Air Sanitizing Device with Photocatalytic UV-C and Multi-Stage Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air sanitization methods in closed environments, such as homes and offices, are inadequate in ensuring uniform air quality and often fail to effectively remove pollutants like bacteria, viruses, moulds, and VOCs, leading to potential health issues due to incomplete ventilation and non-uniform air distribution.
Innovation Solution
A portable air sanitizing device with a combination of ventilation, sanitizing, and filtering means, featuring a high-intensity ultraviolet lamp, photocatalytic catalyst, and a series of filters including active carbon, glass microfibre, and electrostatic filters, designed to progressively optimize air purification and provide real-time air quality monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual ventilation is used to change air flow, then a large flow of air can be exchanged, but uniform air flow distribution in rooms is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical ventilation with an automated air sanitizing device that uses a control unit to regulate airflow through multiple filters and UV-C irradiation systems, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the room while maintaining high air exchange rates
Solution Approach 2:
The air sanitizing device segments the air treatment process into multiple stages: pre-filtration, HEPA filtration, activated carbon filtration, and UV-C irradiation, with each stage handled by separate modular components that work together to achieve uniform air flow distribution
2Reliability
If mechanical ventilation is used to improve air quality, then air exchange is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air sanitizing device combines multiple functions into a single unit: air filtration through HEPA and activated carbon filters, UV-C irradiation for pathogen destruction, ozone generation, and electronic control with air quality monitoring, thereby improving air quality without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the control unit is housed within the main body, filters are arranged in series within the air flow path, and UV-C lamps are positioned within the filtration chambers, creating a compact integrated system that manages complexity through hierarchical organization
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple filters in series are used to destroy pollutants, then air purification is optimized, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering system is segmented into distinct modular stages: a pre-filter for large particles, a HEPA filter for fine particulates, and an activated carbon filter for gaseous pollutants and odors. Each filter type addresses specific pollutant categories, optimizing removal efficiency while allowing independent maintenance of each module
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a microprocessor-controlled system that monitors filter performance and provides alerts when filters require replacement. The electronic control unit tracks usage patterns and pollutant levels to determine optimal filter replacement timing, facilitating timely maintenance while maximizing filter utilization
4Object-affected harmful factors
If UV-C lamp and photocatalytic catalyst are used to generate hydrogen peroxide and oxidizing ions, then pollutant destruction is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges UV-C irradiation with a photocatalytic catalyst to create a synergistic effect where UV-C photons activate the catalyst to generate hydrogen peroxide and oxidizing ions from ambient moisture. This combination enhances pollutant destruction efficiency while utilizing readily available atmospheric components, reducing the need for additional energy-intensive chemical supplies
Solution Approach 2:
The photocatalytic system utilizes ambient moisture from the air to generate hydrogen peroxide and oxidizing ions, eliminating the need for external chemical additives. The UV-C lamp continuously activates the catalyst, creating a self-sustaining purification process that consumes minimal energy beyond the lamp operation
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 device effectively destroys pollutants and improves air quality by generating hydrogen peroxide and oxidizing ions through photocatalysis, ensuring comprehensive removal of microbial and chemical contaminants, and providing easy transport and filter replacement with real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The device effectively destroys pollutants and improves air quality by generating hydrogen peroxide and oxidizing ions through photocatalysis
Implementation Method 2
a third electrostatic filter
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for sanitising air in a room (10), comprising a body (2) having a lower inlet opening (3) and an upper outlet opening (4) of a flow of air (5), ventilation means (6) for generating said flow of air, means (7) for sanitising said flow of air and means (8) for filtering said flow of air, wherein said filtering means (8) comprise three filters in series: a first active carbons filter (20) co-operating with a second glass microfibre filter (21) co-operating with a third electrostatic filter (22), said first filter (20) and said second filter (21) being placed between said ventilation means (6) and said upper outlet opening (4), while said third filter (22) is placed between said ventilation means (6) and said lower inlet opening (3).