Spray-Wetted Humidification Medium for Quiet Air Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifiers and air cleaners lack the ability to operate separately for humidification and air cleaning functions, and typical humidifiers have weak air cleaning capabilities and noise issues due to water droplet noise.
Innovation Solution
A humidification and air cleaning apparatus with a water tank, air wash inlet, and a watering unit that allows for separate operation of humidification and air cleaning functions, featuring a water tank humidification medium that is wetted by sprayed water and designed to minimize noise and maintain a dry state when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical humidifier uses a filter to clean air during humidification, then air cleaning function is provided, but the air cleaning function is weak because it is an additional function rather than a main function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into separate air cleaning and humidification modules, each optimized for its specific function. The air cleaner section includes filters and blowers dedicated to air purification, while the humidifier section handles moisture addition, allowing both functions to operate independently with high effectiveness in各自的 domain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a unified device that integrates both air cleaning and humidification functions, allowing it to serve multiple purposes. The control unit coordinates both functions, and the device can operate in various modes (air cleaning only, humidification only, or both simultaneously) to meet different user needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If a humidifier is used only in low humidity season, then humidification function is provided, but the device cannot operate separately for air cleaning and humidification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the device can switch between different operational modes based on user selection and environmental conditions. The control unit adjusts the operation of air cleaning and humidification functions independently, allowing the device to adapt to various seasons and user needs, whether for air cleaning alone, humidification alone, or both simultaneously
3Quantity of substance
If water is stored in a water tank for humidification, then humidification function is provided, but noise is generated from dropping water from the water tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water guide structure that acts as an intermediary between the water tank and the humidification medium. This guide channel directs water flow along a controlled path, preventing water from freely dropping and generating noise. The water guide also ensures proper wetting of the humidification medium without creating harmful noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a water guide structure with smooth, flexible surfaces that channel water flow quietly. The design of the guide structure minimizes turbulence and impact noise by providing a controlled flow path from the water tank to the humidification medium
4Quantity of substance
If a water tank humidification medium is used to humidify air, then humidification function is provided, but the humidification medium cannot be quickly dried when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation where the humidification medium is wetted during humidification mode and then dried during air cleaning mode or when not in use. The blower directs air flow to evaporate excess moisture from the humidification medium, creating a periodic wet-dry cycle that prevents continuous moisture accumulation and enables quick drying when needed
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 intuitive monitoring of humidification through visible water drops, minimizes noise from water droplets, and allows for quick drying of the water tank medium, ensuring effective and quiet operation.
Implementation Method 1
a water tank humidification medium covering the air wash inlet, formed of a material absorbing water
Implementation Method 2
a watering housing disposed inside the water tank, suctioning water of the water tank thereinto, pumping the suctioned water to an upper side when rotating, and spraying the pumped water
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and cleaning apparatus includes: a water tank (300) storing water; an air wash inlet (31) disposed in the water tank (300) and communicating the inside of the water tank (300) with the outside thereof; a water tank humidification medium (51) covering the air wash inlet (31), formed of a material absorbing water, and humidifying air passing the air wash inlet (31); a watering housing (800) disposed inside the water tank (300), suctioning water of the water tank (300) thereinto, pumping the suctioned water to an upper side when rotating, and spraying the pumped water; and a watering motor (42) providing a torque to the watering housing (800). Here, the water tank humidification medium (51) is spaced apart from water stored in the water tank (300) and is wetted by water sprayed from the watering unit (800).