Air Purification Module With Integrated Light-Emitting Heat Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purification systems with separate light sources and heat sources for photocatalysts and oxidation catalysts have complex structures, increased volume, and low energy efficiency due to the need for additional components and higher power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An air purification module with a combined light-emitting heat source that activates both photocatalysts and oxidation catalysts simultaneously, reducing the system's complexity, volume, and energy consumption by using a single source to provide light and heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate light source and heat source are used to activate photocatalyst and oxidation catalyst respectively, then the air purification function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate light source and heat source into a single integrated light-emitting heat source that provides both luminous energy and thermal energy simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate activation mechanisms for photocatalyst and oxidation catalyst, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining air purification functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting heat source serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a light source for photocatalyst activation and a heat source for oxidation catalyst activation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate light source and heat source are used to activate photocatalyst and oxidation catalyst respectively, then the air purification function is achieved, but the volume of the air purification apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification functionVSAvoidapparatus volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging separate light source and heat source into a single integrated component, the physical space required for housing multiple separate components is eliminated, thereby reducing the overall volume of the air purification apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional light-emitting heat source consolidates the spatial requirements for light provision and heat generation into a single location, reducing the total volume needed for the apparatus while maintaining both photocatalyst and oxidation catalyst activation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate light source and heat source are used to activate photocatalyst and oxidation catalyst respectively, then the air purification function is achieved, but the energy efficiency decreases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification functionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated light-emitting heat source allows for coordinated provision of light and heat energy, enabling simultaneous activation of photocatalyst and oxidation catalyst. This eliminates the need for two separate energy input systems, thereby reducing total power consumption and improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional light-emitting heat source optimizes energy utilization by providing both photocatalytic activation and thermal activation functions through a single energy input system, reducing redundant energy consumption and improving overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution results in a simplified structure, compact volume, and improved energy efficiency for air purification, allowing for effective removal of pollutants with reduced power consumption compared to traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

the light-emitting heat source irradiates, to the catalyst filter, light for activating the photocatalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight irradiation: Light

Implementation Method 2

provides heat to the catalyst filter to activate the oxidation catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4321239A1Air purification module, air purification system including the same, and method of purifying air
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4321239A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4321239A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4321239A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an air purification module and an air purification system including the same. The air purification module is configured to purify influent unpurified air and discharge purified air and includes: a catalyst filter including a photocatalyst and an oxidation catalyst; and a light-emitting heat source disposed adjacent to the catalyst filter, wherein the light-emitting heat source irradiates, to the catalyst filter, light for activating the photocatalyst, and provides heat to activate the oxidation catalyst, and a temperature of the light-emitting heat source is higher than a temperature of the unpurified air.