Sanitization Shelf Assembly for Wardrobe Air Purification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitization solutions for enclosed spaces like wardrobes are bulky, inefficient, and fail to reach all areas due to their size and design, making them unsuitable for daily use and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A compact, flexible sanitization shelf assembly integrated into a furnishing element, allowing the sanitization device to be positioned close to garments, with air flow outlets above and below the shelf for efficient air sanitization, and connected to electrified tracks for power and control, enabling quick adaptation to changing configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a photocatalytic air purification device is hung to the upper panel of the furnishing element, then sanitization function is provided, but the device becomes highly bulky and requires significant flow rate to reach all areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the furnishing element into multiple shelves, with each shelf capable of being equipped with its own sanitization device. This segmentation allows the sanitization function to be distributed throughout the space rather than concentrated in one bulky upper-panel device, enabling better coverage of all areas including those divided by garments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single upper-panel sanitization device to multiple shelf-level devices, effectively moving the sanitization function from a two-dimensional wall-mounted position to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement throughout the interior space, improving coverage without increasing individual device bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the sanitization device is positioned far from garments, then device installation is simplified, but sanitization efficiency decreases and takes very long periods of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice installation simplicityVSAvoidsanitization speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the shelf with integrated sanitization device to be positioned at variable heights and locations within the furnishing element. This dynamic positioning capability allows the sanitization device to be optimally placed close to garments for efficient sanitization, while maintaining ease of installation through standardized shelf mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the furnishing element configuration changes with seasons, then user flexibility is improved, but the sanitization device must be repositioned or replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewardrobe configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsanitization system reconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the sanitization device as a standardized component that can be integrated into any shelf position within the furnishing element. This universal design allows the same sanitization device to function effectively regardless of shelf configuration changes, eliminating the need for specialized reconfiguration when adapting to different seasonal storage needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient sanitization by ensuring effective air flow reaches all items, is adaptable to different wardrobe configurations, and maintains a compact, non-bulky design, enhancing user flexibility and seasonal adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

An example is disclosed, for example in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXtmvQF79Ts. This solution introduces an air purification device based on the photocatalytic technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocatalytic technology: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

There are also known sanitization devices for ambients based on photocatalytic technologies or ionizers or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonizers: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

The shelf is perforated so as to allow the evaporation of the liquid to pass through the shelf and sanitize the food on this shelf

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3718575B1Shelf for furnishing element with sanitization assembly and furnishing element with sanitization assembly
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 POLIFORM
  • EP3718575B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718575B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3718575B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The object of the present invention is a sanitization assembly (1) comprising: - a sanitization device (2), such as for example a photocatalytic device or ionizer or the like; - a containment element (3); wherein - said sanitization device (2) is received in said containment element (3); and wherein - said containment element (3) comprises a box-shaped, box-like containment body (4); - and wherein said box-like containment body (4) comprises side containment body surfaces (9, 10, 11); - said box-like containment body (4) has dimensions in the width (5) and thickness (6) thereof which are substantially the same as those of a panel or rack or shelf (7) of a furnishing element (8); said panel or rack or shelf (7) comprising side shelf surfaces (12, 13, 14) ; - so that said box-like containment body (4) can be assembled on said panel or rack or shelf (7), thus being continuous with said panel or rack or shelf (7), wherein the side shelf surfaces (12, 13, 14) substantially continue in said side containment body surfaces (9, 10, 11).