Cyclonic Vessel Air Purification With Integrated Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to simultaneously purify, humidify, and dehumidify air while maintaining controlled humidity levels, leading to inadequate indoor air quality management, especially in enclosed environments where pollutants and humidity extremes pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid humidity control and air purification device that includes a cyclonic vessel, cold water baths, a heat pump, water pumps, sensors, and a controller to automate humidity and air quality control, using phase change materials and antiseptic additives to maintain setpoint humidity levels and sanitize the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air purification devices are used, then air purification is achieved, but humidity control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air purification and humidity control functions into a single integrated device. The cyclonic vessel performs both particle separation and humidity regulation simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate air purifier and humidifier/dehumidifier devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclonic vessel is designed as a multi-functional component that can purify air, humidify, and dehumidify based on operating conditions. The same device structure adapts to perform different functions depending on water reservoir presence and operational mode.
2Reliability
If filters are used for air purification, then air quality improves, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the filter component entirely from the air purification system. Instead of using filters that require periodic replacement or cleaning, the system uses cyclonic separation technology that has no consumable parts requiring maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclonic vessel performs self-cleaning through its design, where water flow automatically removes accumulated particles from the separation chamber, eliminating manual intervention for maintenance.
3Reliability
If humidity control devices are used, then humidity levels are regulated, but air purification function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates humidity control mechanisms within the air purification pathway. The cyclonic vessel and water reservoir system work together to regulate humidity while simultaneously removing particles from the air stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The water reservoir system serves dual purposes: it provides water for humidification when needed and acts as a weight reference for the humidity sensor to enable dehumidification mode, while the same structure maintains air purification functionality.
4Loss of substance
If manual filter replacement is required, then cost is reduced, but time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates filters from the system entirely, removing both the ongoing cost of filter replacement and the time required for maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclonic separation system operates continuously without interruption for maintenance, as particles are automatically removed by water flow during normal operation, ensuring uninterrupted air purification.
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 effectively purifies air, controls humidity between 30-60%, meets EPA PM2.5 standards, and sanitizes the system, providing a self-sustaining solution for indoor air quality management without the need for filter changes.
Implementation Method 1
spinning the environmental air propels particulates in the environmental air into the water stream, thus purifying the air
Implementation Method 2
spinning the environmental air propels particulates in the environmental air into the water stream
Implementation Method 3
A second cold water bath includes a phase change material
Implementation Method 4
a heat pump, a water pump, a secondary heater
Implementation Method 5
a first cooling coil, a second cooling coil
Implementation Method 6
a heating chamber, a heating coil located in the heating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid humidity control and air purification device and method for hybrid humidity control and air purification. The hybrid device is a single unit capable of humidifying dry environmental air, dehumidifying humid environmental air and removing particulates and contaminants from the air. The device controls the outgoing air to a relative humidity setpoint between 35-50% with negligible particulate matter content. Particulate matter is transferred to water, which may be supplied and flushed by an automatic water pumping system.