Humidity controlling material and humidity controlling apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users find it difficult to determine when to replace hygroscopic materials due to the lack of visibility into the amount of moisture absorbed, making it challenging to effectively use and manage humidity control.

Innovation Solution

A humidity controlling material comprising particles with hygroscopic substances and indicators that change color based on moisture levels, allowing for easy visualization of absorbed moisture, along with a housing apparatus for improved visibility and moisture management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If hygroscopic material is used to absorb moisture, then moisture absorption capability is improved, but visibility of absorbed moisture amount deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption capabilityVSAvoidvisibility of absorbed moisture amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates indicators that undergo color changes in response to moisture absorption. The first indicator changes color according to the amount of moisture in the first humidity controlling liquid, and the second indicator changes color according to the amount of moisture in the second humidity controlling liquid, providing visual feedback on moisture absorption status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses indicators as intermediary substances that mediate between the hygroscopic material and the user. These indicators translate the internal moisture absorption state into visible color changes, allowing users to understand the moisture absorption amount without directly observing the hygroscopic material itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If single indicator system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of moisture levels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindicator system complexityVSAvoidmoisture level detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the moisture detection range into different segments by using multiple indicators with different transition ranges. The first indicator covers one moisture range while the second indicator covers another moisture range, allowing precise measurement across the entire spectrum without requiring a single complex indicator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies the transition range parameter of different indicators to match different moisture absorption stages. By selecting indicators with appropriately different transition ranges, the system achieves comprehensive and precise moisture level detection throughout the entire absorption cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables users to easily understand and manage the amount of absorbed moisture, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of humidity control materials.

Implementation Method 1

a first particle capable of absorbing or discharging moisture in air; and a second particle capable of absorbing or discharging moisture in the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHygroscopic absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the first humidity controlling liquid includes a first indicator a color of which changes according to an amount of moisture contained in the first humidity controlling liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor change indication: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20230139423A1Humidity controlling material and humidity controlling apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.05.04 SHARP KK

AI summary

A humidity controlling material includes: a first particle; and a second particle. The first particle includes: a first humidity controlling liquid containing a hygroscopic substance; and a first holding portion holding the first humidity controlling liquid. The second particle includes: a second humidity controlling liquid containing the hygroscopic substance; and a second holding portion holding the second humidity controlling liquid. The first holding portion and the second holding portion are formed of a polymeric material. The first humidity controlling liquid includes a first indicator a color of which changes according to an amount of moisture contained in the first humidity controlling liquid. The second humidity controlling liquid includes a second indicator a color of which changes, in a transition range different from a transition range of the first indicator, according to an amount of moisture contained in the second humidity controlling liquid.