UV LED Air Purifier Flow Control for Better Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid degradation of air quality in Korea due to industrialization and indoor air contamination from fine dust, formaldehyde, and airborne bacteria leads to increased demand for effective air purification solutions, as existing air purifiers often rely on physical filtration methods that are inadequate for comprehensive air cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An air purifier design incorporating a UV light emitting diode (LED) unit and a filter unit, with a fluid control structure and light reflecting structure to enhance the distribution and effectiveness of UV rays for sterilization, utilizing both sterilization UV LEDs and photocatalyst UV LEDs to generate radicals for air purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical filtration methods are used in air purifiers, then air purification is achieved, but the purification effectiveness is inadequate for comprehensive air cleaning including sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines physical filtration (filter unit) with UV sterilization (UV LED unit) into a single air purification system. The filter unit captures particulate matter while the UV LED unit simultaneously sterilizes airborne bacteria, creating a comprehensive air cleaning solution that addresses multiple contaminants through merged functional units working in parallel
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control structure acts as an intermediary between the fan and the filter/UV units, optimizing air flow distribution to ensure both the filter and UV LED unit receive adequate airflow. This intermediary component enhances the overall system effectiveness by mediating the air flow path to maximize contact between contaminants and both filtration and sterilization mechanisms
2Reliability
If UV rays are used for sterilization, then air sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the distribution and exposure of UV rays to contaminants may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light reflecting structure introduces a new dimension to UV ray distribution by reflecting UV light in multiple directions. Instead of UV rays traveling in a single straight line from the LED unit, the reflecting structure bounces rays across different angles and paths, increasing the dimensional coverage of UV exposure throughout the air treatment chamber and enhancing sterilization effectiveness
3Reliability
If a fluid control structure is added to control air flow, then UV ray exposure to contaminants is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid control structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls air flow distribution, positions the air stream optimally for UV exposure, and may also serve as a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved sterilization effectiveness
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 air purifier effectively sterilizes and deodorizes the air by increasing the exposure of contaminants to UV rays, improving air quality and reducing symptoms associated with poor indoor air, while also addressing the limitations of traditional filtration methods.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) unit arranged inside the case over the fan along a flow path of air
Implementation Method 2
purifies the air through radicals generated by reactions between a photocatalyst filter and UV rays
Data Source
AI summary
An air purifier includes a case having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan disposed adjacent the air inlet, a UV LED unit and a filter unit arranged over the fan along a flow path of air, and a fluid control structure disposed between the fan and the filter unit.