Modular Air Handling Stack With Magnetic Assembly and Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current small household air handling appliances, such as humidifiers, purifiers, and dehumidifiers, occupy multiple sockets and space, cluttering homes and affecting indoor appearance and living environment due to their standalone nature.

Innovation Solution

A modular air handling system with a base and interchangeable air handling devices that use magnetic attraction and connecting members for easy assembly and space-saving upper-lower stacking, incorporating a top cover with a detection unit and sensors for air quality monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple standalone air handling appliances are used to meet diverse air quality needs, then functional versatility is improved, but space occupation and power line clutter increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple air handling functions (humidifying, purifying, dehumidifying) into a single integrated appliance. The housing contains multiple air handling devices that can be selectively activated, allowing one device to replace several standalone appliances and reduce space occupation while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The air handling system is designed with multi-functional capability through interchangeable air handling devices. The base unit can accommodate different functional modules (humidifier, purifier, dehumidifier) that can be stacked or removed as needed, enabling one universal platform to perform multiple air quality functions.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple standalone air handling appliances are used to provide diverse air handling functions, then functional versatility is improved, but power line clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidpower line clutter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple air handling functions into a single integrated appliance with a unified power supply system. The base unit contains a common power source that can supply power to different functional modules, eliminating the need for multiple separate power lines and reducing power line clutter while maintaining access to diverse air handling functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If traditional air handling devices are designed as standalone units, then structural simplicity is maintained, but space utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidspace utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where air handling devices are stacked vertically on top of the base unit. The devices are arranged in a space-efficient configuration that utilizes vertical space, allowing multiple functional units to occupy minimal floor space while maintaining their individual structural integrity and operational independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Volume of moving object

If air handling devices are made modular and stackable, then space saving is achieved, but assembly and connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace savingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air handling system is divided into modular segments: a base unit and multiple interchangeable air handling devices. Each module is designed with standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly. The segmentation allows for easy stacking and reconfiguration while maintaining structural simplicity through repetitive, standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from horizontal placement of multiple devices to vertical stacking arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the system achieves space savings without significantly increasing assembly complexity, as the modular design allows for straightforward vertical stacking with standardized connection points.

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

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 provides versatile functionality, saves space, simplifies installation, and allows for user-friendly operation while ensuring a firm structure and efficient air handling.

Implementation Method 1

a detection fan and a sensor are provided in the spacing between the detection air inlet and the detection air outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

modular air handling system with a base and interchangeable air handling devices that use magnetic attraction and connecting members for easy assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3165833B1Air handling system
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER GENERAL CORP LTD
  • EP3165833B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3165833B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3165833B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Disclosed is 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). An air outlet (102) is arranged on the top surface of the top cover (1), and at least one air inlet (191) is arranged on the bottom surface of the top cover (1); an air inlet is arranged on the bottom surface of the base (5), and at least one air outlet is arranged on the top surface of the base (5); and at least one air inlet (431) is arranged on the bottom surface of the air handling device (2, 3, 4), and at least one air outlet (432) is arranged on the top surface of the air handling device (2, 3,4).