Air purifier and air purifying system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air purifiers are not customizable to specific residential environments, particularly those with atypical shapes and sizes, and require manual modification of filters to adapt to different spaces, limiting their effectiveness in efficiently cleaning multiple areas.

Innovation Solution

An air purifying system comprising multiple independently operating air purifiers supported by a docking station, allowing for flexible configuration and operation in various spaces, with a design that includes a backbone and pedestals for easy handling and stacking, and flow guides for efficient air discharge, enabling optimal air cleaning capacity distribution based on space needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single air purifier is mass-produced in a predetermined size and shape, then manufacturing cost is reduced and production efficiency is improved, but the device cannot be customized to fit various indoor spaces with atypical shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass production efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to different indoor spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air purifier is divided into multiple detachable stages that can be separated and reconfigured. Each stage can be independently produced through mass production, yet the modular design allows flexible arrangement to adapt to different indoor space requirements, resolving the contradiction between mass production efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air purifier incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the device to dynamically change its configuration. The detachable stages can be repositioned and rearranged to suit various indoor environments, maintaining mass production benefits while achieving adaptability to different space shapes and sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the filter is manually modified by the user to adapt to different spaces, then adaptability is improved, but the operation complexity increases and user burden is added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization to installation environmentVSAvoidmanual modification requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air purifier is designed with detachable stages that can be easily separated and reconfigured without manual modification of internal components. Users can simply attach or detach stages to adapt to different spaces, eliminating the need for complex filter modifications while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air purifier incorporates self-adjusting features and pre-configured detachable stages that allow users to adapt the device to different spaces through simple attachment operations rather than manual modification. The design enables users to benefit from customization without the burden of complex assembly or modification tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple air purifiers are used to cover various indoor spaces, then air cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of multiple areasVSAvoidnumber of devices required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single air purifier is segmented into multiple detachable stages that can be distributed to cover different indoor spaces. Instead of requiring multiple separate devices, users can separate the stages of one purifier and place them in different locations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-area coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable stages of the air purifier are designed to be universal and interchangeable, allowing a single multi-stage purifier to function as multiple individual units. This multi-functionality enables one device to cover various indoor spaces that would otherwise require several separate air purifiers, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If the air purifier is designed with fixed structure, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to adapt to different configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredetermined design consistencyVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air purifier is designed with standardized detachable stages that maintain precise manufacturing specifications for each component. The segmentation allows each stage to be manufactured with high precision independently, while the standardized interfaces enable flexible reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system provides efficient air cleaning in various spaces without manual user intervention, addressing diverse physical and environmental needs by allowing air purifiers to be easily moved and configured, ensuring effective air purification across different areas with improved space efficiency and user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

a fan and a filter, the fan to move air to be treated through the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a filter to filter dust, germs, etc. in the suctioned air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3712518B1Air purifier and air purifying system
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3712518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3712518B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3712518B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air purifying system may include at least three air cleaners or purifiers capable of independently operating and a docking station to support the at least three air purifiers. Since the air purifiers may be separated or stacked together on the docking station, the air purifying system may be operated in various states desired by a user.