Parallel Tubular Humidity Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for setting and controlling gas humidity are complex, costly, and require unnecessary components like flow meters, making them unsuitable for applications requiring precise and uncomplicated humidity control, such as calibration and research.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least one active tubular member for humidity adjustment and one inactive member, allowing gas to flow without alteration, controlled by a system that compares actual humidity to a reference value to adjust access to the tubular members, eliminating the need for complex components and enabling quick and accurate humidity setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex components like flow meters are used in humidity control devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flow meter component from the humidity control device entirely. Instead of measuring and controlling humidity based on flow rate measurements, the device uses direct humidity sensing and controlling means that bypass the need for flow measurement, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining humidity control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The humidity sensing means directly sense the humidity level and provide feedback to the controlling means, which automatically adjusts the humidity setting means. This self-regulating system eliminates the need for external flow measurement and complex control algorithms, achieving accurate humidity control through inherent system feedback
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow-through members are used to control humidity, then humidity control range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control where the controlling means actively adjusts the operation of humidity setting means based on real-time feedback from humidity sensing means. This dynamic adjustment allows a single tubular member to effectively provide a broad humidity control range by varying its operation rather than requiring multiple fixed-flow-through members
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the humidity setting means and the flow path, while the controlling means integrates multiple control functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the device while maintaining versatile humidity control capability
3Manufacturing precision
If complex control systems are used for humidity control, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where humidity sensing means continuously monitor the humidity level and provide information to the controlling means. The controlling means compares the sensed humidity with the desired setpoint and automatically adjusts the humidity setting means accordingly, achieving precise control through simple automatic feedback rather than complex manual control mechanisms
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 device achieves precise and rapid humidity control across a broad range without complex components, reducing noise and maintenance, and is suitable for applications requiring controlled humidity levels.
Implementation Method 1
humidity sensing means for sensing the humidity of the gas in the device
Implementation Method 2
a humidity decreasing tubular member adapted to let gas flow through and decrease the humidity of the gas
Implementation Method 3
a humidity increasing tubular member adapted to let gas flow through and increase the humidity of the gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device (1) for setting and controlling the humidity of a gas comprises means (14) which are adapted to realize a flow of a gas in the device (1) during operation thereof; means which are adapted to perform a humidity setting action on gas flowing through the device (1) during operation thereof, comprising at least two members (21, 22, 23) for the gas to flow through, arranged in parallel, namely at least one of a drying member (21) and a humidifying member (23), and at least one inactive member (22); and means (26, 30, 31) for controlling access to the tubular members (21, 22, 23) of the humidity setting means, at least at one end of the tubular members (21, 22, 23), in dependence of an actual value as measured during operation of the device and a reference value of the humidity of the gas.