Separable Humidifier-Air Cleaner for Independent Air Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical humidifiers and air cleaners are limited in that they cannot operate their humidification and air cleaning functions separately, and they often lack effective air cleaning capabilities, requiring users to purchase multiple devices and compromising on functionality.
Innovation Solution
A combined humidification and air cleaning apparatus that allows separate operation of humidification and air cleaning functions, featuring a separable water tank for humidification, a filter assembly for air cleaning, and an air guide to ensure 360-degree air distribution, with visual indicators for humidification state and a design that minimizes air flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical humidifier is used, then humidification function is provided, but air cleaning function cannot be operated separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a humidifier and air cleaner into a single integrated device. The humidification unit (with water tank and humidification chamber) and air cleaning unit (with filter assembly and fan) are merged into one apparatus that can perform both functions simultaneously or separately, eliminating the need for two separate devices while providing versatile functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: humidification, air cleaning, and combination mode. The control system enables the user to select different operating modes (humidification only, air cleaning only, or both together), making the device universally applicable for different air treatment needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air cleaning function is added to humidifier, then functional versatility is improved, but air cleaning effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional units: a humidification unit with water tank and humidification chamber, and an air cleaning unit with filter assembly and fan. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining independence, ensuring that air cleaning effectiveness is not compromised by the addition of humidification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connection flow passage as an intermediary that links the humidification chamber and air cleaning unit. This mediator allows filtered air from the air cleaning unit to be supplied to the humidification chamber, enabling efficient integration of both functions while maintaining the effectiveness of air cleaning through proper airflow management.
3Device complexity
If water tank is integrated with base body, then structural compactness is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be movable relative to the base body. The tank can be easily removed from and reinstalled into the base body, providing flexibility for maintenance and cleaning while maintaining a compact integrated structure during operation. This dynamic design resolves the conflict between structural compactness and maintenance accessibility.
4Productivity
If air flow path is shortened, then productivity is improved, but air distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the airflow path by positioning the water tank above the base body and utilizing vertical connection passages. This three-dimensional airflow configuration shortens the overall flow path while maintaining uniform distribution through vertical and radial flow patterns, resolving the trade-off between productivity and distribution uniformity.
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
Enables efficient and intuitive operation of both humidification and air cleaning functions, providing effective air filtration and humidification while allowing for easy maintenance and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
filtered air is humidified while passing a water tank humidification medium disposed at an inlet of a humidification flow passage
Implementation Method 2
a filter assembly for air cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes: a base body including an intake flow passage formed at a lower side thereof, including a clean connection flow passage formed at an upper side thereof, and discharging air entered through the intake flow passage into the clean connection flow passage; a water tank storing water, disposed at an upper side of the base body, and separable from the base body; and a humidification connection flow passage formed outside the water tank and guiding external air of the water tank to the inside of the water tank. Here, when the water tank is placed on the base body, the humidification connection flow passage and the clean connection flow passage communicate with each other.