Integrated Air Washer Display Inlet for Continuous Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water filter type air washers require manual and time-consuming processes to replenish water, especially when the water level is low, disrupting operation and complicating the structure around the display unit.
Innovation Solution
An air washer design featuring a water supply port integrated into the display unit and a water channel outside the inner case, allowing for continuous water replenishment during operation without stopping the blower or disassembling the device, with the water channel and air channel being partitioned to simplify the structure and prevent electrical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water is replenished manually by removing the cover and accessing the water tub, then water can be supplied to the water tub, but the process becomes manual-labor-requiring and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service water replenishment through the water supply guide that channels water directly to the water tub without requiring manual disassembly. The user simply needs to pour water into the supply guide, and the system automatically directs it to the water tub, eliminating the need to remove covers or access internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply guide acts as an intermediary component between the water source and the water tub. This mediator structure simplifies the water replenishment process by providing a dedicated channel that guides water flow, eliminating the need for direct manual access to the water tub and reducing both labor and time requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the water supply port is integrated into the display unit, then water can be supplied during operation without disassembly, but the structure around the display unit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply port is merged with the display unit structure, combining two functional elements into a single integrated component. This allows water to be supplied through the display unit without requiring separate access points or disassembly, simplifying the user operation while the internal integration manages the structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit is given multiple functions: it serves both as the information display interface and as the water supply access point. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate water access mechanisms, reducing the number of components the user must interact with while maintaining a clean external structure.
3Reliability
If the water channel is disposed outside the inner case, then water can be guided to the water tub without interfering with the blower, but the overall device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the inner case containing the blower and air channels, and the outer region containing the water channel. This segmentation separates water flow paths from electrical components, preventing interference and safety issues while allowing each subsystem to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The water channel is extracted from the inner case structure and positioned in the outer region. This extraction removes the potential for water-electrical component interference, ensuring blower safety while the water channel maintains its guiding function through a simplified external path.
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 easy and uninterrupted water replenishment during operation, simplifies the structure around the display unit, and prevents electrical issues with the blower, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a water channel along which water flows is disposed outside an inner case in which a blower is disposed
Implementation Method 2
a fan configured to blow air to a humidification filter and to discharge the filtered air out of the air washer
Implementation Method 3
a humidification filter configured to absorb water in the water tub
Implementation Method 4
an air washer which uses water as a filter
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for treating air comprises: an outer case (10) defining exterior of the apparatus, wherein the outer case includes a top surface with a display (70) for displaying various information to a user, wherein the display has a water inlet port (73) formed therethrough and an air outlet (4) provided along the perimeter thereof for discharging air; a water reservoir (20), disposed within the outer case, for receiving water therein; an inner case (40) arranged within the outer case for accommodating a fan (60) for generating airstream from the water reservoir side toward the air outlet; and a water passage (100, 110) provided between the outer and the inner case, for allowing water supplied through the inlet port to flow to the water reservoir. Water may be easily and conveniently supplied through the water supply port of the display unit without disassembling the outer case. In addition, water may be supplied even when the blower and the humidification unit are operating.