humidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifiers face challenges in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, particularly with the accumulation of bacteria and microbes in filters and fans, leading to poor air quality and safety concerns due to unsterilized water and ultraviolet light leakage.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier design that incorporates a sterilization module emitting ultraviolet light to sterilize the filter, fan, and humidifying chamber, with safety features to prevent UV light leakage and ensure hygiene by controlling UV emission based on the assembly's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided to filter intake air, then air purification is improved, but bacteria or microbes accumulate in the filter over time, deteriorating air purification performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a sterilization lamp that activates before the filter becomes contaminated. The control unit detects filter usage duration and automatically triggers UV sterilization at predetermined intervals, preventing bacterial accumulation before it deteriorates air purification performance. This proactive approach maintains the filter's effectiveness over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization lamp acts as an intermediary element between the filter and bacterial contamination. By positioning the UV lamp adjacent to the filter and directing sterilization light through the filter material, the system creates a protective mechanism that eliminates microbes without affecting the filter's primary filtration function.
2Reliability
If ultraviolet light is used for sterilization, then hygiene is improved, but ultraviolet light may leak to the outside causing safety accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing UV light through specific pathways that exploit the filter's structural properties. The sterilization light is channeled through the filter medium itself, which blocks UV transmission in the outward direction while allowing sterilization of the filter's internal surfaces. This localized application of UV energy achieves sterilization without external leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter serves as an intermediary barrier that transmits UV sterilization light to the necessary areas while blocking harmful UV radiation from escaping to the external environment. The control unit manages the timing and intensity of UV emission, ensuring sterilization effectiveness while preventing safety hazards from light leakage.
3Reliability
If the sterilization module emits ultraviolet light continuously, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through a control unit that manages UV lamp operation based on predetermined schedules and operational conditions. The sterilization lamp activates at specific intervals determined by filter usage duration, ambient conditions, and system state, rather than operating continuously. This periodic operation maintains sterilization effectiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption and minimizing safety risks from prolonged UV exposure.
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 effectively sterilizes key components, enhancing air quality and safety by preventing bacterial and microbial accumulation, while ensuring safe operation by controlling UV light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilization module disposed on the base cover and configured to emit ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic humidifier includes a vibrator for generating vibrations using ultrasonic waves, and sprays water that is atomized by vibration of the vibrator
Implementation Method 3
The humidifier may generate humidified air by evaporating water using natural vaporization, heating vaporization, and ultrasonic vibration
Data Source
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AI summary
A humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a case; a base disposed below the case; a base cover which is disposed above the base, and to which the case is removably coupled; a humidifying assembly disposed in the case and configured to generate mist, a filter disposed below the humidifying assembly; and a sterilization module disposed on the base cover and configured to emit ultraviolet light, wherein in response to the case being coupled to the base cover and the filter being seated, the sterilization module is configured to emit ultraviolet light to an inner hollow of the filter, thereby preventing a safety accident, and controlling hygiene in the humidifier.