Dual-Flow Air Purification and Humidification Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air purifiers are inefficient due to their configuration, which only allows air to be introduced through the front side, limiting the effectiveness of air treatment and not effectively combining air purification and humidification processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with dual flow paths before and after a circulation fan, including a filter unit, a humidification unit, and a flow path control unit that can selectively direct air through either an air purification path or an air purification and humidification path, enhancing air transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is introduced only through the front side of the blower fan, then the structure is simple, but the air treatment efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air intake system into multiple independent intake ports (front side intake port and rear side intake port) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher air treatment efficiency by utilizing both front and rear intakes when needed, while maintaining structural simplicity by only activating the necessary ports for each operating condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of air intake paths through a flow path control unit that can switch between different intake configurations. The system dynamically adjusts which intake ports are active based on operational requirements, enabling the transition from simple single-port intake to complex multi-port intake without permanent structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a humidification filter is added to humidify air, then humidity control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the humidification filter into the existing filter assembly structure, allowing it to serve dual purposes: air purification through filtration and humidity control through its humidification function. This multi-functionality approach enables the system to achieve humidity control capability without adding completely separate humidification equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the humidification function with the filtration system by positioning the humidification filter within the filter assembly. This merging of functions allows purified air to simultaneously undergo humidification in the same structural space, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate filtration and humidification systems.
3Productivity
If dual flow paths are implemented before and after the circulation fan, then air transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air flow path into distinct front flow path and rear flow path sections, with the circulation fan positioned between them. This segmentation creates dual flow paths that can operate independently or in combination, improving air transfer efficiency by utilizing both paths while keeping each individual path relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation fan acts as an intermediary element that connects the front flow path and rear flow path. By positioning the fan as a mediating component between the two flow paths, the system achieves improved air transfer efficiency through coordinated operation of both paths without creating overly complex direct connections between them.
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 apparatus improves air transfer efficiency by allowing selective control over air purification and humidification paths, enabling the production of either purified or humidified air, or a mixture of both, based on user needs, thus enhancing the overall air treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation fan for causing the introduced air to flow to the discharge port
Implementation Method 2
a filter unit disposed in the case to filter the introduced air
Implementation Method 3
a humidification unit disposed at a low position in the case to supply the air passed through the filter unit with moisture
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for purifying and humidifying air which enables separate supply of purified air and humidified air and controls the amount of humidified air discharged and which includes dual flow paths to increase the efficiency of air transfer. The apparatus includes a case having a suction port through which external air is introduced thereinto and a discharge port through which the introduced air is discharged, a circulation fan for causing the introduced air to flow toward the discharge port, a filter unit disposed in the case to filter the introduced air, a humidification unit disposed at a low position in the case to supply the air passed through the filter unit with moisture, and a flow path control unit disposed between the suction port and the humidification unit to control flow of the air passed through the filter unit.