Air Treatment Top Cover With Air Detection for Selective Module Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current air handling systems for homes, which include multiple small appliances like humidifiers, purifiers, and dehumidifiers, occupy space and energy inefficiently, as users lack a standard method to determine which modules to activate, leading to inconvenience and waste.

Innovation Solution

A top cover for an air handling system featuring a detection module with sensors and a control module that allows users to select the required air handling device based on air quality detection, optimizing energy use and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple air handling devices are stacked and integrated into an air handling system, then the system can selectively open one or more modules for air handling, but the user often does not have a standard for determining which module to be opened, causing inconvenience and waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective opening of modulesVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by incorporating an air detection module that continuously monitors air quality parameters (such as PM2.5, temperature, humidity) and provides this information to the control module. The control module then automatically determines which air handling modules should be activated based on the detected air quality, eliminating the need for users to manually decide which modules to open. This feedback loop ensures both adaptability to different air conditions and ease of operation for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple air handling devices are stacked and integrated into an air handling system, then the system can selectively open one or more modules for air handling, but this leads to energy waste when all modules are operated simultaneously without proper selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective opening of modulesVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The air detection module provides real-time feedback on air quality conditions, enabling the control module to make intelligent decisions about which modules to activate. For example, if air quality is good, the system may activate only ventilation; if pollution is detected, purification modules are activated; if humidity is high, dehumidification is activated. This feedback-driven selective operation prevents energy waste by activating only the necessary modules based on actual air quality conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation by changing which modules are active based on real-time air quality detection. The control module can switch between different operational modes (purification, dehumidification, humidification, ventilation) depending on the detected conditions, ensuring that energy is consumed only when and where needed, rather than operating all modules simultaneously at all times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of stationary object

If multiple air handling devices are stacked and integrated into an air handling system, then space is saved, but users lack a standard method to determine which modules to activate, leading to inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehome space utilizationVSAvoidair handling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated air detection and control system provides automated decision-making that maintains high air handling efficiency despite the compact stacked configuration. The detection module monitors air quality and feeds this information to the control module, which automatically selects and activates the appropriate modules. This ensures that the space-saving integrated design does not compromise productivity, as the system efficiently determines and executes the necessary air handling operations based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables users to efficiently select and activate only necessary air handling devices, saving energy and improving user convenience by detecting air quality and controlling the system accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

The air detection module comprises a detection fan for providing power to the air detection module, and a sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Data Source

PatentEP3165834B1Top cover for air treatment system and air treatment system
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER GENERAL CORP LTD
  • EP3165834B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3165834B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3165834B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a top cover (1) of an air handling system, comprising: a first air inlet (181) and a first air outlet (182), which are both arranged at the bottom of a side wall of the top cover (1); and an air detection module, which is arranged within a space of the top cover (1) and located in an airflow passage between the first air inlet (181) and the first air outlet (182). Further disclosed is an air handling system comprising the top cover (1).