A carbon dioxide adsorption system suitable for use in an air purifier

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon dioxide adsorption systems in air purifiers require complex structures, high-concentration basic solutions, and additional discharge lines, posing safety risks and reducing flexibility due to electrochemical reactions and the need for electrodialysis units.

Innovation Solution

A simplified carbon dioxide adsorption system with separate tanks for storing basic solution, water, and chemical, allowing automatic preparation and discharge of high-concentration basic solution without additional discharge lines, eliminating the need for electrodialysis and electrochemical reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrodialysis unit is used to regenerate basic solution, then carbon dioxide adsorption efficiency is maintained, but device complexity increases and safety risks arise from hydrogen gas generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide adsorption efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the electrodialysis unit from the carbon dioxide adsorption system. Instead of regenerating the basic solution through complex electrochemical processes, the system directly discharges the spent basic solution and replaces it with fresh solution, thereby removing the source of hydrogen gas generation and simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining carbon dioxide adsorption efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts a disposable approach for the basic solution, treating it as a consumable resource rather than a material requiring regeneration. The basic solution is used until its carbon dioxide absorption capacity is exhausted, then discharged and replaced with fresh solution, eliminating the need for complex regeneration equipment and associated safety concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If electrodialysis unit with ion exchange membranes is used, then basic solution regeneration is achieved, but thermal resistance is low requiring auxiliary heating/cooling elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebasic solution regenerationVSAvoidthermal resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the electrodialysis unit and ion exchange membranes from the system, eliminating the thermal resistance issues associated with these components. The system no longer requires auxiliary heating or cooling elements, simplifying the temperature control requirements while maintaining the ability to manage basic solution effectiveness through direct replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If high-concentration basic solution is used for carbon dioxide adsorption, then adsorption efficiency increases, but chemical resistance requirements increase for selectively permeable structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide adsorption efficiencyVSAvoidchemical resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent treats the basic solution as a disposable consumable, allowing the use of high-concentration solutions that would be too aggressive for long-term use with regenerative systems. The high-concentration basic solution provides superior carbon dioxide adsorption efficiency, and since it is simply discharged and replaced rather than regenerated through chemically resistant membranes, the system can utilize more effective but chemically demanding solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If discharge line is added for carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas, then safety is improved, but product flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety from hydrogen gasVSAvoidproduct flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the source of hydrogen gas by removing the electrodialysis unit, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated hydrogen discharge line. The system only requires a simple discharge line for the basic solution itself, which significantly improves product flexibility while maintaining adequate safety through the removal of the electrochemical hydrogen generation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 efficient air purification with high-concentration basic solution, reduces safety risks, and increases flexibility by automating solution preparation and discharge, enhancing user satisfaction and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a basic solution suitable for adsorbing the carbon dioxide in the air received from the air inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the reaction of carbon dioxide gas with the basic solution results in the formation of carbonate (MHCO3 and/or MCO3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4703027A1A carbon dioxide adsorption system suitable for use in an air purifier
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ARCELIK AS
  • EP4703027A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4703027A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4703027A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide adsorption system (1) which is suitable to be used in an air purifier purifying the air in indoor environments. The carbon dioxide adsorption system (1) comprises at least one first tank (4) which has an air inlet (2) and an air outlet (3) and which stores a basic solution suitable for adsorbing the carbon dioxide in the air.