Method, apparatus, device and computer program for acquiring air quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purifiers face inaccuracies in measuring air quality due to stagnant air conditions, which prevents accurate detection of dust particles, leading to superiorly measured air quality compared to the actual quality.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that control a fan to rotate within a household appliance, ensuring air circulation before air quality detection, using a fan and air quality detection device to generate accurate air quality information, which can be sent to mobile terminals or servers for display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If air quality detection is performed without air circulation, then the detection process is simple and quick, but the measurement accuracy is low due to stationary dust particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair quality measurement accuracyVSAvoiddetection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fan is activated before air quality detection to circulate air and suspend dust particles. This preliminary action ensures that dust particles are properly distributed in the air before the detection device measures them, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex modifications to the detection process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static detection process to a dynamic one by introducing fan-driven air circulation. The fan creates moving air currents that keep dust particles suspended and distributed throughout the detection space, enabling more accurate measurements while adding only a simple controllable component to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the fan rotates continuously to ensure air circulation, then air quality measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair quality measurement accuracyVSAvoidfan energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the fan is activated periodically only when air quality detection is required. The control unit activates the fan before detection and deactivates it after detection completes, ensuring air circulation during measurement while minimizing energy consumption during non-detection periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages fan operation based on detection needs. The control unit monitors detection status and autonomously controls fan activation and deactivation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring the fan operates only when necessary for accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If air quality detection is performed immediately upon user request, then the response time is fast, but the measurement accuracy is compromised due to lack of air circulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection response timeVSAvoidair quality measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

When air quality detection is requested, the control unit immediately activates the fan to begin air circulation before the detection process starts. This preliminary action ensures dust particles are properly suspended and distributed, and the detection proceeds promptly once the fan is running, balancing speed with accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fan operates continuously during the detection process to maintain proper air circulation throughout the measurement period. This continuous operation during detection ensures consistent and accurate measurements while the overall process remains efficient due to automated control and minimal idle time between operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 approach improves the accuracy of air quality measurement by ensuring air circulation, allowing for precise detection of dust particles and enhancing the overall accuracy of air quality assessment.

Implementation Method 1

controlling the fan to rotate; detecting air quality by the air quality detection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

detecting air quality by the air quality detection device; detecting the air quality by the air quality detection device when the detection result of the household appliance is that the rotation time reaches the predetermined length of time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3023706B1Method, apparatus, device and computer program for acquiring air quality
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3023706B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3A
  • EP3023706B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3C
  • EP3023706B1 patent drawingFigure 3D~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for acquiring air quality, belongs to a field of monitoring technology. The method for acquiring air quality is applied in a household appliance including a fan and an air quality detection device, and includes: controlling the fan to rotate; detecting air quality by the air quality detection device; and generating air quality information according to the detection result of the air quality detection device. The problem in the related art that the measured air quality is inaccurate may be solved, and it may achieve the effects that the air quality is detected when the air circulates in its surrounding environment, the content of the dust particles may be accurately measured, and the accuracy of the measured air quality may be improved.