Salt-Coated Vehicle Air Filter Captures 0.1 µm Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning system filters for motor vehicles are ineffective in filtering smaller particles, such as allergens, which pose problems for allergy sufferers.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a first layer coated with a salt layer, specifically sodium salt, and a second layer made of plastic or synthetic fleece, designed to capture particles as small as 0.1 µm, including pollen, by utilizing a salt layer thickness of 0.1 to 100 µm and surface loading of 10 g to 300 g/m², enhancing the retention capacity against harmful substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional filter layer is used to filter air, then larger particles can be removed, but smaller particles such as allergens and gaseous combustion products cannot be effectively filtered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by coating the filter medium with salt layers of specific thickness (0.1 to 100 μm) and surface loading (10 to 300 g/m²). This chemical modification transforms the filter's properties, enabling it to absorb gaseous combustion products and retain smaller particles like allergens that conventional filters cannot capture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite filter structure by combining a carrier medium (filter paper or nonwoven fabric) with salt layers. This composite material integrates the mechanical filtration capability of the carrier with the chemical absorption properties of the salt coating, achieving both particle and gas filtration
2Productivity
If the filter area is increased to improve filtration capacity, then more particles can be filtered, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing filter area, the patent enhances filtration capacity by modifying the chemical parameters of the existing filter surface. The salt coating transforms the filter into a multi-functional medium that can handle both particle capture and gas absorption, effectively increasing productivity without expanding device complexity
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
Significantly improves the filtration of gaseous combustion products and reduces the lethality of toxic gases in animal experiments, making the air interior fresh and pleasant by effectively filtering out smaller particles and allergens.
Implementation Method 1
the salt layer on the support medium of the at least one first filter layer has a thickness of 0.1 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 5 μm... significantly improve the retention capacity of the respiratory mask against harmful substances in the breathing air
Implementation Method 2
The filter can remove particles down to a size of 0.1 μm. This includes not only dust but also pollen
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Filter device for a motor vehicle for filtering air supplied from the outside into the vehicle interior, wherein the filter device comprises: - at least a first filter layer made of a carrier medium for receiving a coating, - a holder in which the at least one first filter layer is held, wherein the holder is provided for fastening in the motor vehicle, wherein the carrier medium of the at least one first filter layer is coated at least sectionally on its surfaces with a salt layer, wherein the salt layer is formed from at least one inorganic salt.