An air purifier filter system, an air purifier and a method for controlling an air purifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air purifiers lack an intelligent system to determine the optimal time for filter replacement, leading to potential wastage and reduced performance due to reliance on simple timers and airflow-based methods, which are insufficient for varied pollutant types and regenerated filters.
Innovation Solution
An air purifier filter system incorporating a machine-readable identifier that provides specific information about the filter type and performance, allowing for advanced prediction of filter end-of-life and usage-based advice, enabling accurate timing for filter changes and optimizing fan speeds based on pollutant exposure and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple timer or airflow-based methods are used to determine filter replacement time, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of filter replacement timing are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by reading the machine readable identifier on the filter unit before determining replacement timing. This allows the air purifier to pre-load filter-specific information (type, performance characteristics, target pollutants) into its memory, enabling more accurate replacement timing calculations that account for the specific filter's capabilities and degradation patterns under different pollution conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring air quality sensor data and comparing it against the filter's target pollutant specifications stored from the identifier. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust replacement timing recommendations based on actual pollution levels, filter performance degradation, and usage patterns, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single filter type is used in the air purifier, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different pollutant types and consumer needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air purifier is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate multiple filter types through the machine readable identifier system. The controller can read and store information about different filter types (formaldehyde filters, particulate filters, allergen filters) and their specific performance characteristics. This allows a single device to perform multiple filtering functions by simply changing the filter unit, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by storing and retrieving filter-specific parameters (target pollutant type, performance specifications, replacement timing) from the machine readable identifier. When a different filter type is installed, the system automatically updates its operating parameters and replacement timing calculations to match the new filter's characteristics, allowing versatile pollutant filtering capability while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If filter replacement is determined without considering filter type and pollutant exposure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information regarding optimal replacement timing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit itself provides the necessary information through its machine readable identifier, enabling the system to automatically retrieve filter type, performance characteristics, and target pollutant data without requiring user input. The air purifier then uses this information combined with sensor data to autonomously determine optimal replacement timing, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing information loss through automated information gathering and processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air purifier filter system comprises an air purifier filter unit and a machine readable identifier which provides information concerning the filter unit type and performance information specific to a target pollutant to be filtered by said air purifier filter unit from a plurality of different pollutants that can be filtered by that filter unit type. This information can be used to provide an end of life prediction for the filter unit or provide advice that the filter should be changed for other reasons. This enables the user to be given advance warning, and to be given instructions when it is time to change the filter unit. The instructions to change the filter unit may be more accurate than a simple timer as they can take account of the type of filter unit and the performance information. In some examples the use history of the filter unit may also be used to predict the time when it should be changed.