Air Purifier Filter Lifetime Detection Using Water Adsorption Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air purifying systems inaccurately determine the lifespan of air filters due to variations in outdoor pollution levels and user habits, leading to inefficient air purification, particularly for individuals with pollution-related health issues.
Innovation Solution
An air purifier equipped with a relative humidity sensor to measure the water molecule adsorption level of the filter, allowing the processor to determine the filter's lifespan based on these measurements, thereby providing a more accurate and reliable indication of when the filter needs replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If filter lifetime is calculated based on total usage time or total air flow, then the calculation method is simple, but the accuracy of filter change time indication is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/time-based filter lifetime tracking with optical sensing. A light source illuminates the filter, and a sensor detects light transmission or reflection changes caused by filter loading. This optical measurement system substitutes the simple but inaccurate time/flow-based mechanical tracking, providing accurate real-time filter condition monitoring without complex airflow or time accumulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to measure filter condition. Instead of directly measuring filter clogging or particle accumulation, the system uses light transmission or reflection as an indirect indicator. The light interacts with the filter medium and captured particles, and the sensor detects these optical changes to infer filter lifetime and replacement needs, providing accurate measurement without complex direct sensing.
2Reliability
If filter lifetime is determined without considering outdoor pollution level and user habits, then the system is simple to operate, but the indicated filter change time is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the air purifier to automatically monitor and assess its own filter condition without user intervention. The integrated light source and sensor continuously measure filter loading, and the processor automatically determines when filter replacement is needed. This self-diagnostic capability eliminates the need for users to manually track usage time or estimate filter life based on outdoor conditions, providing reliable indication while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the sensor continuously monitors filter condition and provides real-time data to the processor. The system compares current filter state against replacement thresholds and provides feedback indicators to the user. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable filter lifetime indication by continuously adapting to actual filter loading conditions rather than relying on predetermined schedules or user estimates.
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
This solution enables a simple and accurate method to assess the filter's lifespan, ensuring continuous effective air purification and maintaining the health of users with pollution-related conditions by accurately tracking the filter's performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured for determining a water molecule adsorption level of a filter for removing gas pollutants or particles from air
Data Source
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AI summary
Presented is an air purifier (100), comprising: an air inlet (101); an air outlet (102); a first sensor (103) configured for determining a water molecule adsorption level of a filter (104) for removing gas pollutants or particles from air propagating from the air inlet (101) to the air outlet (102); a processor (105) configured to determine a life-time of the filter (104) based on a water molecule adsorption level of the filter (104) measured by the first sensor (103). Further, a method (200) for determining a life-time of a filter (104) for removing gas pollutants or particles from air is presented.