Dual-Module Air Cleaner with Cylindrical Cases for 360-Degree Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air cleaners have limited capacity and reliability due to structural resistance and directional suction, resulting in incomplete air purification and increased noise when trying to improve fan performance, requiring user movement to achieve desired air purification.

Innovation Solution

The air cleaner design incorporates dual blowing devices with cylindrical cases and 360-degree suction ports, a dividing device, and a flow adjusting mechanism to enhance suction capacity and air distribution, preventing re-introduction of discharged air and improving spatial utilization with a centrally located PCB device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fan blowing amount is increased to improve air purification performance, then air purification capacity is improved, but noise 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 air purification capacity to be increased through multiple units working together rather than overloading a single fan, thus maintaining lower noise levels and higher reliability for each individual fan unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If single directional discharge is used to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but air distribution coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution coverageVSAvoiddischarge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the air discharge function into multiple discharge ports (first discharge port in upper portion, second discharge port in lower portion) with different discharge directions. This allows purified air to be distributed to different spatial zones simultaneously, expanding coverage without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds vertical dimension to air discharge by providing both upper and lower discharge ports with different discharge directions (upward and lateral/downward). This multi-dimensional discharge approach expands air distribution coverage throughout the indoor space without increasing horizontal complexity.

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

3Productivity

If rectangular parallelepiped case shape is used for compact design, then ease of manufacture is improved, but suction capacity is reduced due to structural resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction capacityVSAvoidcase manufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cylindrical case shape instead of a rectangular parallelepiped. The curved cylindrical surface eliminates corner portions that create structural resistance, enabling smoother air flow and higher suction capacity. The cylindrical shape is also easily manufacturable using standard molding techniques.

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, ensures comprehensive air purification, reduces noise, and allows for efficient air distribution in various directions, improving the overall air cleaning performance and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The air cleaner may include a blower that introduces outside air into the air cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Implementation Method 2

a filter capable of filtering dust and bacteria

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3211335B1Air cleaner
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3211335B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3211335B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3211335B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air cleaner is provided that includes a first air cleaning module including a first fan that generates an air flow toward a first discharge outlet from a first suction inlet; a second air cleaning module including a second fan that generates an air flow toward a second discharge outlet from a second suction inlet; a divider provided between the first air cleaning module and the second air cleaning module, the divider including a dividing plate space; and a printed circuit board (PCB) device provided in the dividing plate space.