Rotating Photocatalytic Filter Sterilization in Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular air-conditioning systems face contamination issues due to the growth of microorganisms and bacteria in filters, leading to unhealthy and unpleasant conditions for occupants, as even filters designed to suppress bacterial growth become contaminated over time.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular air-conditioning apparatus equipped with a photocatalytic module, featuring a duct with a photocatalytic filter coated with photocatalytic material and a rotation unit that uses conditioned air to position light sources for broader coverage, ensuring effective sterilization of the filter without the need for additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is used to remove foreign substances from conditioned air, then clean air is supplied to the interior, but microorganisms and bacteria propagate in moisture formed in the filter, causing contamination and bad smell
Solution Approach 1:
The filter sterilization system uses the vehicle's existing conditioned air flow to rotate the sterilization unit, and the photocatalytic material on the filter surface activates with light to automatically decompose bacteria without requiring additional power sources or manual intervention. The system serves itself by utilizing already-present resources (air flow, light, photocatalytic material) to maintain its own cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical properties of bacteria through photocatalytic decomposition. By exposing the filter surface to light in the presence of photocatalytic material, bacteria are decomposed into harmless substances, fundamentally changing their state from living organisms to decomposed matter, thereby eliminating contamination.
2Reliability
If a rotation unit with light sources is added to sterilize the filter, then bacteria are removed from the filter, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation unit serves multiple functions: it rotates to position light sources, provides structural support for the sterilization system, and can be integrated with the existing duct system. The light sources serve dual purposes of sterilization and potentially indicating system operation status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation unit is designed to be rotated by the vehicle's existing conditioned air flow rather than requiring an independent motor or power source. This self-service approach eliminates additional power consumption and reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the sterilization function.
3Reliability
If light sources are positioned to radiate light on the photocatalytic filter, then bacteria are decomposed, but the light must cover the entire filter surface area, requiring multiple light sources or rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotation unit that dynamically positions a single light source (or limited number of light sources) to different locations around the filter surface. By rotating the light source along the circumferential direction, the system achieves complete coverage of the filter surface over time, eliminating the need for multiple stationary light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation unit periodically moves the light source around the filter surface, exposing different areas to light in a cyclic manner. This periodic action ensures that all parts of the filter receive sufficient light exposure for bacterial decomposition, achieving complete coverage through time-based sequencing rather than spatial multiplication of light sources.
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 provides comprehensive sterilization of the photocatalytic filter, ensuring clean air is supplied to the vehicle interior by utilizing conditioned air to rotate light sources and increase the irradiation area, thereby maintaining filter effectiveness and occupant health.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalytic filter mounted in the duct and coated with a photocatalytic material removing harmful substances in reaction to light energy
Implementation Method 2
The rotation unit may be rotated by the conditioned air flowing through the duct
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular air-conditioning apparatus includes a photocatalytic module in which light is radiated on a photocatalytic filter to sterilize the photocatalytic filter. In particular, vehicular air-conditioning apparatus incudes: a duct to allow conditioned air to flow therethrough; the photocatalytic filter mounted in the duct and coated with a photocatalytic material to remove harmful substances in reaction to light energy; and a rotation unit rotatably mounted in the duct. In particular, the rotation unit is provided with a light source to radiate light toward the photocatalytic filter. When the rotation unit is rotated, a position of the light source is changed in a rotational direction of the rotation unit such that the light is radiated on the photocatalytic filter over an increased range. Thus, a filter sterilization effect is improved over the entire area of the photocatalytic filter with reduced number of light sources.