Heated Airflow Humidifier for Fine Mist Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic humidifiers face issues with mist particles sinking due to large particle diameter, leading to unsanitary conditions and temperature drops in indoor spaces, as the mist does not effectively distribute over long distances and tends to condense around the humidifier, promoting mold and bacteria growth.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a flow path heater within the blower flow path to heat the ascending air stream, which evaporates the mist, reducing particle size and allowing for uniform distribution across the indoor space, while a diversion guide and annular design facilitate the mist's upward trajectory and prevent condensation around the humidifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If ultrasonic oscillating elements are used to produce mist, then humidification is achieved, but mist particles sink down due to large particle diameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemist productionVSAvoidmist distribution distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the mist by heating it. The flow path heater increases the temperature of the mist particles, which reduces their density and increases their buoyancy, allowing them to be distributed over longer distances without sinking due to gravity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (flow path heater) between the mist generation and discharge processes. This heater acts as a mediator that modifies the mist properties by heating it, enabling the mist to overcome gravitational settling and achieve broader distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If mist is discharged without heating, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature in indoor space decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidindoor space temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by heating the mist in the flow path, which transforms the thermal state of the discharged air. This heated mist compensates for the cooling effect of evaporation and maintains or increases the indoor space temperature during humidification operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If unheated water is used for humidification, then energy consumption is reduced, but mist particle size remains large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmist particle size
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by heating the mist after generation but before discharge. This thermal parameter change reduces the mist particle size and improves atomization, achieving fine mist distribution without requiring high-energy ultrasonic vibration or pre-heating of the water

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables mist to be distributed over long distances without sinking, maintaining a clean environment, preventing moisture accumulation around the humidifier, and alleviating indoor temperature drops, thus enhancing user convenience and indoor comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a flow path heater disposed within the case, that heats the ascending air stream blown from the blower fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the heated ascending air stream evaporates the outgoing mist, thereby reducing the size of particles to be sprayed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a blower fan disposed below the humidification reservoir, that creates an ascending air stream within the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 4

a plurality of ultrasonic oscillating elements disposed at the bottom of the annular water reservoir, for creating mist

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4390254A1humidifier
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4390254A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4390254A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4390254A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a humidifier. A humidifier of the present disclosure includes: a case having an inlet and a outlet with an open top; a humidification reservoir disposed within the case, that produces mist and has an open top so that the produced mist rises therethrough; a blower fan disposed below the humidification reservoir, that creates an ascending air stream within the case; and a flow path heater disposed within the case, that heats the ascending air stream blown from the blower fan, wherein a discharge flow path is formed above the humidification reservoir, through which the ascending air stream and the mist produced in the humidification reservoir flow to the outlet, a blower flow path is formed inside the case, through which the ascending air stream blown from the blower fan flows to the discharge flow path, and the flow path heater is disposed in the blower flow path.