Air purifier with intelligent sensors and airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air purifiers lack advanced sensing and control systems to effectively monitor and maintain optimal air quality, leading to inefficiencies in contaminant removal and filter maintenance.

Innovation Solution

An air purifying system equipped with sensors and a controller that measure air quality parameters, compare data against predetermined thresholds, and adjust operations to ensure effective contaminant removal and notify users of filter replacement needs, utilizing a modular design with variable fan speeds and adaptable operational modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional air purifiers operate without advanced sensing and control systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air quality control effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair quality control effectivenessVSAvoidsensing and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor air quality parameters (particulate matter, VOCs, temperature, humidity) and automatically adjusting fan speeds and purification operations based on real-time measurements. The controller compares sensor data against predetermined thresholds and modifies system operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal air quality without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The air purifier system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through integrated sensors and controllers that automatically detect air quality conditions and modify purification operations. The system includes self-diagnostic capabilities that track filter performance and notify users when maintenance is needed, enabling the device to manage its own operation without external control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If air purifiers use fixed operational modes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different air quality conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to air quality conditionsVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operational modes where the system automatically transitions between different purification levels based on real-time air quality sensor readings. The controller adjusts fan speeds, purification intensity, and operational parameters dynamically in response to changing environmental conditions, allowing the device to adapt to varying air quality scenarios without requiring user configuration or manual mode selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (fan speed, purification rate, airflow volume) based on measured air quality parameters. When sensors detect elevated contaminant levels, the controller automatically increases purification intensity by adjusting motor speed and airflow parameters. When air quality improves, the system reduces operational parameters to maintain optimal performance while conserving energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If air purifiers lack real-time air quality monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of contaminant removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant removal efficiencyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of air quality conditions through sensor measurement before initiating or modifying purification operations. The controller evaluates sensor data against predetermined thresholds and pre-determines the appropriate operational response, allowing the system to proactively address air quality issues before they escalate and optimize purification timing and intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual monitoring and adjustment mechanisms with automated electronic sensing and control systems. Optical sensors, electrochemical sensors, and other electronic detection devices substitute for manual air quality assessment, while electronic controllers replace mechanical adjustment mechanisms, enabling precise real-time monitoring and automatic optimization of contaminant removal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20230119976A1Air purifier with intelligent sensors and airflow
Publication Date: 2023.04.20 FELLOWES INC
  • US20230119976A1 patent drawing
  • US20230119976A1 patent drawing
  • US20230119976A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An air purifier system includes at least one air purifier and a portable user interface device. The user interface device for positioning at a remote location from the at least one air purifier and wirelessly communicated to a controller of at least one of the air purifiers. The user interface device includes a sensor configured to measure an air quality parameter in an area proximate the user interface device for transmission of the air quality parameter to the controller of the at least one of the air purifiers via wireless communication; and a user interface comprising (a) a display for displaying data including at least air quality data from the sensor and (b) a user input control for the user to change one or more functional parameters of the at least one of the air purifiers via the wireless communication.