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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifying apparatuses do not effectively reduce bacterial contamination in stored water before atomization, leading to potential health risks and inefficient humidity control.
Innovation Solution
A humidifying apparatus with a chamber divided into an inlet and an outlet section by a baffle, where water is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation in both sections to reduce bacterial contamination, and an atomizing device is used to create a mist, with air flow generation and control mechanisms to maintain desired humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single chamber is used for storing water, then the device structure is simple, but bacterial contamination cannot be effectively reduced before atomization
Solution Approach 1:
The single water storage chamber is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber for water storage and a second chamber for atomization. This segmentation allows the water to be sterilized in the first chamber while providing a dedicated clean environment in the second chamber for atomization, effectively reducing bacterial contamination without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The atomization function is extracted from the storage chamber and placed in a separate second chamber. This extraction creates a distinct functional zone that is isolated from potential contamination sources in the storage chamber, allowing effective bacterial reduction while maintaining simple overall device structure.
2Reliability
If UV irradiation is applied to sterilize water, then bacterial contamination is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The UV irradiation system is merged with the first chamber structure, where the irradiation means is integrated into the chamber walls or base. This combining approach allows effective water sterilization while avoiding separate standalone sterilization equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the water storage container and the irradiation chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sterilization equipment, achieving effective bacterial reduction while maintaining simple device structure.
3Productivity
If water is stored in a large volume, then the humidification capacity is improved, but the time required for sterilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage is segmented into a large first chamber for bulk storage and a smaller second chamber for atomization. This segmentation allows the majority of water to be stored in the first chamber while only a portion is transferred to the second chamber for sterilization and atomization, maintaining high humidification capacity while reducing sterilization time.
Solution Approach 2:
Water is pre-sterilized in the first chamber before being transferred to the second chamber for atomization. This preliminary sterilization action ensures that the water is already treated before atomization begins, reducing the overall time required for the humidification process while maintaining large storage capacity.
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 effectively reduces bacterial contamination in stored water and maintains desired humidity levels, providing a safer and more efficient humidification process.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating means for irradiating water in both the inlet section and the outlet section of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
atomizing means for atomizing water stored in the outlet section of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
air flow generating means for generating an air flow over water stored in the outlet section of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Humidifying apparatus includes a chamber, and a water tank for supplying water to the chamber. A baffle located within the chamber divides the chamber into an inlet section and an outlet section, and guides water received from the water tank along the inlet section to the outlet section. An air flow is conveyed over water stored in the outlet section of the chamber and is emitted from the apparatus. Water within both the inlet section and the outlet section of the chamber is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation. The water within the outlet section is atomized by a transducer to humidify the air flow.