Cylindrical Air Cleaner Layout for 360-Degree Intake Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air cleaners have limited capacity to purify air across an entire indoor space due to structural design limitations, resulting in reduced suction capacity and limited air flow directionality, which decreases their effectiveness in cleaning corners and areas away from the device.

Innovation Solution

The air cleaner incorporates a cylindrical design with multiple suction ports along its circumference for 360-degree air intake and features dual blowing devices with a flow adjusting mechanism, allowing for enhanced air suction and directional air discharge, including upward, forward, and lateral directions, to improve coverage and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the blowing amount of the fan is increased to improve air purification performance, then the purification capacity is improved, but noise generated by the fan increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification capacityVSAvoidproduct reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the blowing function into multiple fans (first blowing fan and second blowing fan) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total airflow without requiring any single fan to operate at high noise-generating speeds, thus maintaining reliability while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces directional diversity by positioning fans to blow air in different directions (upward direction via first blowing fan, forward and lateral directions via second blowing fan). This multi-dimensional air distribution enables comprehensive space coverage without increasing individual fan workload excessively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a single blowing fan is used to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the blowing capacity and air flow distribution are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblowing capacityVSAvoidfan configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each fan unit is designed to serve multiple functions: the first blowing fan provides upward air flow for general circulation, while the second blowing fan provides forward and lateral air flow for corner coverage. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive air distribution without requiring overly complex specialized components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The blowing system is segmented into multiple independent fan units with distinct functions and positions. This segmentation enables each fan to operate efficiently within its optimized range while collectively achieving high blowing capacity and versatile air flow distribution patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If air is discharged in only one upward direction to simplify the discharge structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air cleaning function is limited as purified air does not reach distant spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification coverage areaVSAvoiddischarge structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-direction (vertical) air discharge to multi-directional air discharge by positioning the second blowing fan to release air in forward and lateral directions. This dimensional expansion of air flow patterns enables purified air to reach corners and distant spaces throughout the indoor environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The air discharge system is made dynamically adaptable to different spatial requirements through the coordinated operation of multiple fans with different discharge orientations. This dynamic configuration allows the system to effectively cover various areas including corners and distant spaces without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If a rectangular parallelepiped case structure is used for simplicity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but corner portions create structural resistance that reduces suction capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction capacityVSAvoidcase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cylindrical case structure instead of a rectangular parallelepiped. This curved, corner-free geometry eliminates structural resistance at corners that would otherwise impede air suction, thereby maximizing suction capacity while remaining manufacturable using standard cylindrical forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 increases suction capacity and air flow distribution, ensuring better air purification across a larger area, including corners and distant spaces, while preventing re-introduction of discharged air and enhancing filter replacement accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

a blower that introduces outside air into the air cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Data Source

PatentEP3211336B1Air cleaner
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3211336B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3211336B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3211336B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air cleaner is provided. The air cleaner may include a first air cleaning module including a first fan, a first filter, and a first inlet through which air is suctioned in a radial into the first filter; a second air cleaning module provided over the first air cleaner including a second fan, a second filter, and a second inlet through which air is suctioned in the radial direction to the second filter; and an air flow controller coupled with the second air cleaning module and including a third fan to control a flow of the air discharged from the second air cleaning module.