Vapor and particulate sensor system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides an air quality system for a vehicle, the air quality system comprising a chemical detection device, the chemical detection device comprising a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors, the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors being used to sense a plurality of airborne substances in a cabin of the vehicle. The plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors are configured to adjust characteristic electrical signals in response to changes in the presence of the plurality of airborne substances. The chemical detection device also comprises a processor coupled to the nanofiber chemical sensor, wherein the processor is configured to monitor the characteristic electrical signals from the nanofiber chemical sensor and generate a detection signal in response to changes in the characteristic electrical signals. The processor communicates with a controller, the controller being configured to control at least one vehicle system in response to detecting one or more of the airborne substances.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle detection system, and more particularly, to an optical component configured to disinfect a passenger compartment. Background Art

[0002] The passenger compartment in a vehicle, especially in a shared vehicle or on - demand type, can accumulate contaminants over time generated by use, the local environment, and various sources. Some contaminants may produce odors and / or fumes, which can be adverse. Additionally, in some cases, contaminants in the vehicle may pose a health risk in the form of bacteria, fumes, and / or toxic smoke. Thus, methods or systems for detecting and identifying or mitigating the accumulation of contaminants in a vehicle may be beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air quality system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a chemical detection device that includes a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors for sensing a plurality of airborne substances in the vehicle's compartment. The plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors are configured to modulate a characteristic electrical signal in response to a change in the presence of the plurality of airborne substances. The chemical detection device further includes a processor coupled to the nanofiber chemical sensors, wherein the processor is configured to monitor the characteristic electrical signal from the nanofiber chemical sensors and generate a detection signal in response to a change in the characteristic electrical signal. The processor communicates with a controller that is configured to control at least one vehicle system in response to detecting one or more of the airborne substances.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air quality system of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes sensing a plurality of airborne substances in the vehicle's compartment via a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors. The method further includes monitoring the characteristic electrical signal from the nanofiber chemical sensors and generating a detection signal in response to a change in the characteristic electrical signal. The method also includes transmitting the detection signal to at least one vehicle system in response to the detection of one or more of the airborne substances.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an air quality system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a chemical detection device that includes a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors configured to sense a plurality of airborne substances in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors are configured to adjust a characteristic electrical signal in response to a change in the presence of the plurality of airborne substances. A processor is coupled to the nanofiber chemical sensors, where the processor is configured to monitor the characteristic electrical signal from the nanofiber chemical sensors and generate a detection signal in response to a change in the characteristic electrical signal. The processor communicates with a controller that is configured to access a user profile that includes information identifying user-defined substances associated with the user profile. The user-defined substances correspond to allergens of the plurality of airborne substances. In response to activating the user profile and detecting that the user-defined substances exceed a user-defined detection level, the controller is configured to activate an alarm device that is configured to convey the detection of the user-defined substances.

[0006] After studying the following specification, claims, and drawings, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objectives, and features of the present disclosure. It will also be understood that the features of each example disclosed herein can be used in combination with or as an alternative to the features of other examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The following is a description of the figures in the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and for clarity, certain features of the drawings and certain views may be shown at an enlarged scale or in a schematic manner.

[0008] In the drawings,

[0009] Figure 1 is a cockpit view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle including a chemical detection sensor according to some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a chemical detector;

[0011] Figure 3 is a side view of a chemical detection device shown in partial cross-section; and

[0012] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a vehicle system including a chemical detection sensor according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] For the purposes described herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and their derivatives shall be construed in relation to Figure 1relates to the device oriented therein. However, it should be understood that the device may adopt various alternative orientations and step sequences, unless explicitly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims state otherwise explicitly, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered restrictive.

[0014] As used herein, when used in a list of two or more items, the term "and / or" means that any one of the listed items can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, then the composition can contain: only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0015] In this document, for example, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The term "comprises, comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or device that comprises a series of elements does not only include those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. Elements introduced by "comprising..." do not, without further limitation, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device that comprises such element.

[0016] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4 , reference numeral 10 generally represents an air quality detection system. The detection system 10 may include a chemical detection device 12, which may be designed to identify the types and / or concentrations of various chemicals in the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 15. In some examples, the detection device 12 may be incorporated into the rearview mirror or rearview display 16. Although discussed with reference to the rearview display 16, the detection device may be located in various parts of the vehicle 15, some of which are shown in Figure 1 the following.

[0017] The rearview display 16 can be mounted to the vehicle head 17 of the vehicle 15. As shown, the passenger compartment 14 further includes a control area 18 that includes a number of controls with which a driver or passenger can interact and touch when using or driving the vehicle 15. In some aspects, the detection system 10 can communicate with additional vehicle systems and devices that can be configured to control various ventilation and / or vehicle operating capabilities based on the detection and identification of substances in the air within the passenger compartment 14.

[0018] In various embodiments, the chemical detection device 12 can correspond to various sensing devices. For example, the chemical detection device 12 can be implemented by various devices, including but not limited to electrochemical sensors, amperometric gas sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, catalytic bead sensors, thermal conductivity sensors, metal oxide sensors (MOS), infrared (IR) sensors, photoionization detectors (PID), and the like. Such sensors can vary in application and can thus be implemented in various combinations to achieve the identification and detection of various chemical substances and contaminants that may be present in the passenger compartment. Although specific examples are discussed herein, the chemical detection device 12 can be implemented by similar sensors or developed sensing technologies without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0019] Now referring Figure 2 , an example of the detection device 12 in communication with at least one nanofiber chemical sensor 20 is shown. The nanofiber chemical sensor 20 can be configured to sense various chemical substances and compounds that may be present in the ambient air within the passenger compartment 14. In some embodiments, the at least one nanofiber chemical sensor 20 can include a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors 20a - 20p. In operation, each of the one or more nanofiber chemical sensors 20 can communicate with a processor 30 that can be configured to monitor changes in the electrical characteristics of each of the nanofiber sensors 20 in the presence of various air substances. Based on a combination of signals received from the at least one nanofiber chemical sensor 20, the processor 30 can be configured to identify the presence of one or more contaminants in the passenger compartment 14.

[0020] The nanofibers used in the sensor 20 can be synthesized with specific functional groups that can interact with air substances / vapors / particles. The nanofibers are deposited on interdigitated electrodes to form an electrode - nanofiber array. The interaction of the nanofibers with air substances changes the measured electrical characteristics of the nanofiber chemical sensor. Due to these interactions with air substances, the measured current or effective resistance of each of these nanofiber chemical sensors increases or decreases.

[0021] Each of these sensors 20 with nanofibers having different functional groups has different responses to the same airborne substances. By using the multiple nanofiber chemical sensors 20 in the array 32, the processor 30 can establish an identification response signature for each of the multiple airborne substances. Thus, based on the electrical signals transmitted from the array 32, the processor 30 can be configured to detect various conditions that may exist in the vehicle 15 and / or the passenger compartment 14. The nanofibers of the sensors 20 can have a relatively large three-dimensional surface area resistant to particulate fouling. In various embodiments, the processor 30 can be configured to identify various contaminants in the passenger compartment 14. In response to a particular contaminant or family of contaminants identified by the detection device 12, the system 10 can be configured to respond by outputting various notifications and / or controlling various vehicle systems.

[0022] In various embodiments, the detection device 12 can be configured to identify various chemicals present in the passenger compartment and / or proximate to the vehicle 15. The chemicals and compounds that the device 12 can detect can be trained or programmed based on the electronic signatures received by the processor 30 in response to the presence of the chemicals. Examples of chemicals that can be identified and / or detected can include, but are not limited to, benzaldehyde, hexane, acetone, ethanol, diesel, nitrobenzene, and formaldehyde. Some examples of explosives and chemical agents that can be detected can include nitromethane, DNT (dinitrotoluene), TNT (trinitrotoluene), ANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil), ammonium nitrate, PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate), RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine), TATP (triacetone triperoxide), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), TEP (triethyl phosphate), DMMP (dimethyl methylphosphonate), 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, triphosgene, methyl salicylate. Some examples of toxic chemicals that can be detected by the detection device 12 can include, but are not limited to, chlorine gas, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, TEP (triethyl phosphate), phosphine, hydrogen cyanide, arsine, formaldehyde. In some examples, the detection device can also be configured to detect one or more chemicals common in consumer foods and / or goods, including but not limited to trichloroanisole, melamine, trimethylamine, limonene, pinene, linalyl acetate, menthol, menthone, and linalool. The device 12 can additionally be configured to detect various amines, including but not limited to N-methylphenethylamine, phenethylamine, methylamine, aniline, triethylamine, and diethylamine. Thus, based on the detection of each chemical detected by the device 12, the vehicle's controller or control system can provide a corresponding response, which can mitigate odors, deactivate vehicle systems, output warnings, and / or provide various beneficial system responses.

[0023] Now refer to Figure 3, the chemical sensors 20a - 20p of the detection device 12 can be arranged in any manner and can be disposed in the inner cavity 42 of the housing 40 having a plurality of ventilation holes 45. The ventilation holes 45 can provide ambient air and / or forced air to flow into the inner cavity 42. In this configuration, a refreshed sample of the air present in the passenger compartment 14 can flow through the chemical sensors 20a - 20p, thereby providing a consistent refreshed monitoring of the chemical particles present in the air. In various embodiments, the ventilation holes 45 can be large enough and / or numerous enough to allow ambient air to flow unrestrictedly into the inner cavity 42. The processor 30 can communicate via the connection 33 with various systems and / or controllers of the vehicle 15. In various embodiments, the connection 33 can correspond to a wired connection and / or a wireless connection. Although in Figure 3 the processor 30 and the nanofiber chemical sensors 20a - 20p are shown as being mounted on a common circuit board 48, they can also be mounted on separate circuit boards.

[0024] Reference Figure 4 , a block diagram of the system 10 including the detection device 12 is shown. The system 10 can include a controller 50 in combination with the detection device 12. In Figure 4 , the controller 50 of the system 10 is shown as communicating with the detection device 12 via the connection 33. The controller 50 can also communicate with the control module 52 via the communication bus 54 of the vehicle 15. The communication bus 54 can be configured to deliver signals to the controller 50 to identify various states of the vehicle 15. For example, the controller 50 can be configured to control various vehicle functions via the communication bus 54. For example, the controller can control or transmit an input that is configured to initiate control of the ignition state, door or window control state (e.g., open / closed configuration), activation of lighting devices, audible alarms (e.g., horn operation), hazard indication, etc. Such control signals can be submitted from the controller 50 via the communication bus 54 or any form of communication (e.g., wired, wireless) to control various systems of the vehicle 15.

[0025] The controller 50 can include a processor 56 having one or more circuits configured to control various operations of the system 10. The processor 56 can communicate with a memory 58 configured to store instructions to control the operation of the detection device 12. For example, the controller 50 can be configured to store one or more control responses configured to control various systems of the vehicle in response to one or more chemical substances detected by the detection device 12.

[0026] In some embodiments, the controller 50 may further include one or more communication circuits 62 configured to communicate via a communication network 64. Accordingly, the system 10 may communicate with a remote server 66 and / or a mobile device 68 via the communication network 64. The communication network 64 may include one or more wireless or wired network interfaces or communication protocols. As described herein, the wireless communication protocol may operate according to a communication standard that includes, but is not limited to, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (e.g., WiFi TM ), Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), Digital AMPS, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE or 4G LTE), Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS), Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), RFID, and / or variants thereof. In this configuration, the controller 50 may be configured to send an alert or message to the mobile device 68 and / or the remote server 66 to identify the detection of a chemical substance and / or a chemical substance present in the passenger compartment 14 related to the operation of the vehicle 15. The alert or message may correspond to a text message, a data message, an email, an alert via an application running on the mobile device 68, etc.

[0027] The system 10 may also communicate with one or more of a microphone 70a and / or a speaker 70b. In such embodiments, the system 10 may be configured to transmit one or more warnings, instructions, and / or additional information to a user in response to the detection of one or more chemical substances via the detection device 12. Additionally, the system 10 may be configured to initiate an emergency communication (e.g., a telephone communication) from the vehicle in response to the detection of a potentially hazardous chemical substance identified by the detection device 12. In some aspects, the controller 50 may also communicate with a display screen 72, which may be disposed in various parts of the vehicle, for displaying images and graphics, which may provide controls to display instructions and / or warnings related to the detection of one or more chemical substances by the detection device 12.

[0028] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4, various exemplary operations of the system are discussed with reference to the examples provided herein. As generally discussed herein, system 10 may provide air quality monitoring within passenger compartment 14 of vehicle 15. Contaminants that may be detected within passenger compartment 14 may generally be classified as contaminants related to passenger comfort considerations (e.g., odors, perfumes, etc.) and contaminants related to potentially hazardous chemicals. In operation, controller 50 of the system may be configured to control the response of system 10 to mitigate, control, ignore, and / or counteract the effects of various chemicals that may be detected by detection device 12. In various examples, controller 50 may be configured to control system 10 to respond based on the specific type, chemical family, and / or general category (hazardous versus non-hazardous) of the chemicals detected by detection device 12. In this way, controller 50 may be configured to provide specific and / or configurable responses to address issues related to the detection of specific chemicals and / or chemical classes.

[0029] The common chemicals and corresponding odors that can be detected by device 12 can vary widely. For example, device 12 may be configured to identify various odors, including but not limited to perfume, feces, fish, skunk, pet odor, decaying biological matter, methane, hydrogen sulfide, body odor (body-related bacterial odor), smoke, alcohol, body fluids, vomit, etc. Some of these odors may involve comfort issues, while other odors may pose health problems to one or more passengers of vehicle 15. Accordingly, the detection device may additionally transmit the concentration of the chemicals detected in the vehicle to controller 50. Depending on the desired configuration, controller 50 may respond in a variety of ways to an indication of the presence of the reported levels of chemicals.

[0030] Additionally, detection device 12 may be configured to detect and identify a variety of chemicals that are generally considered to be hazardous, which may or may not produce an obvious odor. Examples of such chemicals or sources of such chemicals may be allergens, including but not limited to peanuts, soybeans, perfume, smoky odor, etc. Additional examples of chemicals or sources of such chemicals may include but are not limited to explosives, gunpowder, accelerants, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), drugs (e.g., methamphetamine, alcohol), smoky odor, smoke, exhaust gases, etc. In response to the detection of such chemicals, system 10 may respond in different ways, particularly compared to the detection of chemicals that may not be hazardous with respect to vehicle operation or passenger health.

[0031] As described herein, system 10 may operate in a passive configuration where controller 50 is configured to report the identification of a chemical substance via one or more alerts in vehicle 15 (e.g., via an indicator in control zone 18) and / or communication to remote server 66 and / or mobile device 68. In such embodiments, the system may convey the presence of the chemical substance to a user or administrator of vehicle 15 such that appropriate corrective action can be taken. For example, a notification may be transmitted from controller 50 to mobile device 68 indicating the presence of an odor associated with a particular chemical substance or chemical family and that the user of vehicle 15 should investigate the odor to limit the odor or for maintenance purposes. Thus, in response to any chemical detection that may be detected by detection device 12, an indication may be transmitted from controller 50 of system 10 to remote server 66 and / or mobile device 68.

[0032] In response to the detection, when a chemical substance is reported from detection device 12 to controller 50, the controller may respond in a variety of ways. For example, in response to detecting a first chemical substance, controller 50 may control vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or ventilation system 80 to activate an active filter or air purifier that may be connected to an air circulation path or an air supply port. Air purifiers that may be utilized may include active UV-C air filters, ionizers, and other types of filters. Additionally, in response to a second chemical substance, controller 50 may be configured to activate fresh air ventilation of ventilation system 80 such that fresh air is drawn into the passenger compartment. In this way, system 10 may dilute the concentration of the second chemical substance in passenger compartment 14 to alleviate any discomfort associated with the presence of the chemical substance. In some embodiments, in response to a third chemical substance, controller 50 may be configured to control window controller 82 to open passenger compartment 14 for ventilation.

[0033] Thus, system 10 may provide different responses in response to detecting each of a variety of chemical substances in vehicle 15. Although specific chemical substances (first chemical substance, second chemical substance, third chemical substance, etc.) are discussed with reference to corrective actions (e.g., ventilation, filtration, etc.), it should be understood that controller 50 may be configured to apply various corrective actions individually or in combination based on the desired configuration of system 10. For example, in response to detecting a first chemical substance, controller 50 may activate ventilation system 80 and control window controller 82 to open one or more windows of vehicle 15.

[0034] In some embodiments, system 10 may be configured to inhibit or deactivate vehicle ignition 84 in response to a chemical substance detected by detection device 12. Controller 50 may additionally activate an alarm, alert indicator, or warning, which may be displayed on a screen or indicator in control area 18 of vehicle 15. In some embodiments, instructions may be provided by the alarm or alert, which may direct an operator or passenger of vehicle 15 to deactivate or seek maintenance for vehicle 15. As described above, the control of vehicle ignition 84, the alarm, and various devices may be configured based on a desired response, which may be customized for a user, a particular vehicle, a geographic area of operation, etc. Thus, system 10 may be configured in various ways to provide control instructions to various vehicle accessories and / or devices.

[0035] In some embodiments, the configuration of system 10 may be based on one or more standard warnings, which may relate to the detection of common hazardous chemicals. Additionally, system 10 may be configured to provide customized alerts, detections, or corrective actions based on specific allergies, chemicals, and / or odors indicated by a user as being problematic. For example, if an individual has a specific allergy (e.g., peanuts, nuts, soy, etc.), the system may optionally be configured to issue an alert at a user-defined detection level in response to detecting a commonly recognized chemical associated with the allergen. In this manner, system 10 may provide customized control to distribute alerts in response to any chemical substance that detection device 12 may detect.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will understand that the construction of the described devices and other components may not be limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise described herein, other exemplary embodiments of the devices disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials.

[0037] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means that two (electrical or mechanical) components are joined to each other either directly or indirectly. Such joining may be stationary in nature or may be movable in nature. Such joining may be accomplished using any additional intermediate member that is formed integrally with or between the two (electrical or mechanical) components and each other or the two components. Unless otherwise stated, such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0038] It should also be noted that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the devices as shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovation have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure should readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, elements formed integrally may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be formed integrally, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or the components or connectors or other elements of the system may be changed, and the nature or number of adjustment positions between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system may be constructed of any of a wide variety of materials providing sufficient strength or durability, and may be of any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovation.

[0039] It should be understood that any of the described processes or steps within the described processes may be combined with other processes or steps disclosed to form structures within the scope of the apparatus of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0040] It should also be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the foregoing structures without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the language of those claims expressly states otherwise.

[0041] The foregoing description is considered only as a description of the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art and those who make or use the apparatus may make modifications to the apparatus. Thus, it should be clear that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the apparatus, the scope of the present disclosure being defined by the appended claims interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. An air quality system for a vehicle, the air quality system comprises: a chemical detection device, the chemical detection device including a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors configured to sense a plurality of airborne substances in a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors are configured to adjust a characteristic electrical signal in response to a change in the presence of the plurality of airborne substances; a processor coupled to the nanofiber chemical sensors, wherein the processor is configured to monitor the characteristic electrical signal from the nanofiber chemical sensors and generate a detection signal in response to a change in the characteristic electrical signal, wherein the processor communicates with a controller configured to control at least one vehicle system in response to the detection of one or more of the airborne substances, wherein the controller is further configured to access a user profile including information identifying a detection level of a user-defined substance associated with the user profile, the user-defined substance associated with the user profile including a specific allergen, chemical, or odor; wherein the air quality system provides a different response for each of the plurality of airborne substances detected in the cabin of the vehicle, wherein the plurality of airborne substances are compared to the user-defined substances associated with the user profile; and in response to the substance exceeding a user-defined detection level, the controller activates a customized action associated with the user profile.

2. The air quality system according to claim 1, wherein the nanofiber chemical sensor is an organic conductive nanofiber chemical sensor.

3. The air quality system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the processor is configured to distinguish between the plurality of airborne substances in response to electrical characteristics detected by the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors.

4. The air quality system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the controller communicates with a ventilation system of the vehicle, and the controller is further configured to: activate the ventilation system in response to the detection of the one or more airborne substances.

5. The air quality system according to claim 4, wherein the ventilation system is configured to introduce outside air into a passenger cabin of the vehicle and reduce a concentration of one or more of the airborne substances.

6. The air quality system according to claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to: identify the detection of the one or more airborne substances in response to one or more of the signals exceeding a predetermined threshold, wherein the controller is configured to control the ventilation system to introduce outside air when the detection of the one or more airborne substances exceeds the predetermined threshold.

7. The air quality system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the customized action includes corrective actions including ventilation control, filtration control, and window control.

8. The air quality system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the controller communicates with the ignition system of the vehicle, and in response to detecting the one or more airborne substances, the controller is configured to control the vehicle ignition.

9. The air quality system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the controller communicates with an alarm device, and in response to detecting the one or more airborne substances, the controller is configured to control the alarm device to output a notification of the one or more airborne substances.

10. A method for controlling an air quality system of a vehicle, the method comprising: sensing a plurality of airborne substances in the cabin of the vehicle via a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors; monitoring characteristic electrical signals from the nanofiber chemical sensors; generating a detection signal in response to a change in the characteristic electrical signals; transmitting the detection signal to at least one vehicle system in response to detection of one or more of the airborne substances; accessing a user profile, the user profile including information identifying user-defined detection levels of user-defined substances associated with the user profile, the user-defined substances associated with the user profile including specific allergens, chemicals, or odors; and activating a customized action specified by the user profile in response to the substance exceeding the user-defined detection level.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: distinguishing between the plurality of airborne substances in response to electrical characteristics detected by the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors.

12. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising: activating a ventilation system to introduce outside air into the passenger cabin of the vehicle in response to detection of the one or more airborne substances.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the customized action includes corrective actions, the corrective actions including ventilation control, filtration control, and window control.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising: controlling the ignition system of the vehicle to control the vehicle ignition state in response to detection of the one or more airborne substances.

15. An air quality system for a vehicle, the air quality system comprising: a chemical detection device including a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors for sensing a plurality of airborne substances in the cabin of the vehicle, wherein the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors are configured to adjust characteristic electrical signals in response to changes in the presence of the plurality of airborne substances; and a processor coupled to the nanofiber chemical sensors, wherein the processor is configured to monitor the characteristic electrical signals from the nanofiber chemical sensors and generate a detection signal in response to a change in the characteristic electrical signals, and the processor communicates with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: Access a user profile, the user profile including information identifying a user-defined substance associated with the user profile, wherein the user-defined substance corresponds to an allergen of the plurality of airborne substances; In response to activating the user profile and detecting that the user-defined substance exceeds a user-defined detection level, activate an alarm device configured to convey the detection of the user-defined substance; Wherein the air quality system provides a response in a different form of customization defined by the user profile in response to detecting each of the plurality of airborne substances in the vehicle cabin, wherein the plurality of airborne substances are classified as airborne substances related to considerations regarding passenger comfort and airborne substances related to potentially hazardous chemicals.

16. The air quality system according to claim 15, wherein the controller communicates with the ventilation system of the vehicle, and the controller is further configured to: In response to detecting that the user-defined substance exceeds a user-defined detection level, activate the ventilation system.

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