Humidity control unit and humidity control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing humidity control apparatus has a large size due to separate flow paths for supplying outdoor air into a room and discharging room air outside, which increases the overall size of the unit.
Innovation Solution
A humidity control unit with a single air passage that allows air to flow in reverse directions, using a moisture absorber and heat source to dehumidify or humidify air, and a controller to manage the air transport mechanism and heat source for efficient air flow between spaces, reducing the unit's size by eliminating the need for separate supply and discharge paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate flow paths are used for supplying outdoor air into a room and discharging room air outside, then air flow control is simplified, but the size of the humidity control apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air supply path and air discharge path into a single air passage (12). The air transport mechanism (M) switches the flow direction within this shared passage, allowing outdoor air to be supplied into the room and room air to be discharged outside through the same physical pathway, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air transport mechanism (M) dynamically switches the flow direction of air within the single air passage based on operational requirements. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to alternate between supply mode and discharge mode using the same passage, eliminating the need for separate fixed paths and reducing structural complexity.
2Volume of stationary object
If a single air passage is used for both air supply and discharge, then the apparatus size is reduced, but air flow direction control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air transport mechanism (M) provides dynamic flow direction control within the single air passage. By switching the mechanism's state, the system can reversibly change air flow direction without requiring complex static structural arrangements, thus managing control complexity while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single air passage (12) serves multiple functions: it acts as both the supply path and discharge path depending on the operational mode. This multi-functionality is enabled by the air transport mechanism (M) that switches flow direction, allowing one component to perform multiple roles and reducing overall system complexity despite the increased control requirement.
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 downsizes the humidity control unit while maintaining effective humidity control and ventilation by alternating air flow directions through a single passage, enhancing dehumidification and humidification capabilities and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture absorber (30, 32) arranged in the air passage (12) and configured to absorb moisture from air
Implementation Method 2
a heat source (21, 22, 32) arranged in the air passage (12) and configured to at least cool or heat the moisture absorber (30, 32)
Implementation Method 3
configured to absorb moisture from air and desorb the moisture to the air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The humidity control unit (10) includes: an air passage (12) through which a first space (S1) which is a target space and a second space (S2) communicate with each other; a moisture absorber (30, 32) arranged in the air passage (12) and configured to absorb moisture from air and desorb the moisture to the air; a heat source (21, 22, 32) arranged in the air passage (12) and configured to at least cool or heat the moisture absorber (30, 32); an air transport mechanism (M) configured to allow the air in the air passage (12) to flow in reverse directions; and a controller (C) configured to control the heat source (21, 22, 32) and the air transport mechanism (M).