Humidification Module Dual Airflow Path Vaporization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing humidification devices face issues such as reduced humidification distance, energy inefficiency, white dust phenomenon, and non-vaporized droplet discharge, particularly in combination type humidifiers.

Innovation Solution

A humidification module with a housing that guides droplets generated by an ultrasonic vibrator using a fan, incorporating a first and second air current path for enhanced vaporization, and a mixing part to combine and spiralize the air currents for improved vaporization efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If water is heated using a heater in a combination type humidification device, then the vaporization degree is improved, but a large amount of energy is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevaporization degreeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ultrasonic vibration function and heater function into a single humidification device. The ultrasonic vibrator generates fine water particles while the heater simultaneously heats these particles, merging two functions (ultrasonic atomization and thermal vaporization) into one integrated system to achieve both fine particle generation and effective vaporization without requiring separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the temperature parameter by heating water to a specific range (50-80 degrees Celsius) rather than boiling point, and controls particle size through ultrasonic vibration frequency. This parameter optimization allows effective vaporization at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining high vaporization degree

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If an ultrasonic humidification device discharges fine water particles, then the peripheral portion is smoothly humidified, but the humidification degree is significantly reduced as distance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth humidificationVSAvoidhumidification distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of water particles by heating them to 50-80 degrees Celsius, transforming them from cold fine particles to warm vaporized particles. This parameter change increases the particles' buoyancy and dispersal capability, allowing them to travel farther distances while maintaining smooth humidification in peripheral areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces heated air as an intermediary medium that carries the fine water particles generated by the ultrasonic vibrator. The heated air current acts as a transport medium, propelling the vaporized water particles farther into the surrounding environment, thereby extending the effective humidification distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If an ultrasonic humidification device directly discharges fine water particles, then the device structure is simple, but a white dust phenomenon occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidwhite dust phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of water particles from ambient temperature to heated temperature (50-80 degrees Celsius). This parameter change causes the water particles to vaporize rather than remain as liquid droplets, eliminating the white dust phenomenon while maintaining the simple device structure of direct discharge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful fine water particles that cause white dust into beneficial vaporized water molecules through heating. The same ultrasonic-generated fine particles that would normally cause white dust are instead transformed into invisible vapor that provides effective humidification without the harmful side effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enhances vaporization rate, reduces energy consumption, minimizes white dust, and simplifies cleaning, while maintaining effective humidification across a broader area.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic type which makes water into fine particles through vibration using an ultrasonic vibrator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a heating type which heats water and discharges generated steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a fan configured to guide heated air to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4379273B1Humidification module and home appliance comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4379273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4379273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4379273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A humidification module includes a housing including a lower part to store water and a guide part to guide droplets generated from the stored water to an upper part of the housing, and a fan configured to guide heated air to the housing. The housing includes a first flow path through which a first part of the heated air guided by the fan passes through the lower part of the housing and is guided with the droplets to the upper part of the housing by the guide part, and a second flow path through which a second part of the heated air guided by the fan that vaporizes the droplets guided with the first part of the heated air passes and is guided to the upper part of the housing by the guide part.