Automotive Air Outlet Photocatalytic Filter With Airflow-Based LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air cleaning devices using short-wavelength, high-voltage LEDs for photocatalytic filters in automobiles face high energy consumption, reduced LED lifespan, and lack of user perceptibility of air cleaning operations, while additional indicators increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An air cleaning device with an airflow rate sensor controlling LED light emission, allowing visible light transmission and reflection to indicate cleaning operations, while optimizing light intensity based on airflow rate to conserve energy and extend LED life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LED continuously emits strong light to activate the photocatalytic filter, then the air cleaning effect is improved, but energy consumption increases and LED service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the LED light emission adjustable rather than continuous. The control unit dynamically adjusts the light emission intensity and duration based on operational requirements, switching between strong light mode for high air cleaning demand and reduced light mode for normal conditions, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining air cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of LED operation by controlling light intensity and emission duration. The control unit adjusts these parameters based on airflow detection and operational mode, using strong light only when necessary (high airflow detected) and reducing light intensity during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between air cleaning effect and energy consumption
2Reliability
If the LED continuously emits strong light to activate the photocatalytic filter, then the air cleaning effect is improved, but the service life of the LED is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts LED operation intensity and duration based on real-time airflow detection. By switching between strong light mode (when high airflow is detected indicating cleaning need) and reduced light mode (normal operation), the LED is not continuously stressed at high intensity, extending its service life while maintaining air cleaning effectiveness when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements periodic operation of the LED based on airflow detection cycles. Instead of continuous strong light emission, the system periodically activates strong light mode when airflow thresholds are exceeded, otherwise using reduced intensity operation, thereby reducing cumulative stress on the LED and extending its service life
3Loss of information
If an indicator device is added to indicate air cleaning operation, then the user can perceive the operation, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LED serve multiple functions: it activates the photocatalytic filter for air cleaning and simultaneously acts as a visual indicator for users. When the LED emits light, users can directly see that the air cleaning operation is active, eliminating the need for separate indicator devices and reducing manufacturing costs while providing real-time operational feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of the LED (light emission for photocatalytic activation) with the function of a visual indicator. The same LED component that cleans the air also provides visual feedback to users about operational status, combining two previously separate functions into one element, thereby avoiding additional manufacturing costs
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
Achieves energy savings and extended LED lifespan while maintaining air cleaning effectiveness, with user-perceptible cleaning operations without additional cost.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalytic filter that is disposed in the inner space and that cleans air blown by the air cleaning device by being activated by light emitted from the LED
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting diode (LED) that emits light to the inner space
Implementation Method 3
an airflow rate sensor that detects a flow rate of the air blown by the air cleaning device
Data Source
AI summary
In an air-outlet unit that forms an air outlet of an air conditioner in an automobile, a light-emission control unit controls, in accordance with the airflow rate of the air conditioner that is obtained from an air-conditioning control device of the automobile, an LED driving unit that drives an LED array in such a manner that the amount of light that is emitted from the LED array and that activates a photocatalytic filter increases as the airflow rate of the air conditioner increases. The light that is emitted from the LED array is visible light, and some of the light that is reflected by the photocatalytic filter transmits to an area outside of the air-outlet unit by passing through fins that adjust the direction and the flow rate of the air blown by the air-outlet unit.