Filter module and air purifier with the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air purifiers, especially portable ones, have inadequate air purification capabilities due to simple structures and large, complex designs, making them difficult to relocate and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A filter module with a tubular dust collection filter and a photocatalytic filter featuring a titanium oxide layer, combined with an ultraviolet radiator and fan, which allows for effective removal of fine dust, viruses, and odor molecules, and includes a removable hollow closure cap for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional air purifiers use simple filter structures to reduce device complexity, then ease of manufacture and portability are improved, but air purification function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter functions into a single integrated filter unit. The dust collection filter and photocatalytic filter are merged into one component that simultaneously performs particulate filtration and photocatalytic decomposition, resolving the contradiction by achieving comprehensive air purification without increasing device complexity or requiring multiple separate filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed to perform multiple functions: dust collection through physical filtration, photocatalytic decomposition of organic compounds and odors, and sterilization through UV irradiation. This multi-functional design allows a single filter component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate filtration systems, maintaining simplicity while enhancing purification capability.
2Reliability
If air purifier is configured with multiple filters in stages to improve air purification function, then purification performance is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filtration stages (dust collection, photocatalytic filtration, UV sterilization) are merged into a single integrated filter unit. This consolidation achieves multi-stage purification performance without the complexity of multiple separate filter components, mounting brackets, and airflow management systems that would be required in a traditional multi-filter configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter structure employs a nested arrangement where the photocatalytic filter layer is positioned within the dust collection filter, and the UV irradiation source is integrated within the same housing. This nesting allows multiple filtration functions to be stacked efficiently in a compact configuration, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining staged purification.
3Reliability
If air purifier uses large size and complex structure to provide comprehensive filtration, then air purification function is improved, but ease of relocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Comprehensive air purification functions (dust filtration, photocatalytic decomposition, UV sterilization) are merged into a single compact filter unit that replaces what would traditionally require multiple large separate components. This integration dramatically reduces the overall size and weight of the air purifier, making it portable and easy to relocate while maintaining comprehensive purification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter design utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional space optimization to accommodate multiple filtration stages within a compact footprint. By arranging filters and UV sources in vertical and radial configurations rather than horizontal expansion, the device achieves comprehensive filtration in a space-efficient manner that preserves portability.
4Reliability
If air purifier is designed with comprehensive filtration system to improve air purification function, then purification performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filtration functions are merged into a single manufactured unit, reducing the number of separate components that need to be produced, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the supply chain and manufacturing process while achieving comprehensive air purification, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs despite the enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed as a universal component that performs multiple purification functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each filtration type, allowing for more efficient manufacturing processes and reduced tooling costs compared to producing separate dedicated filters for dust, odors, and sterilization.
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 filter module and air purifier combination provides excellent performance in removing foreign matter, viruses, and bacteria, offering improved air purification capabilities while being compact and portable.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalytic filter configured to allow air introduced into the hollow and discharged out of the dust collection filter through an opening above the hollow to pass therethrough, the photocatalytic filter comprising a pore plate having a plurality of pores formed therein and a titanium oxide layer formed by laminating titanium oxide on a surface of the pore plate through which the air is discharged
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet radiator disposed above the photocatalytic filter so as to face the photocatalytic filter in the case, the ultraviolet radiator including an ultraviolet A light emitting diode (LED) configured to radiate ultraviolet A to the titanium oxide layer such that OH radicals are generated at the titanium oxide layer
Implementation Method 3
an ultraviolet C LED configured to radiate ultraviolet C used to sterilize air that has passed through the photocatalytic filter
Implementation Method 4
a fan disposed in the case, the fan being configured to move air such that the air is introduced into the case through the air inlet, passes through the filter module, rises, and is discharged out of the case through the air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A filter module includes: a dust collection filter, which is a tubular filter having a hollow formed therein, the dust collection filter being configured to filter out contaminants from air flowing from outside an outer circumference thereof toward an interior of the hollow; a photocatalytic filter configured to allow air introduced into the hollow and discharged out of the dust collection filter through an opening above the hollow to pass therethrough; a first filter holder configured to fixedly support the photocatalytic filter and an upper end of the dust collection filter so as not to obstruct air flowing from the interior of the hollow to the photocatalytic filter; and a second filter holder configured to fixedly support a lower end of the dust collection filter.