Air Purifier with Vertically Movable Cases for Multi-Zone Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air purifiers have limited usability due to restricted air discharge, primarily focusing on upper and lower portions, which hinders efficient purification of indoor spaces and user satisfaction, especially for users who prefer indirect airflow.

Innovation Solution

An air purifier design featuring a movable first and second case configuration, with a cylindrical filter and linear motion guides, allowing adjustable height and simultaneous use of both cases for enhanced airflow and user preference in air distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the air purifier uses a fixed position with limited discharge outlets, then the device structure is simple, but the area capable of being purified is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification areaVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable main body that can lift up and down vertically. The discharge outlets are positioned on the main body, which moves to different heights, enabling the air purifier to discharge cleaned air to various areas (upper, lower, and lateral regions) and expand the effective purification area without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds vertical movement dimension to the traditional horizontal discharge configuration. By moving the main body vertically, the discharge outlets can reach different spatial zones, transforming a 2D discharge pattern into a 3D coverage area, thereby expanding purification coverage without adding more discharge outlets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the suction inlet and discharge outlet are provided on lateral surfaces, then the device structure is simple, but air cannot be blown upward or downward effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair discharge directionVSAvoiddischarge structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main body with discharge outlets moves vertically to change the spatial position of the outlets. This dynamic positioning allows the same lateral discharge structure to serve multiple functions by discharging air to different directions (upward, downward, lateral) depending on the main body's vertical position, without requiring multiple fixed discharge structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable main body structure serves multiple purposes: it acts as both the housing and the discharge mechanism. The same structural element (main body) performs both structural support and active air distribution to multiple zones, eliminating the need for separate complex discharge structures for different directions

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 design enables efficient purification of entire indoor spaces by adjusting the air discharge height and mode, improving user satisfaction by accommodating various airflow preferences and increasing the air cleaning capacity per unit time.

Implementation Method 1

a fan to suction outside air by applying negative pressure to a filter or filter member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a linear motion (LM) guide that forms a skeleton of an air purifier and permits relative movement between at least two members so that the case may be smoothly moved or adjusted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motion constraint:

Data Source

PatentEP3711842B1Air purifier
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3711842B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3711842B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3711842B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air purifier includes a filter, a fan to suction air through the filter, a first case configured to cover the filter and the fan, and a second case overlapping with the first case. The first and second cases may be moveable in a vertical direction such that the second case may be raised to lengthen the air purifier and the first case may be raised to expose the filter for replacement. The second case may be provided outside of the first case and have a side discharge grill and a top discharge grill, which may each be selectively opened and closed.