Carbon Matrix Composite Air Purifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purification methods and devices often fail to effectively remove indoor air contaminants, as they are either not decorative or only mask odors without removing pollutants, leaving a need for an effective and aesthetically pleasing solution.

Innovation Solution

A carbon matrix composite comprising activated carbon, aerogel, and a water-based macromolecule, combined and processed into a decorative or structural support for an indoor air purification device, which captures contaminants through its microporous structure while maintaining a decorative appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional air purification devices are used, then air cleaning function is provided, but aesthetic appeal and decorative value are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidair cleaning function
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the air purification function with decorative objects by incorporating activated carbon into aesthetically pleasing forms such as vases, sculptures, and ornamental items. This allows the same object to serve both as a decorative piece and an air cleaning device, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appeal and air cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates multi-functional objects that simultaneously provide decorative value and air purification. By embedding activated carbon within decorative structures, a single object performs multiple functions: it decorates the space while actively removing contaminants, odors, and pollutants from the air.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If fragrances from sprays and candles are used, then odor masking is achieved, but actual contaminant removal does not occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor maskingVSAvoidcontaminant removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of masking odors with additional fragrances (which can create pollution), the patent converts the harmful odors and contaminants into beneficial removal through activated carbon's adsorption capability. The activated carbon actively captures and removes odor-causing molecules, pollutants, and contaminants, transforming the problem of odor masking into a solution of odor elimination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes activated carbon's porous structure to physically adsorb contaminants, odors, and pollutants from the air. The microporous structure provides extensive surface area for capturing harmful substances, enabling actual contaminant removal rather than mere odor masking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If activated carbon is used for air purification, then contaminant removal is effective, but aesthetic appeal and decorative value are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant removalVSAvoidaesthetic appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds activated carbon particles within decorative structures, nesting the functional material inside aesthetically pleasing forms. The activated carbon is incorporated into the interior structure of decorative objects like vases, sculptures, and ornaments, allowing the outer appearance to remain decorative while the inner structure provides air purification functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses decorative enclosures and shell structures to contain activated carbon while maintaining aesthetic appearance. The decorative outer shell or housing provides the visual appeal, while the activated carbon contained within performs the air cleaning function, effectively separating the aesthetic and functional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The carbon matrix composite effectively reduces indoor air contaminants like pollen, dust, smoke, and harmful gases, providing both functional air purification and decorative integration.

Implementation Method 1

The carbon matrix composite effectively removes or reduces an amount of contaminants present in air found indoors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8226752B2Method and apparatus for air purification
Publication Date: 2012.07.24 HUNAN WENXIANG CHINA CSIT
  • US8226752B2 patent drawing
  • US8226752B2 patent drawing
  • US8226752B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An air purification device that is decorative and effective in removing contaminants from indoor air. The air purification device includes a carbon matrix composite.