Dual Humidification Filter Layout for Quiet Air Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical humidifiers lack a separate air cleaning function and often perform humidification even when air cleaning is desired, with inadequate air filtration capabilities and noise issues due to their combined structure.
Innovation Solution
A humidification and air cleaning apparatus that separates humidification and air cleaning functions, using two types of filters: a water tank humidification medium with high moisture absorption power and a discharge humidification medium with low pressure loss and reduced noise, featuring a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material and a polyurethane material respectively, along with a pre-filter and humidification filter configuration to prevent water splashing and optimize airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical humidifier adds a filtration function to the humidification process, then air cleaning capability is improved, but the device cannot operate only for air filtration and must perform humidification even when air cleaning is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the air treatment system into separate functional modules: a filtration system with pre-filter and main filter, and a humidification system with water tank and humidification filter. This segmentation allows independent operation of each function, resolving the contradiction by enabling the device to perform air cleaning alone or humidification alone, rather than forcing combined operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus achieves multi-functionality through modular design where the same air handling system can serve both filtration and humidification purposes. The control unit enables universal operation by selecting different functional modes (filtration-only or humidification-only), allowing the device to adapt to different user needs without compromising operational flexibility.
2Device complexity
If a single humidification filter is used in typical humidifiers, then device structure is simple, but humidification performance is insufficient and noise is high
Solution Approach 1:
The humidification system uses segmented filtration with a pre-filter and a main humidification filter. The pre-filter removes large particles and protects the main filter, while the main filter provides fine filtration for effective humidification. This segmentation improves humidification performance and reduces noise from air turbulence without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different filter sections have different local qualities optimized for their specific functions. The pre-filter has larger pores for coarse filtration, while the main humidification filter has smaller pores for fine filtration and moisture generation. This local optimization enhances overall humidification performance while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Reliability
If a humidification filter with high moisture absorption power is used, then humidification performance is improved, but pressure loss increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into a pre-filter that handles coarse particles with minimal pressure loss, and a main humidification filter that provides fine filtration and moisture absorption. This segmentation allows the high-performance humidification filter to operate at optimal pressure by having the pre-filter protect it and handle preliminary filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-filter acts as an intermediary between the air intake and the main humidification filter. It removes large particles and reduces the load on the main filter, thereby reducing pressure loss across the humidification filter while maintaining its high moisture absorption performance.
4Productivity
If water spraying is used for humidification, then humidification efficiency is improved, but water splashing occurs causing operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-filter serves as an intermediary structure that intercepts and contains water droplets before they can splash outward. It provides a barrier that captures excess water from the spraying mechanism, preventing water from reaching the motor and other sensitive components while still allowing efficient humidification to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of water splashing into a benefit by using the pre-filter to capture and redirect water droplets. The water that would otherwise cause damage is instead contained and channeled appropriately, turning a harmful side effect into a controlled feature that maintains humidification efficiency without operational problems.
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 allows for intuitive operation, improved humidification performance, reduced noise, and effective air cleaning by using distinct filters that enhance moisture absorption and reduce pressure loss, providing a comfortable and efficient environment.
Implementation Method 1
a water tank humidification medium disposed between the blower unit and the discharge humidification medium to humidify flowing air
Implementation Method 2
a pre-filter preventing water sprayed by the watering unit from splashing
Implementation Method 3
a discharge humidification medium disposed on the discharge flow passage to additionally humidify flowing air
Implementation Method 4
a filtering flow passage filtering air flowing to the intake flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes an intake flow passage suctioning external air, a discharge flow passage discharging internal air, a blower unit flowing air flowing to the intake flow passage to the discharge flow passage, a discharge humidification medium disposed on the discharge flow passage to additionally humidify flowing air, a water tank humidification medium disposed between the blower unit and the discharge humidification medium to humidify flowing air, and a watering unit spraying water between the water tank humidification medium and the discharge humidification medium.