Storage apparatus having air purifying module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage apparatuses face challenges in effectively sterilizing and deodorizing due to the risks associated with ultraviolet lamps and ion generating devices, which can be damaged or produce harmful ozone, necessitating a more durable and efficient air purifying solution.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an air purifying module with a light emitting diode part emitting ultraviolet light and a filter part, including a photocatalytic filter and a collection filter, to efficiently sterilize and deodorize the air within storage apparatuses, such as refrigerators, by utilizing ultraviolet light for bacterial removal and photocatalytic reactions for odor decomposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an ultraviolet lamp is used for sterilization and deodorization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of damage from impact

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidsterilization effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ultraviolet lamp system with a light emitting diode (LED) part that emits ultraviolet light. This substitution eliminates the fragile glass envelope and filament structure of traditional lamps, providing impact resistance while maintaining ultraviolet light generation for sterilization. The LED part directly converts electrical energy to ultraviolet light without mechanical components that can break.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an ion generating device is used for sterilization and deodorization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to generation of harmful ozone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidozone generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the ion generating device with a light emitting diode part that emits ultraviolet light. This substitution changes the sterilization mechanism from ionization to photolysis and photocatalysis, eliminating ozone generation while maintaining effective sterilization. The ultraviolet light from the LED part activates the photocatalytic filter to decompose organic compounds without producing harmful byproducts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a photocatalytic filter as an intermediary between the ultraviolet light source and the air to be treated. The photocatalytic filter absorbs ultraviolet light and uses this energy to decompose organic compounds and kill bacteria through photocatalytic reactions, avoiding direct ionization of air that would generate ozone. This intermediary converts the ultraviolet energy into controlled chemical reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If traditional air purifying technologies are used, then sterilization function is provided, but productivity deteriorates due to low deodorization efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeodorization efficiencyVSAvoidsterilization function

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sterilization function and deodorization function into a single integrated air purifying module. The light emitting diode part provides ultraviolet light for sterilization, while the photocatalytic filter simultaneously decomposes organic compounds causing odors through photocatalytic reactions. Both functions operate concurrently in one module, improving overall efficiency without compromising either sterilization or deodorization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining the light emitting diode part and the photocatalytic filter in close proximity. The photocatalytic filter contains catalyst materials that work synergistically with ultraviolet light to enhance both sterilization and deodorization effects. This composite arrangement allows the system to address multiple harmful factors simultaneously with improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhanced sterilization and deodorization efficiency with improved durability and safety, ensuring the freshness of stored products by effectively removing bacteria and odors while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting diode part disposed along a passage of air to emit ultraviolet light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a filter part disposed adjacent to the light emitting diode part, including a photocatalytic filter and a collection filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalytic reaction: Photo-oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS10426864B2Storage apparatus having air purifying module

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SEOUL VIOSYS CO LTD

AI summary

A storage apparatus according to an embodiment may include a body having a storage space of storage products and an air purifying module coupled to the body. The air purifying module may include a light emitting diode part disposed along a passage of air to provide ultraviolet light, and a filter part disposed adjacent to the light emitting diode part.