Modular Air Cleaner with Vertical Stacking to Reduce Floor Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air cleaners face challenges in efficiently purifying air in both small and large indoor spaces, as single units with small capacity struggle to meet needs in small spaces while large units are inefficient in small spaces and occupy excessive area when multiple small units are used.
Innovation Solution
An air cleaner system that allows multiple modules to be coupled and separated, with rotatable connections to adjust capacity and optimize space utilization, enabling independent operation and integrated air purification without increasing floor area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple small-capacity air cleaners are provided to purify air in small indoor spaces, then the air purification capacity for small spaces is improved, but the floor area occupied by the air cleaners increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal placement (occupying floor area) to vertical stacking (utilizing vertical space). Multiple air cleaning modules are coupled vertically through connection units with elastic members that enable vertical engagement while maintaining electrical connections, thereby increasing air purification capacity without expanding floor footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cleaner is divided into multiple detachable modules, each capable of independent operation. These modular units can be stacked vertically to increase overall capacity while maintaining a compact footprint. The segmentation allows flexible configuration to match different space requirements.
2Productivity
If a large-capacity air cleaner is provided to cover large indoor spaces, then the air purification capacity for large spaces is improved, but it cannot simultaneously purify air in small indoor spaces efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple standardized modules that can be configured in different quantities and arrangements. For small spaces, a single module or fewer modules are used; for large spaces, multiple modules are stacked or arranged to increase capacity. This modular approach provides adaptability across different space sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions, allowing the same module type to serve both small and large space requirements through different configuration numbers. The modular design enables a single product line to address multiple market segments.
3Area of stationary object
If air cleaners are coupled to increase capacity and reduce floor area, then space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection units incorporate elastic members that provide dynamic coupling between modules. The elastic elements allow for self-alignment and automatic engagement during stacking, reducing the need for complex alignment mechanisms. The dynamic nature of the elastic coupling accommodates minor dimensional variations between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members in the connection units enable self-aligning and self-locking functionality during module coupling. When modules are stacked, the elastic elements automatically engage corresponding features on adjacent modules without requiring external alignment tools or complex fastening procedures, thereby simplifying the overall coupling mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an air cleaner capable of being coupled or separated in a vertical direction to improve space utilization. An air cleaner may include a first air cleaning module provided with a first connection unit, and a second air cleaning module detachably coupled to the first air cleaning module and provided with a second connection unit, wherein the second connection unit is configured to be detachably coupled to the first connection unit, and configured to be rotatable with respect to the first connection unit when the second connection unit is coupled to the first connection unit.