Air purification system

Abstract

The present invention relates to air purification systems, and more particularly to a filter assembly comprising a plurality of filter modules, wherein each filter module of the plurality of filter modules comprises a frame, a filter element coupled within the frame, and at least one mating feature. The at least one mating feature of each filter module is configured for selective engagement with the at least one mating feature of another filter module, such that the plurality of filter modules are coupled together in a series arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of this disclosure generally relates to air purification systems, and more specifically to air purification systems integrated into aircraft such as passenger aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] One of the main routes of transmission for airborne diseases is through inhaled air, such as through close proximity. To prevent the spread of disease and to provide peace of mind, passengers can disperse within the aircraft cabin to isolate themselves from their fellow passengers.

[0003] At least some known environmental control systems (ECS) on aircraft include recirculation systems that mix conditioned outside air from a compressor with cabin air and recirculate the mixture back into the passenger cabin. Such systems use filters to capture contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses, before recirculating the air into the passenger cabin. However, known recirculation systems require significant space within the aircraft and substantial energy to operate. Furthermore, existing recirculation systems may not be sufficient to reassure passengers that they are breathing clean air.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the aspects of this disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to better understand the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this regard, and not as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, an air purification system for purifying air in an aircraft is provided. The air purification system includes an air purification device comprising a filter assembly and a fan configured to draw airflow through the filter assembly. The air purification system also includes an aircraft structure configured to support the air purification device.

[0006] On the other hand, an aircraft is provided. The aircraft includes an air purification system for purifying the air within the aircraft. The air purification system includes an air purification device comprising a filter assembly and a fan configured to draw airflow through the filter assembly. The air purification system also includes an aircraft structure configured to support the air purification device.

[0007] In another aspect, a method for purifying the air near passenger seats on an aircraft is provided. The method includes supporting an air purification device using the aircraft structure, drawing airflow into the air purification device using a fan, guiding the airflow through a filter assembly of the air purification device, and discharging the airflow near the passenger for inhalation.

[0008] Various modifications to the features described above exist. Other features may also be incorporated into the above aspects. These modifications and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features discussed below with respect to any of the examples shown may be incorporated individually or in any combination into any of the above aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example air purification device;

[0010] Figures 2A to 2C It is possible Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example combination of filter elements used in an air purification device;

[0011] Figure 3 It is used in the sidewall assembly integrated into the aircraft. Figure 1 The diagram shows an example air purification system of an air purification device.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an air purification device integrated into the sidewall assembly of an aircraft;

[0013] Figure 5 It is used in conjunction with the cabin ceiling of the aircraft. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another air purification system shown in the air purification device;

[0014] Figure 6 It is used in the seat integrated into the aircraft. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another air purification system shown in the diagram; and

[0015] Figure 7 It is used for Figure 1 The diagram shows the control and power scheme of the air purification device.

[0016] Throughout the various views of the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote corresponding parts. While specific features of various examples are shown in some drawings but not in others, this is merely for convenience. Any feature of any drawing may be combined with any feature of any other drawing for reference and / or claim. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The air purification system described herein includes an air purification device located near each passenger's position. This device can be portable or installed in a specific location within the aircraft cabin, such as the last row of seats, to create an isolation zone for sick passengers. The device can filter air using any combination of particulate filters (such as HEPA), absorbent materials, and UV light sources for disinfection. The device can be located in any of the sidewall components, ceiling panels, under-seat storage units, empty seats, or floor panels. If a sick passenger is present on the aircraft, the air purification system filters and disinfects the exhaled air and returns it to the cabin. The air purification device can be powered by the aircraft system or may include an internal power source. The device can be controlled via a control panel in the cockpit, on a flight attendant panel, on a passenger in-flight entertainment panel, or on the device itself to operate the fan and applicable filtering elements.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example air purification system 100 with an air purification device 101. In the example embodiment, the air purification system 100 includes an inlet 102 for receiving airflow from a source 104 and an outlet 106 for discharging the airflow to a predetermined location 108 (e.g., a room, passenger cabin, or compartment). The air purification system 100 includes a filter assembly 110 and a fan 112 positioned between the inlet 102 and the outlet 106, as will be described in more detail below. In operation, the fan 112 draws airflow 114 from the source 104, causing the airflow through the filter assembly 110 and through an air chamber 116 of the air purification system 100 before discharging the airflow 114 toward the location 108. More specifically, the airflow 114 is directed through the filter assembly 110 before being directed toward the location 108 to remove contaminants from the air from the source 104 that is directed through the air purification system 100. For example, contaminants can be solid particles, such as dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and viruses, or in gaseous form. The filter assembly 110 includes any number of filter elements that enable the air purification system 100 to function as described herein.

[0019] In a particular implementation, the air purification system 100 is included, for example, on an aircraft (not shown) and operates independently of the aircraft's environmental control system (ECS). More specifically, the air purification device 101 works in conjunction with the ECS to provide additional purification of the air in the passenger cabin or crew area. In such an implementation, both source 104 and location 108 are, for example, passenger cabins, pilot cockpits, or crew compartments. Furthermore, while the air purification system 100 can be used within an aircraft, it can also be implemented in any structure through which airflow passes, such as buildings, platforms, or vehicles. Moreover, the air purification device 101 can be used in any system that requires filtering contaminants from the airflow.

[0020] Figures 2A to 2C This is a schematic diagram of an example combination of filter elements that can be used in a filter assembly 110 for an air purification device 101. Example filter elements coupled within the filter assembly 110 include, but are not limited to, particulate filter media (i.e., high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter media), absorbent filter media, and functional filtration devices such as regenerative heating elements, ultraviolet irradiation elements, and / or ozone converter elements. The particulate filter media is readily accessible from airflow 114 ( Figure 1 (As shown) Removes particulate contaminants. More specifically, the "High-Efficiency Particulate Air" (HEPA) filter traps over 99% (Mil Std 282) of all bacteria and clusters of viruses. HEPA filters virtually remove all airborne pathogens and other particulate matter from the airflow passing through them, with a minimum efficiency of 99.97% for particles as small as 0.3 μm.

[0021] Absorbent filter media, such as, but not limited to, activated carbon, facilitate the removal of gaseous pollutants from airflow 114. These filters can be used as an option on some aircraft to adsorb organic gases that are not captured by HEPA filters. Regenerative heating elements are capable of regenerating the absorbent filter media. Ultraviolet irradiation elements facilitate the neutralization of viruses and bacteria entrained in airflow 114, and ozone converter elements are, for example, catalytic converter devices that facilitate the generation of oxygen from ozone-rich ambient air.

[0022] like Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the multiple filter elements in filter assembly 110 are connected together in a predetermined combination or in a predetermined order based on the type of filter elements connected within each filter element. Furthermore, when filter assembly 110 includes a particulate filter medium and an absorbent filter medium, the particulate filter medium is positioned upstream of the absorbent filter medium. In this way, the particulate filter medium removes particulate contaminants from the airflow 114, thereby reducing fouling of the absorbent filter medium. Similarly, when filter assembly 110 includes an absorbent filter medium and a regeneration heating element, the regeneration heating element is positioned upstream of the absorbent filter medium. In this way, the airflow 114 is heated before being guided through the absorbent filter medium, which facilitates the regeneration of the absorbent material contained within the absorbent filter medium.

[0023] See Figure 2A For illustrative purposes, the first filter assembly 120 includes a first HEPA module 122 and a second HEPA module 124 connected together in a predetermined order. In some implementations, the first HEPA module 122 and the second HEPA module 124 have different filtration capabilities, thereby improving the overall filtration efficiency of the assembly.

[0024] See Figure 2B The second filter assembly 126 includes a HEPA module 128 and an absorbent module 130 connected together in a predetermined order. An optional regeneration unit 132 (indicated by dashed lines) is positioned between the HEPA module 128 and the absorbent module 130.

[0025] refer to Figure 2C The third filter assembly 134 includes a HEPA module 136 and an ultraviolet light unit 138 connected together in a predetermined order.

[0026] Figures 2A to 2C The filter assemblies shown are for illustrative purposes only, and any filter assembly 110 that includes different filter elements, more than one of the same filter elements, or only a single filter element described herein may be assembled as described herein. For example, although Figures 2A to 2C Each filter assembly combination is shown to include multiple filter elements, but filter assembly 110 may include only one of the filter elements described herein.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example air purification system 100 using an air purification device 101 incorporated into a sidewall assembly 140 of an aircraft 142. The sidewall assembly 140 includes a sidewall 144 and a window 146. The sidewall 144 includes an inlet and an outlet corresponding to an inlet 102 and an outlet 106, allowing airflow 114 to pass through the sidewall, thereby facilitating the operation of the air purification device 101. The air purification device 101 is attached to the sidewall 144 such that the inlet 102 is positioned on the lower part of the sidewall 144 towards the passenger's feet, and the outlet 106 is positioned towards the window 146. In this configuration, the airflow 114 is drawn from a source 104 where no recently exhaled air is present, and the exhaust position 108 is positioned such that the airflow 114 exiting the outlet 106 is directed towards the passenger's face. Thus, the passenger is provided with air that has just been filtered to remove airborne contaminants.

[0028] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of a second air purification system 100a using an air purification device 101a incorporated into a sidewall assembly 140 of aircraft 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the air purification device 101a includes the same components as the air purification device 101, but in a different configuration. Instead of the L-shaped air chamber 116, the air purification device 101a includes an air chamber 116a that does not guide the airflow 114 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Additionally, the air purification device 101a may include a different filter element than the device 101, and therefore may require a different configuration. The sidewall 144 includes an inlet and an outlet corresponding to an inlet 102a and an outlet 106a, allowing the airflow 114 to pass through the sidewall, thereby facilitating the operation of the air purification device 101a. The air purification device 101a is attached to the sidewall 144 such that the inlet 102a is positioned towards the passenger's feet on the lower part of the sidewall 144, and the outlet 106a is positioned towards the window 146. In this configuration, the airflow 114 is drawn from a source 104 where there is no recently exhaled air, and the exhaust position 108 is positioned such that the airflow 114 exiting the outlet 106a is directed toward the passenger's face. Thus, the passenger is provided with air that has just been filtered to remove airborne contaminants.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another air purification system 100b using an air purification device 101 integrated into a cabin ceiling assembly 148 of the aircraft 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the cabin ceiling assembly 148 includes a ceiling panel 150, a pair of opposing storage compartments 152, and an air distribution duct 154 for the ECS. The ceiling panel 150 includes an inlet and an outlet corresponding to an inlet 102 and an outlet 106, allowing airflow 114 to pass through the ceiling panel, thereby facilitating the operation of the air purification device 101. The air purification device 101 is attached to the ceiling panel 150 such that the inlet 102 is positioned toward the center of the aisle area 156, and the outlet 106 is positioned toward the storage compartments 152. In this configuration, the airflow 114 is drawn from a source 104 where no recently exhaled air is present, and the exhaust position 108 is positioned such that the airflow 114 exiting the outlet 106 is directed downward toward the passenger's face. Thus, the passenger is provided with air that has just been filtered to remove airborne contaminants.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another air purification system 100c using an air purification device 101 integrated into the seat 156 of the aircraft 142. In one embodiment, the aircraft 142 includes a plurality of air purification devices 101, which can be located in any position, for example in... Figures 3 to 6 In any combination of the systems 100, 100a, 100b, and 100c shown. Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the air purification device 101 is positioned on a bracket 158 ​​located below seat 156. Alternatively or in combination, the air purification device 101 (optionally shown in dashed lines) may be located below the floor panel 160 of aircraft 142. Alternatively or in combination, the air purification device 101 may be located on an empty adjacent seat 156 or behind the front seat. Typically, the air purification device 101 may be located anywhere within aircraft 142, facilitating operation of systems 100, 100a, 100b, and 100c as described herein. Furthermore, the air purification device 101 is portable, allowing it to be positioned at various locations on aircraft 124 as needed.

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown, the air purification system 100c includes a duct 162 of a length connected to an outlet 106 and a mask 164 connected to the duct 162. In operation, passengers remove the mask 164 from a storage position (not shown) and place it on their faces to cover their noses and mouths. In this configuration, airflow 114 is drawn from a source 104 beneath the seat 156 where no recently exhaled air is present, and the mask 164 serves as an exhaust point 108, allowing the airflow 114 leaving the outlet 106 to be directed directly to the passenger through the duct 162. Thus, passengers are provided with air that has just been filtered to remove airborne contaminants, without exposure to unfiltered air within the aircraft cabin.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the control and power scheme for the air purifier 101. In one implementation, the air purifier 101 includes an internal power source 166, such as a battery, which supplies power to the fan 112 and the filter assembly 110 as needed. For example, in embodiments where the filter assembly 110 includes a regeneration unit or an ultraviolet light unit, the internal power source 166 provides power for its operation. Alternatively or in combination, the air purifier 101 is electrically connected to an external power source 168. In such embodiments, the air purifier 101 can be plugged into a power outlet (not shown) on the aircraft 142. Typically, the air purifier 101 receives power in any manner necessary for operation as described herein.

[0033] In one embodiment, the operation of the air purification device 101 is appropriately controlled by the pilot or co-pilot in the cockpit 170. Alternatively or in combination, the operation of the air purification device 101 is appropriately controlled by a flight attendant panel 172 located in the aircraft cabin. Alternatively or in combination, the operation of the air purification device 101 is controlled by a passenger, for example, from an in-flight entertainment panel 174. Typically, the operation of the air purification device 101 can be controlled from any location that allows the operator to control the air purification device 101 to operate the fan 112 and any suitable filtering elements of the filter assembly. Because the aircraft 124 includes multiple air purification devices 101, in embodiments where the air purification devices 101 are controlled by the cockpit 170 or a flight attendant panel, the pilot or flight attendant can control each air purification device individually.

[0034] The air purification system described herein includes an air purification device located near each passenger's position. This device can be portable or installed in a specific location within the aircraft cabin, such as the last row of seats, to create an isolation zone for sick passengers. The device can filter air using any combination of particulate filters (such as HEPA), absorbent materials, and UV light sources for disinfection. The device can be located in any of the sidewall components, ceiling panels, under-seat storage units, empty seats, or floor panels. If there is a sick passenger on board, the air purification system filters and disinfects exhaled air and returns it to the cabin. The air purification device can be powered by the aircraft system or may include an internal power source. The device can be controlled via a control panel in the cockpit, on a flight attendant panel, on a passenger in-flight entertainment panel, or on the device itself to operate the fan and applicable filter elements. The air purification device can also be used to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases when passengers are isolated from other passengers, such as in individual seats at the rear of the aircraft, crew rest areas, or cabin crew rest areas within the aircraft.

[0035] The systems and methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, the components of the system and / or the steps of the method may be used independently and separately from the other components and / or steps described herein.

[0036] While specific features of various embodiments of this disclosure may be shown in some figures and not in others, this is merely for convenience. Any feature of the figures may be referenced and / or claimed in conjunction with any feature of any other figure, based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0037] As used herein, an element or step described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood to not exclude multiple elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "example embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose various implementations, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice various implementations, including making and using any device or system and performing any combination of methods. The patentable scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims, but may include other examples that may occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An air purification system for purifying air in an aircraft, the air purification system comprising: An air purification device, the air purification device including a filter assembly and a fan, the fan being configured to draw airflow through the filter assembly; as well as The aircraft structure is configured to support the air purification device. The filter assembly includes an absorbent filter medium and a regeneration heating element capable of regenerating the absorbent filter medium. The air purification device includes an inlet positioned away from exhaled air and an outlet positioned to direct filtered air toward the passenger's face, the inlet and the outlet being located on the same surface. The aircraft structure includes at least one of a sidewall assembly, a ceiling panel, and a floor panel. The air purification device is portable and can be positioned at various locations on the aircraft as needed, around the cabin.

2. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein, The air purification device is remotely controlled by at least one of the cockpit, the flight attendant panel, and the in-flight entertainment panel.

3. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein, The air purification device includes an internal power supply.

4. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein, The air purification device is powered by the aircraft.

5. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein, The filter assembly includes at least one of a particulate filter, an adsorbent material, and an ultraviolet light source.

6. The air purification system according to claim 1, further comprising a duct and a face mask, the duct and face mask being connected in flow communication with the outlet of the air purification device so as to directly supply disinfected air to passengers.

7. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein, The air purification device is configured to disinfect the air inhaled by passengers.

8. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein, The air purification device is configured to disinfect the air exhaled by passengers.

9. The air purification system according to claim 1, wherein, The air purification device is configured to remove gaseous compounds.

10. An aircraft comprising the air purification system according to claim 1.

11. A method for purifying the air near a passenger seat on an aircraft, the method comprising: The air purification device is supported by the aircraft structure. Use a fan to draw airflow into the air purification device; The airflow is guided through a filter assembly of the air purification device, wherein the filter assembly includes an absorbent filter medium and a regeneration heating element capable of regenerating the absorbent filter medium; and The airflow is directed toward the vicinity of the passengers for inhalation. The air purification device includes an inlet positioned away from exhaled air and an outlet positioned to direct filtered air toward the passenger's face, the inlet and the outlet being located on the same surface. The aircraft structure includes at least one of a sidewall assembly, a ceiling panel, and a floor panel. The air purification device is portable and can be positioned at various locations on the aircraft as needed, around the cabin.

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