Air Purifier Fan Control for Predictable AQI Improvement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air purifiers lack intuitive measurement of effectiveness in particulate matter removal and do not provide users with guidance on setting the correct fan speed or time needed to achieve a target air quality index, leading to inefficient air purification.
Innovation Solution
An air purifier with a control system that identifies initial air quality index based on location and room size, determines a target air quality index after 30 minutes of operation, and dynamically updates the time to achieve this by adjusting fan speed and angular velocity, taking into account natural and induced air changes per hour, and presence of humans or pets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air purifiers use simple fan speed controls (low, medium, high), then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the user cannot intuitively measure effectiveness or determine correct settings for their space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that provides real-time feedback to users about air quality levels, effectiveness of purification, and recommended settings. The system monitors particulate matter levels and communicates this information back to the user through displays or mobile apps, enabling them to understand the actual impact of different fan speeds and make informed decisions about operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system with particle sensors and communication interfaces as an intermediary between the fan mechanism and the user. This intermediary translates complex air quality data into understandable metrics and recommendations, bridging the gap between simple controls and the need for informed operation.
2Device complexity
If air purifiers use manufacturer-specific AQI thresholds for auto fan speed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the consumer cannot know whether the air purifier is actually effective and different models produce different outcomes at the same speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that can interpret and respond to multiple AQI standards and thresholds. The system is designed to work with different manufacturer specifications while providing consistent effectiveness metrics, allowing the same device to reliably achieve target air quality levels regardless of which manufacturer's thresholds are used as reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the control system to dynamically adjust fan speed based on changing air quality parameters and user-defined target AQI levels. The system can modify operational parameters in real-time to maintain effectiveness across different environmental conditions and manufacturer standards.
3Device complexity
If air purifiers do not provide time predictions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot determine how long it will take to achieve a target AQI and must use trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary calculations and predictions about air quality improvement timelines before the user commits to operation. By analyzing current conditions, fan capabilities, and target AQI levels, the system provides advance estimates of how long purification will take, allowing users to plan accordingly without trial and error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors air quality changes and updates time-to-target predictions in real-time, providing feedback to users about progress toward their air quality goals. This dynamic feedback allows users to understand the relationship between operating duration and achieved purification levels.
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
Enables users to effectively maintain a predetermined air quality level by providing intuitive feedback and optimizing fan operation for specific room conditions, ensuring efficient air purification.
Implementation Method 1
a fan having a plurality of fan speeds; a filter, wherein the fan draws air through the filter
Data Source
AI summary
An air purifier including a fan having a plurality of fan speeds; a filter, wherein the fan draws air through the filter; a user interface in communication with a control system; wherein upon activation of the control system, the control system identifies an initial air quality index (AQI) based upon a geographic location of the air purifier, a room size based upon the type of room in which the air purifier is placed, and identifies a fan speed set by a user through the user interface, and determines a target air quality index achievable in thirty minutes of fan operation is provided. Further provided is an air purifier capable of predicting and updating time to achieve a target air quality and a target air quality based on a number of environmental factors.