Modular Stacked Air Handling Assembly for Space-Saving Home Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current household air handling systems consist of multiple small appliances that occupy space and clutter power sockets, making them aesthetically unappealing and inefficient in terms of space usage, as they often require separate units for humidification, purification, and dehumidification.

Innovation Solution

An integrated air handling system with a modular design featuring a base, air handling devices, and a top cover, utilizing magnetic attraction and connecting members for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for various functions like dehumidification, purification, and humidification in a stacked configuration, which saves space and simplifies installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small household appliances are used for air handling functions, then various air treatment functions can be achieved, but the appliances occupy multiple sockets and take up home space, affecting indoor appearance and living environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair treatment functionsVSAvoidhome space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple air handling devices (humidifier, purifier, dehumidifier) into a single integrated air handling system. The devices are stacked vertically with shared structural components including a common base, top cover, and air circulation system, enabling multiple air treatment functions to be performed by one unified apparatus rather than separate appliances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from horizontal placement of multiple separate appliances to vertical stacking configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the system consolidates multiple functions into a single footprint location, reducing the horizontal space occupied while maintaining all required air handling capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small household appliances are used for air handling functions, then various air treatment functions can be achieved, but the power lines become cluttered with multiple sockets occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair treatment functionsVSAvoidpower line arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the power supply system by providing a single power inlet on the base that distributes electrical power to all stacked air handling devices. This unified power distribution approach eliminates the need for multiple separate power connections and reduces power line clutter while supporting multiple air treatment functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If air handling devices are integrated in a stacked configuration, then space is saved and installation is simplified, but the air circulation arrangement becomes critical and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace usageVSAvoidair duct arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the air circulation system into separate air inlets and air outlets for each stacked device, with each device having its own air intake and exhaust pathways. This segmentation allows independent air flow control for each function while maintaining a compact stacked configuration, managing the complexity through modular air handling zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If modular design with magnetic attraction is used, then assembly and disassembly become easy, but the structural connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassemblyVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs magnetic attraction forces that can dynamically adjust to maintain secure connections between stacked devices while allowing easy attachment and detachment. The magnetic force provides continuous holding strength during operation but permits simple assembly and disassembly by overcoming the magnetic attraction, balancing connection strength with operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 modular design enables efficient air circulation and easy maintenance, reducing the need for multiple appliances while optimizing space usage and improving indoor air quality through effective air handling and filtration.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing magnetic attraction and connecting members for easy assembly and disassembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3165835B1Air treatment system
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER GENERAL CORP LTD
  • EP3165835B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3165835B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3165835B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An air handling system comprising a top cover (1), a base (5) and at least one air handling device (2, 3, 4) arranged between the top cover (1) and the base (5). At least one air inlet (191) is arranged on the bottom surface of the top cover (1), an air inlet is arranged on a side wall of the air handling device (2, 3, 4) adjacent to the base (5), and at least one air outlet (432) is arranged on the top of the air handling device (2, 3, 4).