Spray Ring Air Purification With Integrated Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to simultaneously purify, humidify, and dehumidify air while maintaining controlled humidity levels, leading to inadequate indoor air quality management, especially in enclosed environments where pollutants and humidity extremes pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid humidity control and air purification device that includes a cyclonic vessel, cold water baths, a heat pump, water pumps, sensors, and a controller to automate humidity and air quality control, using phase change materials and antiseptic additives to maintain setpoint humidity levels and sanitize the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional air purification devices are used, then air purification function is provided, but humidity control capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (air purification, humidification, and dehumidification) into a single device. The air purifier includes both a humidification module with water tank and spray mechanism, and a dehumidification module that collects excess moisture, allowing the device to adapt to different humidity conditions while maintaining a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the air purification system with integrated humidification and dehumidification subsystems. The cyclone separator, HEPA filter, and UV-C lamp work together with the water reservoir, spray nozzles, and moisture collection chamber to create a merged multi-functional device that simultaneously performs filtration and humidity control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If humidification is added to air purifier, then humidity control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The humidification system is merged with the air purification system by integrating the water tank, spray nozzles, and humidification chamber into the same housing. The cyclone separator and HEPA filter remain functional while the spray mechanism is positioned to humidify the filtered air before discharge, creating a unified structure rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dehumidification module automatically collects excess moisture generated during humidification operations. The moisture collection chamber captures condensation and excess water vapor, eliminating the need for external dehumidification equipment and reducing overall system complexity through self-regulating humidity control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are integrated, then versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically adjusts humidification and dehumidification operations based on internal moisture sensor readings. The controller activates the spray pump when humidity is low and opens the dehumidification valve when humidity is high, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and simplifying operation despite multiple integrated functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates humidity sensors that continuously monitor air moisture levels and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of spray pump operation and dehumidification valve opening, allowing the device to maintain optimal humidity levels without requiring user knowledge or manual control of multiple functions.
4Productivity
If filters are used for purification, then air quality is improved, but maintenance requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a self-flushing mechanism where the spray system periodically rinses the cyclone separator and filter surfaces. The water spray removes accumulated dust and particulates from the HEPA filter and cyclone walls, reducing filter clogging and extending maintenance intervals without compromising purification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recycles the water from the dehumidification moisture collection chamber back to the humidification water tank. This recovered water is reused for humidification purposes, reducing water consumption and eliminating the need for frequent filter replacements by continuously cleaning the filtration surfaces through the spray mechanism.
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 effectively purifies air, controls humidity between 30-60%, meets EPA PM2.5 standards, and sanitizes the system, providing a self-flushing mechanism that eliminates the need for user-replaced filters and ensures safe indoor air quality.
Implementation Method 1
spinning the environmental air propels particulates in the environmental air into the water stream, thus purifying the air
Implementation Method 2
spray ring in an enclosed air flow for purification
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump, water pumps, sensors, and a controller to automate humidity and air quality control
Implementation Method 4
using phase change materials and antiseptic additives to maintain setpoint humidity levels
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid humidity control and air purification device and method for hybrid humidity control and air purification. The hybrid device is a single unit capable of humidifying dry environmental air, dehumidifying humid environmental air and removing particulates and contaminants from the air. The device controls the outgoing air to a relative humidity setpoint between 35-50% with negligible particulate matter content. Particulate matter is transferred to water, which may be supplied and flushed by an automatic water pumping system.