Photocatalyst Module Using Heat-Driven Airflow Without a Fan

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photocatalyst devices for air purification are bulky, noisy, and require separate power sources for fans and light sources, making them difficult to miniaturize and reduce manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A photocatalyst module that utilizes a heat dissipator to generate an airflow without a fan, using the heat from a light source to drive gas flow through a photocatalyst unit for purification, thereby eliminating the need for separate power sources and reducing device size, thickness, and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fan is used to supply air to the photocatalyst, then air supply capability is improved, but device size, thickness, and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair supply capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the fan component from the system entirely. Instead of using a mechanical fan to supply air, the invention utilizes the heat dissipation from the light source to naturally generate airflow through thermal convection, thereby eliminating the need for the fan and reducing device size, thickness, and noise while maintaining air supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan-driven air supply system with a thermal convection-based natural airflow system. The heat dissipated by the light source creates temperature differences that drive gas flow through the housing, substituting mechanical action with thermal-physical processes to achieve the same air supply function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a fan is used to supply air to the photocatalyst, then air supply capability is improved, but manufacturing costs and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair supply capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the fan component from the system entirely. Instead of using a mechanical fan to supply air, the invention utilizes the heat dissipation from the light source to naturally generate airflow through thermal convection, thereby eliminating the need for the fan and reducing device size, thickness, and noise while maintaining air supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan-driven air supply system with a thermal convection-based natural airflow system. The heat dissipated by the light source creates temperature differences that drive gas flow through the housing, substituting mechanical action with thermal-physical processes to achieve the same air supply function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If separate power sources are provided for the light source and fan, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidpower supply structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the light source and air supply system. The light source serves dual purposes: providing light for photocatalytic activity and generating heat to drive natural convection airflow. This integration eliminates the need for a separate fan and its power supply, reducing device complexity while maintaining functional reliability through the combined operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides illumination for the photocatalyst and simultaneously generates thermal energy to drive the gas flow through the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and power supply units needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively removes organic substances like odors without fans, reducing manufacturing costs, size, and noise, while maintaining efficient photocatalytic activity.

Implementation Method 1

a flow of gas from the air inlet toward the air outlet is generated by the heat dissipated from the heat dissipator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

removes organic substances such as odorous substances in the air by utilizing photocatalytic activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalytic activity: Photo-oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20260041810A1Photocatalyst module

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SHARP KK

AI summary

The disclosure provides a photocatalyst module capable of reducing manufacturing costs, reducing size, reducing thickness, saving power, and reducing noise. A photocatalyst module according to the disclosure includes a housing including at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, a light source unit disposed inside the housing, and a photocatalyst unit disposed inside the housing. The light source unit and the photocatalyst unit are provided so that the photocatalyst unit is irradiated with light from the light source unit. The light source unit includes a light source, and a heat dissipator provided to dissipate heat generated by the light source unit. The light source unit, the air inlet, and the air outlet are provided so that a flow of gas from the air inlet toward the air outlet is generated by the heat dissipated from the heat dissipator.