UV-Irradiated Humidifier Chamber Layout for Cleaner Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifying apparatuses do not effectively reduce bacterial contamination in stored water before atomization, leading to potential health risks and inefficient humidity control.
Innovation Solution
A humidifying apparatus with a chamber divided into an inlet and an outlet section by a baffle, where water is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation in both sections to reduce bacterial contamination, and an atomizing device is used to create a mist, with air flow generation and control mechanisms to maintain desired humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single chamber is used for both water storage and atomization, then the device structure is simple, but bacterial contamination in stored water cannot be effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is divided into two separate sections: a first chamber for water storage and a second chamber for atomization. This segmentation allows the water to be sterilized in the first chamber while being atomized in the second chamber, effectively reducing bacterial contamination without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
Water is sterilized using ultraviolet irradiation in the first chamber before it is transferred to the second chamber for atomization. This preliminary sterilization action ensures that bacteria are eliminated before the atomization process begins, improving reliability
2Reliability
If ultraviolet irradiation is applied only in the storage chamber, then the structure is simpler, but bacterial reduction efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet irradiation system is divided into two separate irradiation units: a first ultraviolet irradiation unit in the storage chamber and a second ultraviolet irradiation unit in the atomization chamber. This segmentation ensures comprehensive sterilization at both stages
Solution Approach 2:
The first ultraviolet irradiation unit sterilizes water in the storage chamber before atomization. The second ultraviolet irradiation unit provides additional sterilization in the atomization chamber, ensuring thorough bacterial reduction
Solution Approach 3:
Ultraviolet irradiation is applied continuously in both chambers to maintain sterile conditions throughout the water storage and atomization process, ensuring consistent bacterial reduction efficiency
3Productivity
If water depth in inlet and outlet sections is the same, then the structure is simpler, but atomization efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet section is designed with a greater water depth than the inlet section. This local variation in water depth ensures sufficient water supply to the atomization device while maintaining effective ultraviolet irradiation in both sections
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 apparatus effectively reduces bacterial contamination in stored water and maintains optimal humidity levels, providing a safer and more efficient humidification process.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating means for irradiating water in both the inlet section and the outlet section of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
atomizing means for atomizing water stored in the outlet section of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
air flow generating means for generating an air flow over water stored in the outlet section of the chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
Humidifying apparatus includes a chamber, and a water tank for supplying water to the chamber. A baffle located within the chamber divides the chamber into an inlet section and an outlet section, and guides water received from the water tank along the inlet section to the outlet section. An air flow is conveyed over water stored in the outlet section of the chamber and is emitted from the apparatus. Water within both the inlet section and the outlet section of the chamber is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation. The water within the outlet section is atomized by a transducer to humidify the air flow.