Antibacterial Case Wall Thickness for Air Conditioner Evaporators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner technologies face challenges in preventing the propagation of microorganisms due to the volatilization of antibacterial agents, which is exacerbated by high temperatures and airflow, leading to a shortened lifespan and increased frequency of replacement.
Innovation Solution
An antibacterial agent case with a synthetic polymer structure, impregnated with allyl isothiocyanate, is designed with varying wall thickness to control volatilization, where the upstream side has a thicker wall to reduce airflow impact and the downstream side has a thinner wall to slow agent dissemination, preventing unnecessary volatilization and allowing easy replacement during filter maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a volatile antibacterial agent is provided in a vehicle air conditioner, then the antibacterial effect is improved, but the level of volatilization increases due to high temperatures and the lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric wall thickness in the antibacterial agent case. The upstream wall (facing airflow) is made thicker to reduce volatilization from the high-velocity side, while the downstream wall is thinner to allow controlled release. This spatial differentiation of wall thickness optimizes both antibacterial effectiveness and lifespan by balancing volatilization control with agent release.
2Quantity of substance
If the thickness of the case wall is reduced to increase volatilization, then the antibacterial agent release is improved, but the lifespan is shortened due to excessive volatilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through asymmetric wall thickness design. Different wall sections have different thicknesses to balance agent release and lifespan. The thinner downstream wall allows sufficient agent release while the thicker upstream wall compensates for high-velocity volatilization losses, achieving optimal balance between quantity released and duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-designing the case wall thickness to counteract the harmful effect of airflow-induced volatilization. The thicker upstream wall acts as a buffer that anticipates and mitigates the excessive volatilization caused by high-velocity airflow, preventing premature agent depletion before the air conditioner operates.
3Quantity of substance
If the antibacterial agent case is arranged in the upstream airflow side, then the agent dissemination is improved, but the volatilization increases due to direct airflow impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing asymmetric wall thickness specifically for the upstream-facing surface. The upstream wall is made thicker to compensate for direct airflow impact, while maintaining adequate agent dissemination through the thinner downstream wall. This localized structural adjustment allows the case to remain in the optimal upstream position without excessive volatilization losses.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the case wall is made thicker to reduce volatilization, then the lifespan is extended, but the agent dissemination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through local quality by making only the upstream-facing wall thicker while keeping the downstream wall thinner. This localized thickness differentiation allows the upstream wall to protect against volatilization losses (extending lifespan) while the downstream wall maintains adequate agent release (ensuring dissemination).
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 design extends the lifespan of the antibacterial agent, reduces airflow obstruction, and effectively prevents microorganism propagation by controlling the release of the agent in the direction of evaporator airflow, maintaining its effectiveness over time.
Implementation Method 1
the thickness of the wall of the abovementioned case is formed to allow gas permeation of the antibacterial agent
Implementation Method 2
affords the slow dissemination of the antibacterial agent
Implementation Method 3
prevent the volatilization of the antibacterial agent caused by a received flow
Data Source
AI summary
Air conditioner pertaining to the present invention in which a synthetic polymer case, in which an antibacterial agent impregnated in a medium such as a porous body or water-absorbing polymer is sealed, is arranged in the upstream airflow side and/or downstream airflow side of an evaporator, which air conditioner is characterized in that the thickness of the wall of the case is formed to allow gas permeation of the antibacterial agent, and in that the thickness of the wall on the downstream airflow side is less than the thickness of the wall on the upstream airflow side.