Air purification module and air purification system including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification apparatuses become complicated and suffer from reduced energy efficiency due to the inclusion of filters and photocatalysts, leading to increased volume and decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
An air purification module is designed with multiple stages of filtration and photocatalyst activation, where contaminated air is divided into regions with reduced flow velocity and a light source module is positioned in one region to enhance exposure time and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter and photocatalyst are included in the air purification apparatus, then purification performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter and photocatalyst into a single integrated module where the photocatalyst is disposed on the filter surface. This merging of components maintains purification performance while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate filter and photocatalyst assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter serves dual functions: physical filtration of particles and support substrate for the photocatalyst. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both mechanical filtering and chemical decomposition, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining purification effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a filter and photocatalyst are included in the air purification apparatus, then purification performance is improved, but volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the photocatalyst layer with the filter structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate photocatalyst chambers or additional filtering components, thereby maintaining purification performance while reducing the overall volume of the air purification apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The photocatalyst is nested on the surface of the filter, creating a compact layered structure. This nesting arrangement allows both functions to coexist in a minimal volume, avoiding the need for separate dedicated spaces for each component.
3Reliability
If a light source is added to activate the photocatalyst, then purification performance is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system so that the light source is positioned to efficiently activate only the photocatalyst portion, and the integrated structure ensures that activated photocatalyst immediately processes pollutants in the air flow. This self-service arrangement maximizes the utility of light energy by minimizing activation time and maximizing immediate pollutant decomposition.
4Productivity
If the air flow velocity is increased, then productivity is improved, but purification performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated filter-photocatalyst structure ensures continuous purification action throughout the air flow path. As air passes through the filter, pollutants are continuously removed by both physical filtration and photocatalytic decomposition occurring simultaneously at the filter surface, maintaining high purification efficiency even at increased flow velocities.
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 module achieves improved purification performance and energy efficiency by extending the air exposure time to activated photocatalysts, reducing flow velocity, and optimizing light source placement.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalyst activated by an irradiated light
Implementation Method 2
the pollutants are adsorbed by a porous material having a wide predetermined surface area
Data Source
AI summary
An air purification module which purifies introduced unpurified air and discharge purified air, includes a first filter supporter extending in a first direction and having a penetrating shape including a first hollow region, a first filter which is supported by the first filter supporter and penetrates a side portion of the first filter supporter, a second filter supporter extending in the first direction, having a penetrating shape including a second hollow region, and disposed in the first hollow region, a second filter which is supported by the second filter supporter and penetrates a side portion of the second filter supporter, and a light source module disposed in the second hollow region.