Detachable Air Sensor Module for Adaptive Purifier Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air treatment devices lack flexibility in operational modes and are not easily adaptable to varying air quality conditions, making them less effective in unpredictable environments and more expensive for advanced features.
Innovation Solution
A detachable sensor module with connectors for data transmission to air treatment devices, allowing for automatic operational control based on particulate and gaseous matter measurements, enabling modular design and increased flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If air treatment devices provide automatic operational modes with sensors to adapt to varying air quality conditions, then the flexibility and adaptability of the device is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is separated from the air treatment device into a detachable component. This segmentation allows the device to offer advanced sensor-based automatic operational modes when the sensor module is attached, while maintaining simplicity when the module is removed. The air treatment device itself remains relatively simple in structure, with the complex sensing and measurement functionality isolated in a separate module that can be attached or detached as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed with universal mating means that can be attached to the air treatment device to enable automatic operational modes. The same sensor module could potentially be used with different air treatment devices, and the device can function in both manual and automatic modes depending on whether the sensor module is attached. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to serve multiple operational needs without permanently increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air treatment devices include built-in sensors for automatic control, then the operational adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensor module as a separate detachable component rather than integrating it permanently into the air treatment device, the manufacturing costs are distributed. Manufacturers can produce the air treatment device at a base price and offer the sensor module as an optional add-on, allowing customers to pay only for the advanced sensor-based operational adaptability if they need it, rather than all devices having to include expensive built-in sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed as a detachable component that can be independently manufactured and potentially replaced or upgraded. This approach allows the use of specialized sensors in the module without requiring the entire air treatment device to be manufactured at a high cost. The module can be produced separately with optimized cost structures, and users can choose to attach it only when they require the enhanced operational adaptability.
3Device complexity
If air treatment devices are designed with fixed operational modes, then the device simplicity and robustness are improved, but the flexibility to adapt to different air quality conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed operational mode design to a dynamic configuration where the operational capabilities can change based on whether the sensor module is attached or detached. The air treatment device maintains its simple, robust fixed-mode operation as the default state, but gains dynamic adaptability when the sensor module is attached, allowing it to automatically adjust to varying air quality conditions. This dynamic approach preserves simplicity while enabling flexibility when needed.
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 solution enhances the flexibility of air treatment devices by allowing automatic operational control based on real-time measurement data, improving performance and adaptability to varying air quality conditions without increasing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor arranged in the recess and adapted to detect particulate matter
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor arranged in the recess and adapted to detect gaseous matter
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification relates to an air treatment device and a detachable sensor module. The air treatment device comprises a user interface configured to display, for selection by a user, at least one static or open-loop operational mode to be executed by a controller; and a wall comprising one or more pervious sections towards an ambient volume. One side of the wall comprises a connector for mating with a corresponding connector of the detachable sensor module, and the connector, when the sensor module is present, enables a data connection from the sensor module to the controller. When the data connection is enabled, the user interface is configured to display at least one closed-loop operational mode, in which the controller controls the air treatment section in response to measurement data relating to the ambient volume received from the sensor module.