Air Purifier Pollutant Classification Using Particle Size Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purifiers do not effectively differentiate between types of pollutants based on dust concentration, leading to inefficient operation in varying pollution environments.
Innovation Solution
An air purifier that determines particle distribution and type of pollutants using a dust sensor, a controller with a distance similarity determination algorithm, and machine learning to classify pollutants accurately, adjusting operations such as discharge intensity, filter selection, and air direction based on pollutant type and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the air purifier controls air volume based only on dust concentration, then the control is simple, but the pollutant type cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The dust particle population is segmented into multiple size groups (0.3μm, 0.5μm, 1.0μm, 2.5μm, 5.0μm, 10.0μm), and the distribution ratio of each segment is calculated. This segmentation enables differentiation of pollutant types by analyzing the relative proportions of different sized particles, transforming a single concentration measurement into a multi-dimensional particle size distribution profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The control algorithm changes from using a single parameter (total dust concentration) to using multiple parameters (particle size distribution ratios across six different size groups). This parameter transformation allows the system to distinguish between different pollutant sources by detecting characteristic size distribution patterns associated with each pollutant type.
2Measurement precision
If the air purifier uses a weighted distance similarity determination algorithm, then the classification accuracy improves, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reference particle size distribution data for six different pollutant types (coarse dust, fine dust, cooking fumes, cigarette smoke, incense smoke, mosquito coil smoke) are pre-established and stored in the controller. During operation, the system only needs to compare real-time measurements against these pre-stored references using a weighted distance algorithm, significantly reducing calculation time while maintaining high classification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical analysis methods with an electronic computing approach. The controller uses a weighted distance similarity determination algorithm to automatically compare particle size distribution patterns and identify pollutant types, substituting physical analysis with computational processing that is both accurate and efficient.
3Productivity
If the air purifier adjusts operations based on pollutant type, then the filtration efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air purifier implements dynamic control where the fan speed and filter selection are automatically adjusted based on the identified pollutant type. For example, the system can increase fan speed for high-concentration pollutants, activate specific filters for certain particle sizes, or adjust air discharge directions to target pollutant sources, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors particle size distribution, identifies pollutant types, and uses this information to adjust its operation in real-time. The controller creates a feedback loop where measurement results directly influence control decisions, enabling the air purifier to respond appropriately to different pollution scenarios and optimize filtration performance.
Data Source
AI summary
In an air purifier and a method of operating the air purifier, the air purifier includes an intake port through which air is drawn in, a fan unit configured to provide a blowing force to allow the air to flow, a filter assembly configured to filter the air drawn in through the air intake port, an outlet port through which the air passing through the filter assembly is discharged, a dust sensor measuring a number concentration of a dust existing outside, and a controller configured to determine a particle distribution according to a dust particle size based on the number concentration and determining the type of a pollutant corresponding to the particle distribution.