devices from multiple separate units to a single comprehensive system.
3Reliability
If filters are used for air purification, then air quality improves, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the filter component entirely from the air purification system. Instead of using filters that require periodic replacement, the device uses cyclonic separation with water droplet injection to capture and remove particles, eliminating maintenance requirements associated with filter replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclonic separation system with water injection automatically captures and removes particles without requiring user intervention for filter maintenance. The system self-regulates particle removal through the physical cyclonic action and water droplet coalescence.
4Productivity
If humidification is performed without dehumidification capability, then humidity levels increase, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts between humidification and dehumidification modes based on real-time humidity sensor feedback. The controller monitors humidity levels and activates the appropriate function (water injection for humidification, cooling coils for dehumidification) to maintain precise control within the 30-60% range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates humidity sensors that continuously monitor air humidity levels and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the operation of water injection valves and cooling coil activation to maintain humidity within the target range, enabling precise control.
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 device effectively purifies and controls humidity within a setpoint range of 30-60%, improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks associated with air pollution and humidity extremes, while being energy-efficient and low-maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
spinning the environmental air and water stream propels the particulates into the water stream
Implementation Method 2
a cooling coil, wherein the cooling coil is immersed in the volume of water
Implementation Method 3
The microbubbles then evaporate into a first air volume located above the cold water bath
Implementation Method 4
a heat pump compressor, wherein the heat pump compressor is connected to the cooling coil
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid humidity control and air purification device and method for hybrid humidity control and air purification. The hybrid device is a single unit capable of humidifying dry environmental air, dehumidifying humid environmental air and removing particulates and contaminants from the air. The device controls the outgoing air to a relative humidity setpoint between 35-50% with negligible particulate matter content. Particulate matter is transferred to water, which may be supplied and flushed by an automatic water pumping system.