Contamination sensor, air purifier having the same and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purifiers require manual and unhygienic filter checking, leading to cumbersome processes and potential re-scattering of contaminants, with existing contamination sensors struggling to accurately determine filter contamination levels due to remote light emitter and receiver distances.
Innovation Solution
An air purifier equipped with a contamination sensor featuring a light emitter and receiver closely integrated within a housing, allowing for enhanced sensitivity in measuring contamination levels by emitting light towards or through the filter, and adjusting based on received light intensity to determine filter replacement and mounting status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual filter checking is implemented, then users can observe filter contamination level, but the process becomes cumbersome and unhygienic with potential re-scattering of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection method with an optical sensing system. A light emitter projects light through the filter to a light receiver, which detects changes in light intensity caused by contamination. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually remove and visually inspect filters, resolving the contradiction between accurate measurement and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If light emitter and receiver are disposed remotely, then device structure is simplified, but contamination sensor sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light emitter and light receiver into a single integrated contamination sensor unit disposed within the air purifier body. This merging allows the components to be positioned in close proximity to each other and to the filter, enhancing measurement sensitivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional integration.
3Extent of automation
If automatic contamination detection is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contamination sensor system performs automatic detection and assessment of filter contamination levels without requiring user intervention. The light emitter continuously projects light through the filter, the receiver detects contamination-induced light intensity changes, and the system automatically determines when filter replacement is needed, enabling the system to serve itself in monitoring its own operational status.
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
This solution enables automatic and accurate determination of filter contamination levels, reducing manual intervention and contamination risks, while ensuring efficient operation and user convenience by automatically adjusting the sensor according to filter conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitted from the light emitter can be reflected against or passed through the filter and then received at the light receiver
Implementation Method 2
The light emitter can project a visible light towards HEPA filter
Data Source
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AI summary
An air purifier includes a main body comprising an inlet configured to receive air and a discharger configured to discharge the air. The air purifier also includes a filter disposed within the main body and configure to purify contaminates from the air. The air purifier also includes a contamination sensor disposed adjacent to the filter and integrally includes a light emitter configured to emit a light toward the filter and a light receiver configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitter.