Air purification module and refrigerator comprising same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air purification modules in refrigerators are ineffective in eliminating unpleasant odors from foods like fish and kimchi, leading to discomfort due to inadequate deodorization efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An air purification module with a housing, axial blowing fan, photocatalyst filter, and UV light source, where a guide system reduces air flow rate to increase exposure time on the filter, enhancing deodorization efficiency by gradually increasing the flow path width from the fan to the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air flow rate through the filter is high, then productivity is improved, but deodorization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter from high to low (3 m/s or less) to improve deodorization efficiency while maintaining adequate productivity through optimized filter design and UV irradiation
2Speed
If flow path width is increased, then air flow rate is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple sections with guide walls (first guide walls and second guide walls) that segment the flow path to gradually increase width and control air flow rate reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path width is increased in the lateral dimension rather than extending the flow path length, achieving flow rate reduction without significantly increasing device length
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 module significantly reduces odor-causing substance concentrations, improving air quality in refrigerators by maintaining a low air flow rate through the filter, thereby enhancing deodorization efficiency and maintaining air purification effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the filter is a photocatalyst filter and the light source unit emits UV light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
An air purification module comprises: a housing having an interior space provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; an axial type blowing fan, mounted in the housing, for moving air from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air purifying unit, provided on a flow path of the air, for purifying the air; and a first 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.