Humidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic humidifiers produce mist with large particle diameters that sink due to gravitational force, leading to unsanitary conditions and temperature drops in indoor spaces, as the mist does not effectively distribute over long distances and tends to concentrate around the humidifier, causing mold and bacteria growth.
Innovation Solution
The humidifier incorporates a flow path heater in the blower flow path to heat the ascending air stream, reducing mist particle size and ensuring it disperses uniformly across the indoor space, combined with a diversion guide to direct the air stream and a cylindrical humidification reservoir for efficient mist distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ultrasonic oscillating elements are used to produce mist, then humidification is achieved, but mist particles sink due to large diameter and gravitational force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the air stream to alter the physical state and behavior of mist particles. The flow path heater increases air temperature, which reduces mist particle diameter through evaporation and keeps particles suspended longer, enabling them to travel farther before settling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal dimension by adding heating functionality to the existing ultrasonic humidification system. This additional dimension (temperature control) transforms the mist delivery mechanism from passive gravitational settling to active thermal suspension and transport.
2Reliability
If mist is discharged without heating, then energy consumption is low, but mist sinks around the humidifier causing sanitary issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the air stream by introducing a flow path heater. This heating action reduces mist particle size and prevents settling, thereby improving sanitary conditions while accepting increased energy consumption as a necessary trade-off for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of energy consumption into a beneficial outcome. By deliberately heating the air stream, the system transforms what would be wasted energy into a useful function that prevents mist settling and eliminates the need for frequent cleaning around the humidifier.
3Device complexity
If unheated water is used for ultrasonic humidification, then the system is simple, but indoor space temperature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the discharged air stream by adding a heating function. This compensates for the cooling effect of evaporative humidification while maintaining the simplicity of using unheated water in the reservoir, thus resolving the temperature drop issue without complicating the water supply system.
4Productivity
If mist particle diameter is large, then mist production is efficient, but distribution distance is limited due to gravitational settling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the temperature parameter along the flow path to control mist particle size. The heater warms the air stream, causing partial evaporation that reduces particle diameter just enough to extend distribution distance while maintaining sufficient mist density for effective humidification.
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 allows for long-distance mist distribution without sinking, maintaining indoor space cleanliness and temperature stability by reducing particle size and ensuring uniform mist dispersal, thus enhancing user convenience and indoor comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a flow path heater disposed in the blower flow path, for heating the ascending air stream
Implementation Method 2
the heated ascending air stream evaporates the outgoing mist, thereby reducing the size of particles
Implementation Method 3
a blower fan disposed below the humidification reservoir, for creating an ascending air stream within the case
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of ultrasonic oscillating elements disposed at the bottom of the annular water reservoir, for creating mist
Implementation Method 5
the heated ascending air stream evaporates the outgoing mist
Implementation Method 6
the heated ascending air stream rises upward
Data Source
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.