Hygro Harmony
Nano Micro Macro: Adaptive Material Laboratory (with SEAS)
Utilizing the hygroscopic behavior of wood combined with ultrasonic atomizer technology, this project aims to achieve sustainable, self-responsive, and aesthetically pleasing design solutions.
Dry air increases the number of particles that circulate around the home. In regions like Boston, the long winters are often accompanied by dry indoor air due to continuous heating. This can lead to various health issues such as respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and aggravated allergy and asthma symptoms.
Air purification and humidification play a key role in our efforts to obtain the optimum room climate for the protection of our health. Tests in nursery schools have shown that when humidifiers are used absences due to sickness are reduced by up to 40%.
Hygroscopic Behavior of Natural wood and 3D print Wood Filament
The hygroscopic behavior of wood refers to its ability to absorb and release moisture from thesurrounding environment, helping wood to maintain equilibrium with its environment.
When the air is dry, wood absorbs moisture, and when the air is humid, wood releases moisture. Leveraging this characteristic in our humidifier design allows for an organic and responsive mechanism,creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics inspired by nature.
Ultrasonic Atomizer Funcational Diagram
An ultrasonic atomizer uses rapid vibrations to break water into fine mist particles, releasing water vapor into the air for increased humidity. Utilizing this technology with our humidifier, we can offer quiet operation and relief fromdry skin and respiratory irritation.
From Unrolled Pattern to 3D Surface Assembly
Unrolled Kiragami Patterns
Within the wooden shell lies the heart of thehumidifier – its mechanical components.These would include:
Water Reservoir: Stores the waterto be vaporized.
Atomizer: Transforms the waterfrom the reservoir into a fine mist.
Hygrometer: Monitors the moisturelevel within the shell.
Air Flow System: Ensures thedistribution of moisture and regulatesthe internal environment forconsistent humidification.
Structure + Mechanism Diagram
Material + Fabrication
Size: our design has a sleek and compact sizing under 210mm by 310mm.
Ease of assembly: The product can be easily assembled in under 10 minutes and shipped in a flat state.
Expansion/Contraction Range:
The degree to which the wood expands or contracts in response tohumidity changes. This range should be sufficient to trigger the humidifier's actuation mechanismeffectively. Our actuators were able to open between 20 to 60 degrees.
Ddurability and Fatigue Resistance:
Given that the wood will repeatedly expand and contract, it mustwithstand fatigue without cracking or degrading over time. Maple wood veneer has been tested 15-20times and has not failed yet.
Accuracy of Humidity Sensing:
The precision with which the wood's hygroscopic behavior correlates toactual humidity levels. High accuracy is crucial for maintaining desired humidity levels. The sensor used inthis setup (DHT22) was 98% accurate
Climate-sensitiveindividuals:
People living in regions withextreme weather conditions, eithervery dry or very humid, wheremaintaining an ideal humidity levelis critical for comfort and well-being.
Smart homeadopters:
Users who are earlyadopters of smarthome technology andappreciate theintegration of suchfeatures into their dailylives.
Health-conscious individuals:
Those who are concerned aboutmaintaining an optimal indoor environmentfor health reasons, such as respiratoryhealth or skin conditions.
Home decorators anddesign enthusiasts:
Individuals who prioritizeaesthetics in their living spacesand are likely to invest inproducts that complement theirinterior design.
