Air purification module and refrigerator comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators often suffer from unpleasant odors from foods like fish or kimchi, which can permeate and cause discomfort, as existing air purification systems in refrigerators are not effective in deodorizing the air efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An air purification module with a housing, axial blowing fan, photocatalyst filter, and UV light source unit, where a guide structure reduces air flow rate to increase exposure time on the filter, enhancing deodorization efficiency by slowing air flow from the fan to the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air flow rate is increased to improve air circulation, then air purification coverage is improved, but air exposure time on the filter decreases reducing deodorization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple flow paths that segment the air flow. This allows the air to be distributed across different regions of the filter, increasing the effective contact area and exposure time without requiring a reduction in overall circulation rate. The segmentation of flow paths enables simultaneous high circulation and adequate exposure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the flow path design by creating multi-level flow channels within the housing. Air flows through vertically stacked flow paths that engage different portions of the filter surface, effectively increasing exposure time by utilizing three-dimensional space rather than a single-plane flow path.
2Productivity
If filter size is increased to improve deodorization capacity, then purification effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the filter, creates the flow paths, provides structural support, and facilitates air distribution. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby increasing filter engagement area without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths are nested within the housing structure in a space-efficient manner. Multiple flow channels are arranged concentrically or in stacked configurations, allowing the filter to engage a larger area while maintaining a compact overall device footprint. The nested arrangement maximizes filter utilization without linearly increasing device volume.
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 air purification module significantly reduces unpleasant odor concentrations, such as trimethylamine, within the refrigerator, demonstrating improved deodorization efficiency compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The air purification unit includes a filter disposed between the blowing fan and the air outlet; and a light source unit emitting light to the filter. In one embodiment, the filter may be a photocatalyst filter and the light source unit may emit UV light.
Implementation Method 2
an axial type blowing fan disposed inside the housing to force air to flow from the air inlet to the air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An air purification module comprises a housing having an interior space provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, and an axial type blowing fan, mounted in the housing, for moving air from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air purification module further includes an air purifying unit, provided on a flow path of the air, for purifying the air and a guide for reducing the flow rate of the air between the blowing fan and the air purifying unit. The air purifying unit includes a filter provided between the blowing fan and the air outlet and a light source unit for providing light to the filter.