Rotating Microporous Wheel Filtration for Low-Energy Air Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purifiers face challenges in effectively eliminating viruses and bacteria due to energy inefficiency, high energy consumption, and secondary pollution from untimely filter replacements, while also causing temperature and humidity changes that discomfort users.
Innovation Solution
An air sterilizing device with a casing, blower, wheel disc, and sterilizing module that utilizes a rotating wheel disc with microporous structures and a non-linear channel to enhance sterilization efficiency and reduce energy consumption by concentrating heat radiation, maintaining ambient temperature and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-power heating is used to sterilize air, then sterilization efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating wheel disc that dynamically changes the airflow path and sterilization exposure time. The wheel disc rotates to alternately expose different areas to the sterilizing element, creating a dynamic sterilization process that improves efficiency while reducing energy consumption compared to static high-power heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating wheel disc creates periodic action in the airflow, where air passes through sterilized areas and then through non-sterilized areas during each rotation cycle. This periodic exposure pattern allows for more efficient use of sterilization energy while maintaining effective sterilization of the air stream
2Productivity
If high-power heating is used to sterilize air, then sterilization efficiency is improved, but temperature changes cause user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation of the wheel disc ensures that not all air is heated to high temperatures simultaneously. Air passes through alternating sterilized and non-sterilized zones, creating a temperature gradient that maintains comfort while achieving sterilization
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the air stream experience different temperature treatments based on their position relative to the rotating sterilized zones. This local differentiation allows sterilization to occur in specific areas while other areas remain at ambient temperature, preventing overall temperature discomfort
3Productivity
If filter is used to purify air, then filtration is achieved, but filter becomes breeding ground for bacteria causing secondary pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating wheel disc continuously exposes the filter surface to the sterilizing element during rotation, providing continuous sterilization action that prevents bacterial proliferation. This continuous useful action eliminates the breeding ground effect while maintaining filtration functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system serves itself by being automatically sterilized during operation through the rotating wheel disc mechanism. The filter doesn't just passively collect particles but actively maintains its own sterility, preventing secondary pollution without requiring manual intervention
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 device achieves high sterilization efficiency with reduced energy consumption and minimal temperature/humidity changes, effectively capturing and eliminating bacteria and viruses without user discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilizing element, arranged within the first space and located between the opening and the first reflector
Implementation Method 2
a first reflector, arranged within the first space and spaced from the vent for forming a non-linear channel from the vent, through the first reflector and into the first space
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of microporous structures on an outer surfaces of the wheel-shaped body
Data Source
AI summary
An air sterilizing device has a casing, a wheel disc covered with microporous structures, a blower, and a sterilizing module. The casing has an air inlet and an air outlet. The blower located in the casing introduces the external air from the air inlet, and the external air is filtered and sterilized by the wheel disc and the sterilizing module. The filtered and sterilized air is discharged from the air outlet. The sterilizing module locates next to the wheel disc for sterilizing the air flowing through the sterilizing module and also for sterilizing the wheel disc by the relative rotation between the wheel disc and the sterilizing module. Bacteria and viruses attached to the wheel disc are eliminated, and the filtration and sterilization functions of the wheel disc are maintained. The efficacy and the efficiency of the air sterilizing device are therefore improved.