Reduced-size device for air purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional small air filtration devices are limited in their ability to effectively purify a large volume of air due to their design, which typically draws air in through lateral faces and exhausts it through the upper face, resulting in inefficient filtration and noise.

Innovation Solution

A compact air filtration device that draws air in through the upper part and exhausts it through the lateral sides, utilizing a pre-filter and HEPA-type filters, with an air overpressurization system to achieve high flow rates and efficient filtration, maintaining quiet operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional small air filtration devices draw air through lateral faces and exhaust through upper face, then device structure is simple, but air filtration efficiency is poor and noise is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair filtration efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional air intake and exhaust configuration. Instead of drawing air through lateral faces and exhausting through the upper face, the device draws air through the upper face (equipped with pre-filter) and exhausts through lateral faces (equipped with HEPA filters). This inversion resolves the technical contradiction by achieving high filtration efficiency while maintaining a simple compact structure suitable for small devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Volume of moving object

If device dimensions are reduced for compactness, then device is more discreet, but air purification capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidair purification capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different filter types to different locations: pre-filters are placed on the upper face where air is drawn in, while HEPA filters are placed on lateral faces where air is exhausted. This localized arrangement maximizes filtration efficiency within the compact device volume, enabling high air purification capacity (400-3000 m³/h) despite reduced dimensions (250-900mm height, 200-700mm width, 300-600mm depth).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by distributing filtration surfaces across multiple faces (upper face and four lateral faces) rather than relying on a single large surface. This dimensional distribution allows the compact device to achieve a large total filtration surface area, maintaining high air purification capacity while keeping the device discreet and space-saving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If high flow rate is achieved for effective air purification, then air purification capacity increases, but operating noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow rateVSAvoidoperating noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the air filtration process into two stages using different filter types: pre-filters on the upper face for initial particle removal, and HEPA filters on lateral faces for fine particle filtration. This segmentation allows each filter to operate at optimal pressure differential, achieving high total flow rate (400-3000 m³/h) while minimizing the noise generated by any single filter element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device achieves high air filtration efficiency, capable of purifying over 50 m3 of air quietly and efficiently, with a compact design that maintains low pressure loss and high filtration surface area, effectively reducing fine particle concentrations in a room.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pre-filter type filter (6) made of a flexible foam-like material or a fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

at least four side walls (3) each comprising at least one filter (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

at least one air overpressurization means (7), connected to the power source and enabling the air (A) to flow through the device (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20240082771A1Reduced-size device for air purification

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 AIRINSPACE BV

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for air purification, including: a base that may or may not be in direct contact with the surface on which it is placed, which base preferably has a rectangular contour; at least four side walls each including a filter, which side walls are preferably perpendicular to the base; an upper wall, on the face opposite its base including a prefilter-type filter formed of a flexible, foam or even fabric, honeycomb material; a source of electrical power; an air pressurizer connecting to the power source and ensuring the flow of air through the device; a duct between the filter on the upper wall and the air pressurizer. The pressurizer ensure air is sucked through the filter on the upper wall towards the air pressurizer, then flows from the pressurising to each filter in each side wall, before its discharge to the exterior of the device.