Air purification module and refrigerator comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators often suffer from unpleasant odors from foods like fishy smells or fermented foods, which permeate and cause discomfort to users.
Innovation Solution
An air purification module with a housing, axial type blowing fan, air purification unit, and a first guide that reduces air flow rate between the fan and filter, utilizing a photocatalyst filter and UV light to enhance deodorization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air flow rate between the fan and filter is high, then productivity is improved, but deodorization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first guide dynamically adjusts air flow characteristics by gradually increasing flow path width from the fan toward the filter, transforming high-velocity air into lower-velocity flow that maintains contact time with the filter for effective deodorization while preserving overall system productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The first guide changes the physical parameters of air flow by increasing the flow path width, which reduces flow velocity and increases residence time of air against the filter surface, thereby improving deodorization efficiency without sacrificing productivity
2Device complexity
If air flow path width is narrow, then device complexity is reduced, but deodorization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first guide utilizes the vertical dimension by extending upward from the fan assembly, creating a three-dimensional flow path that increases air-filter contact area without adding horizontal complexity or requiring additional components
3Device complexity
If the filter is placed close to the fan, then device complexity is reduced, but deodorization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first guide acts as an intermediary structure between the fan and filter, mediating the air flow transition and enabling effective deodorization by controlling flow velocity and direction without requiring complex additional components
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 module effectively reduces odors by slowing air flow through a photocatalyst filter, enhancing deodorization efficiency and maintaining a comfortable refrigerator environment.
Implementation Method 1
The filter may be a photocatalyst filter and the light source unit may emit UV light
Data Source
AI summary
An air purification module comprises a housing having an interior space provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, and an axial type blowing fan, mounted in the housing, for moving air from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air purification module further includes an air purifying unit, provided on a flow path of the air, for purifying the air and a guide for reducing the flow rate of the air between the blowing fan and the air purifying unit. The air purifying unit includes a filter provided between the blowing fan and the air outlet and a light source unit for providing light to the filter.