Particle sensing device and air conditioner including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional particle sensing devices require separate sensors for measuring concentrations of fine particles and ultrafine particles, which increases complexity and cost, whereas there is a need for a device that can measure both using a single sensor.
Innovation Solution
A particle sensing device with a flow path switching mechanism that directs air through a sensing path, utilizing a light generator and receiver, and a blower unit to selectively route air to either pass through or bypass a sensor, allowing fine and ultrafine particles to be measured using a single sensor by adjusting the flow path angles and using a driving motor to rotate the sensor and flow path components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for fine particles and ultrafine particles, then measurement accuracy for both particle types is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fine particle sensing and ultrafine particle sensing into a single sensor by integrating two sensing paths (first sensing path for fine particles, second sensing path for ultrafine particles) within one sensor structure. This merging approach maintains measurement accuracy for both particle types while reducing device complexity and cost compared to using separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is segmented into multiple functional paths within a single device. The first sensing path is optimized for fine particles while the second sensing path is optimized for ultrafine particles, allowing each path to specialize in detecting specific particle types while sharing common components like the light source and signal processing circuitry.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for both fine particles and ultrafine particles, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision for both particle types may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions or paths within the single sensor are optimized for different particle types. The first sensing path has characteristics optimized for fine particle detection while the second sensing path has characteristics optimized for ultrafine particle detection, ensuring high measurement precision for both particle types despite using a single sensor structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If air flow is directed through multiple paths to reach the sensor, then both fine and ultrafine particles can be captured, but flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow path switching mechanism that can direct air flow through different paths (first sensing path or second sensing path) based on which particle type needs to be detected. This switching capability adds versatility for detecting different particle types while managing flow path complexity through a controlled switching system rather than permanently complex multi-path architecture.
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
Enables efficient measurement of both fine and ultrafine particle concentrations using a single sensor, improving accuracy and reducing the device's complexity and cost by ensuring all air is transferred to the sensor or some air flows obliquely upward to the sensor, effectively capturing both particle types.
Implementation Method 1
a light generator which is provided at one side of the sensing path and generates light
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver which is provided at the other side of the sensing path to face the light generator and receives the light
Data Source
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AI summary
A particle sensing device and an air conditioner including a sensor has a sensing path through which air passes, a flow path housing which accommodates the sensor and guides air, and a flow path switching device to all air suctioned from the outside is guided to the sensing path, or some of the air suctioned from the outside and moving flows back in an obliquely upward direction and flows into the sensing path.