Photocatalyst Deodorization Module for Refrigerator Air Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional deodorization apparatuses in refrigerators are inefficient due to limited air suction capacity and narrow air passages, leading to incomplete odor removal and air loss, as they rely on small deodorization filters with manganese oxide and copper oxide supported on activated carbon.

Innovation Solution

A deodorization module with a housing, suction hole, fan, photocatalyst bar, and UV light source that allows for efficient air suction and deodorization by ensuring all sucked air passes through the photocatalyst bar, utilizing a fan for increased airflow and UV light to enhance deodorization efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional deodorization filters with manganese oxide and copper oxide on activated carbon are used, then deodorization function is provided, but air suction capacity is limited and air passage is narrow causing air loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeodorization efficiencyVSAvoidair loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional passive deodorization filter system with an active system combining a fan for air circulation and a photocatalyst bar activated by UV light. This substitution enables forced air flow through the deodorization module, ensuring all suctioned air passes through the photocatalyst bar for complete deodorization without air loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the deodorization mechanism from chemical adsorption (activated carbon) to photochemical reaction (photocatalyst with UV light). This parameter change in the deodorization method enables more efficient processing of all air flow, improving deodorization effectiveness while preventing air loss through proper flow path design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If deodorization filter with small area is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sufficient deodorization cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeodorization capacityVSAvoiddeodorization filter area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the large-area activated carbon filter with a compact photocatalyst bar system. The photocatalyst bar, when activated by UV light, provides high deodorization capacity in a small space, eliminating the need for large filter areas while maintaining or improving deodorization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite deodorization system combining photocatalyst material with UV light source. This composite approach creates a highly efficient deodorization mechanism that achieves superior performance in a compact form factor, replacing the need for large-area conventional filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of stationary object

If narrow air passage is used in deodorizing device, then device size is reduced, but partial loss of suctioned air occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeodorization module sizeVSAvoidair loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a fan to create controlled air flow through the deodorization module. This mechanical assistance ensures that air follows the intended flow path through the photocatalyst bar and is properly discharged, preventing air loss even in a compact device with limited passage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables thorough air deodorization by ensuring all sucked air is processed, improving deodorization efficiency and reducing air loss, while the UV light enhances pollutant removal, maintaining a clean and odor-free environment within refrigerators.

Implementation Method 1

a light source module including a light source substrate and an ultraviolet (UV) light source and emitting UV light toward the photocatalyst bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a photocatalyst bar disposed between the fan and the discharge hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Photo-oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS11896745B2Deodorization module and storage device including deodorization module

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 SEOUL VIOSYS CO LTD

AI summary

A deodorization module includes a housing having a bar securing member and a substrate securing member, and formed of a reflective material, wherein each of the bar securing member and the substrate securing member protrudes inward from an inner side surface of the housing and has a groove. A photocatalyst bar is disposed such that air introduced into the housing passes through the photocatalyst bar. A light source module including a light source substrate and an ultraviolet (UV) light source is disposed on a first surface of the light source substrate, wherein the light source module is configured to emit light toward the photocatalyst bar. An external guide protrudes outward around an outer periphery of the housing.