Air filtration unit with tracking function and powered air-purifying respirator equipped therewith

Abstract

Disclosed herein are an electrically powered air purifying respirator and an air filter unit thereof having a tracking function, the air filter unit configured to be removably connectable with a main unit of the electrically powered air purifying respirator, the air filter unit having a housing enclosing an interior space to accommodate a filter media, the housing defining an air inlet side and an air outlet side opposite to each other to enable air to be filtered by the filter media via the air inlet side and to be discharged by the air outlet side, the air filter unit further comprising a NFC tag located at the air outlet side, the NFC tag having a memory recording information or data capable of being written or updated, the information or data reflecting a usage duration of the filter media of the air filter unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to an air filter unit with tracking capabilities, and an electrically powered air-purifying respirator equipped with such an air filter unit. Background Technology

[0002] Powered air-purifying respirators are an important component of life support systems that ensure the normal work or health of personnel in harsh air environments. Typically, such life support systems consist of a breathing mask worn over the head and covering the face, and a powered air-purifying respirator worn around the waist, which is fluidly connected to the breathing mask via a hose. For example, the breathing mask could be a welding mask used in welding sites, or a medical mask used in special healthcare environments (such as those with airborne diseases). Ambient air is drawn into the powered air-purifying respirator during operation, filtered by its air filtration unit, and then discharged through the hose for the person to inhale through the breathing mask.

[0003] Typically, the air filter unit of an electric air purifier must be replaced after a certain period of use, making it a crucial consumable. Therefore, the usage time of the air filter unit is a key indicator for determining when replacement is necessary. Current air filter units are usually equipped with RFID tags. After installation on the main unit of the electric air purifier, the electronic control unit reads the production date and accumulated usage time from the RFID tag to record the air filter unit's usage time, providing the user with a basis for determining whether replacement is needed. However, if such an RFID-tagged air filter unit is installed on the main unit of another electric air purifier before reaching its designated usage time, the main unit will not be able to recognize that the air filter unit has been used simply by reading the RFID tag information. This will cause the usage time to restart, resulting in the air filter unit being used beyond the designated time, potentially causing health damage to the user due to inhaling unfiltered and harmful ambient air.

[0004] Furthermore, air filter units that have been used but have not yet reached their specified service life may be removed from the main unit, stored in a warehouse, and reinstalled when needed. However, sometimes due to lost packaging information or lost manual records, it is impossible to accurately identify key information such as the usage time, type, and production date of the air filter unit, making it impossible to safely install and use the air filter unit. In addition, the inventors of this application have discovered that existing air filter units, once installed on the main unit, cannot be monitored at all times to ensure that the air filter unit is accurately in place. Therefore, if there is a gap between the air filter unit and the main unit, even if it can be fixed, allowing unfiltered air to enter the main unit, the user's health may be harmed by accidentally inhaling unfiltered air. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application aims to propose a novel air filter unit with tracking functionality that can be equipped on an electric air-purifying respirator. This allows key information about the air filter unit, such as usage duration, type, and production date, to be easily identified detached from the main unit of the electric air-purifying respirator. Furthermore, the mounting position of the air filter unit on the main unit can be monitored at any time and with precision, enabling users to use the air filter unit more safely and reliably.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a tracking-enabled air filter unit for an electric air-purifying respirator is provided, the air filter unit being configured to be detachably connected to the main unit of the electric air-purifying respirator, the air filter unit having a housing that surrounds an internal space to accommodate filter material, the housing defining an inlet side and an outlet side opposite to each other such that air can be filtered by the filter material through the inlet side and discharged through the outlet side, the air filter unit further including an NFC tag located on the outlet side, the NFC tag having memory recording writable or updateable information or data reflecting the usage time of the filter material of the air filter unit.

[0007] Optionally, the air outlet side of the air filter unit is constructed with a perforated mesh and forms a solid support platform, on which the NFC tag is fixed.

[0008] Optionally, the NFC tag is located on the side of the support platform facing the filter material, so that the NFC tag cannot be seen from outside the air filter unit.

[0009] Optionally, the memory of the NFC tag also records read-only information or data, which reflects information or data that helps to authenticate the filter material of the air filter unit, including but not limited to serial number, type, manufacturing date, and manufacturer.

[0010] Optionally, the writable or updatable information or data can only be written or updated through the main unit of the electric air-purifying respirator.

[0011] According to another aspect of this application, an electric air-purifying respirator is also provided, comprising a main unit and an air filter unit detachably connected to the main unit. The air filter unit has a housing that surrounds an internal space to accommodate filter material. The housing defines an air inlet side and an air outlet side opposite to each other, such that air can be filtered by the filter material through the air inlet side and discharged through the air outlet side. The main unit has a housing in which an electric fan and an NFC reader are arranged. The housing has a proximity side facing the air outlet side when the air filter unit is installed to the main unit. The air inlet of the main unit is formed in… In the proximity side, the air filter unit also includes an NFC tag located on the air outlet side. The memory of the NFC tag records information or data that can be written or updated, and the information or data at least reflects the service life of the filter material of the air filter unit. The NFC reader is adjacent to and hidden from the proximity side. When the air filter unit is correctly installed to the host, the NFC reader is configured to selectively read information or data from the memory of the NFC tag and / or update the existing information or data content in the memory of the NFC tag when a qualified wireless communication connection is established with the NFC tag.

[0012] Optionally, the air outlet side of the air filter unit is constructed with a perforated mesh and forms a solid support platform, on which the NFC tag is fixed.

[0013] Optionally, the NFC tag is located on the surface of the support platform facing the filter material.

[0014] Optionally, the antenna of the NFC reader is arranged such that the main lobe of its emitted radio frequency energy is normal to the proximity side of the host; and the antenna of the NFC tag is arranged such that the main lobe of its emitted radio frequency energy is normal to the surface where the outlet side is located.

[0015] Optionally, the NFC reader is configured to consider that the NFC reader and the NFC tag have established a qualified wireless communication connection and the air filter unit is correctly installed relative to the host only when the reader simultaneously transmits radio frequency energy to the NFC tag at a first power and a second power and receives feedback, wherein the first power is greater than the second power.

[0016] Optionally, if the NFC reader transmits radio frequency energy to the NFC tag at a first power and does not receive feedback, the air filter unit is determined to be incorrectly installed on the host.

[0017] Optionally, if the NFC reader transmits radio frequency energy to the NFC tag at a first power and receives feedback, and the NFC reader transmits radio frequency energy to the NFC tag at a second power and does not receive feedback, then the air filter unit is determined to have a gap between its outlet side and the proximal side (214) of the host, allowing air to enter the air inlet (217) without being filtered by the filter material, even though it is installed on the host.

[0018] Optionally, the electric fan is disabled when the presence of the gap is confirmed.

[0019] According to another aspect of this application, an electric air-purifying respirator is also provided, comprising a main unit and an air filter unit detachably connected to the main unit. The air filter unit has a housing that surrounds an internal space to accommodate filter material. The housing defines an air inlet side and an air outlet side opposite to each other, such that air can be filtered by the filter material through the air inlet side and discharged through the air outlet side. The main unit has a housing in which an electric fan and an NFC reader are arranged. The housing has a proximity side facing the air outlet side when the air filter unit is installed on the main unit. An air inlet of the main unit is formed in the proximity side. The air filter unit also includes an NFC tag located on the air outlet side. The NFC reader is adjacent to and hidden by the proximity side. The antenna of the NFC reader is arranged such that the main lobe of its emitted radio frequency energy is normal to the proximity side of the main unit. The antenna of the NFC tag is arranged such that the main lobe of its emitted radio frequency energy is normal to the surface where the air outlet side is located.

[0020] Optionally, the NFC reader is configured to consider that the NFC reader and the NFC tag have established a qualified wireless communication connection and the air filter unit is correctly installed relative to the host only when the reader simultaneously transmits radio frequency energy to the NFC tag at a first power and a second power and receives feedback, wherein the first power is greater than the second power.

[0021] Optionally, if the NFC reader transmits radio frequency energy to the NFC tag at a first power and does not receive feedback, the air filter unit is determined to be incorrectly installed on the host.

[0022] Optionally, if the NFC reader transmits radio frequency energy to the NFC tag at a first power and receives feedback, and the NFC reader transmits radio frequency energy to the NFC tag at a second power and does not receive feedback, then the air filter unit is determined to have a gap between its outlet side and the proximal side (214) of the host, allowing air to enter the air inlet (217) without being filtered by the filter material, even though it is installed on the host.

[0023] Optionally, the electric fan is disabled when the presence of the gap is confirmed.

[0024] Optionally, when the air filter unit is correctly installed to the host, the NFC reader is configured to selectively read information or data from the memory of the NFC tag and / or update the existing information or data content in the memory of the NFC tag, provided that a qualified wireless communication connection is established with the NFC tag.

[0025] Optionally, the air outlet side of the air filter unit is constructed with a perforated mesh and forms a solid support platform, on which the NFC tag is fixed.

[0026] Optionally, the NFC tag is located on the surface of the support platform facing the filter material.

[0027] Using the technical means described in this application, usage time updates can be recorded along with the air filter unit, ensuring that users can more accurately monitor the usage of the air filter unit. Furthermore, unlike existing technologies, the technical means of this application allow for real-time and more precise monitoring of the air filter unit's position relative to the main unit, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the user when using the electric air-purifying respirator. Attached Figure Description

[0028] A more comprehensive understanding of the principles and aspects of this application will be gained from the detailed description below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the scale of the drawings may vary for clarity, but this will not affect the understanding of this application. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A life support system is schematically illustrated, which is equipped with an electrically powered air-purifying respirator and the electrically powered air-purifying respirator contains an air filtration unit according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a system block diagram, schematically illustrating an application scenario of an air filtration unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a perspective view, schematically illustrating an air filtration unit according to an embodiment of this application, equipped with an NFC tag;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a front view, schematically showing the main unit of an electric air-purifying respirator according to an embodiment of this application, which is equipped with an NFC reader / writer;

[0033] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view, schematically showing the main housing of the electric air purifier respirator, in which an NFC reader / writer is installed;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a system block diagram, schematically illustrating the communication process between the host's NFC reader and the NFC tag of the air filter unit;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display interface of the host computer's screen;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing a mobile phone interface as an example of a mobile electronic device capable of communicating with an NFC tag of an air filter unit.

[0037] Figure 9A , 9B Figures 9C and 9C respectively show three different mounting positions of the air filter unit relative to the main unit; and

[0038] Figure 10 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for determining the installation position of an air filter unit relative to a host computer by switching the antenna power of an NFC reader / writer. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In the accompanying drawings of this application, features with the same structure or similar function are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0040] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a life support system 1, which includes a mask 100, an electrically powered air-purifying respirator 200, and a hose 300 configured to fluidly communicate the mask 100 with the electrically powered air-purifying respirator 200, so that ambient air, after being purified by the electrically powered air-purifying respirator 200, can be provided to the mask 100 for the user of the mask 100 to inhale.

[0041] The electrically powered air-purifying respirator 200 generally includes a main unit 210 and an air filter unit 220 detachably connected to the main unit 210. The main unit 210 has a housing 219 (see example...). Figure 4 For example, it can be made of plastic. An air inlet 217 is defined in the main unit housing 219 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (as shown) and air outlet 218 (as shown) Figure 4 (As shown). After the air filter unit 220 is assembled on the main housing 219, the protective cover (not shown) can cover the air filter unit 220 and can be detachably fastened to the main housing 219.

[0042] When the air inlet 217 of the main unit housing 219 is correctly assembled onto the main unit housing 219, it communicates with the air outlet side of the air filter unit 220, and the air outlet 218 communicates with the hose 300. An air passage is provided inside the main unit housing 219, connecting the air inlet 217 and the air outlet 218. An electric fan is built into the main unit housing 219 and located in this air passage. Thus, when the electric fan of the main unit 210 is activated, ambient air can be drawn into the air filter unit 220 through its inlet side and filtered by the filter material of the air filter unit 220. The filtered air then flows through the outlet side and the air outlet 218 through the hose 300 to the face mask 100 for the user to inhale.

[0043] As usage time increases, the filter material in the air filter unit 220 accumulates excessive impurities or harmful substances, so the air filter unit 220 must be replaced within a certain period of use. Otherwise, expired filter material will cause users to inhale substandard filtered air, resulting in health damage. Therefore, it is necessary to record the usage time of the air filter unit 220 as a basis for determining whether a new air filter unit needs to be replaced. In traditional air filter unit designs, read-only RFID tags are usually placed on the housing of the air filter unit. Each time this traditionally designed air filter unit is connected to the main unit, the controller in the main unit records the usage time by reading the RFID tag of the air filter unit when the electric fan is running. However, the result of this recording method is that the usage time of the air filter unit is only stored in the controller of the main unit. When an air filter unit that has not reached the specified usage time is removed from one main unit and then installed on another main unit, the other main unit will start recording the usage time of the air filter unit from zero. This will cause the usage time of the air filter unit to be recorded incorrectly and used beyond its specified period, resulting in substandard air quality output by the main unit. Furthermore, air filter units that have not yet exceeded their prescribed usage time may be removed from the main unit and stored. However, when they need to be reinstalled on the main unit, it is necessary to know in advance which air filter units have been stored. In this case, the usage time of the air filter units that have been used can often only be recorded manually in advance, which may lead to lost or inaccurate records.

[0044] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes a novel air filter unit with tracking functionality, such as the air filter unit 220 shown in the figure. This ensures that the usage time record always follows the air filter unit 220, allowing for continuous recording even when the air filter unit 220 is used on different main units, thus providing a reliable basis for replacing the air filter unit. Furthermore, even when the air filter unit 200 is not installed on the main unit 210, the user can clearly see the usage time of the air filter unit 220, facilitating its storage and subsequent use.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, according to one embodiment of this application, the electric air-purifying respirator 200 includes a controller 212, an NFC reader / writer 211, and a display screen 213. The controller 212 is electrically connected to the NFC reader / writer 212 and the display screen 213, so that the NFC reader / writer 212, under the control of the controller 212, can selectively transmit wireless radio frequency energy commands at different power levels within its rated power. The wireless data information received by the NFC reader / writer 212 can be transmitted to the controller 212, and the display screen 213 can display corresponding information under the control of the controller 212. In the context of this application, the NFC reader / writer is an active component, which can be powered, for example, by a battery, the power source of the electric air-purifying respirator 200. An NFC tag 221 is disposed on the air filter unit 220. In the context of this application, the NFC tag is a passive component; when it is brought close enough to the NFC reader / writer, the chip on the NFC tag senses the wireless radio frequency voltage / power signal emitted by the NFC reader / writer in a contactless manner as its operating power source. According to an embodiment of this application, the NFC tag 221 is configured to operate in read-write mode. The chip memory of the NFC tag 221 includes two parts, one part storing pre-written read-only information / data, such as the serial number (a unique number generated at the time of manufacture), type, manufacturing date, manufacturer, etc., of the filter material of the air filter unit 220; the other part storing writable / updatable information / data, such as the usage time of the filter material of the air filter unit 220.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, after the NFC reader 211 and the NFC tag 221 approach each other to a predetermined distance, a wireless data connection can be established between them through a suitable NFC communication mechanism and handshake protocol. Those skilled in the art should understand that known and suitable communication mechanisms and protocols in the field of NFC communication can all be used in the technical solutions of this application; therefore, the communication mechanisms and protocols involved are not within the scope of discussion in this application's specification.

[0047] Furthermore, when the air filter unit 220 has been removed from the host 210, a wireless data connection can be established between the NFC tag 221 and an NFC-enabled electronic mobile device 400, such as a mobile phone, touchscreen computer, or laptop computer, when the NFC tag 221 is brought close to the device at a specified distance. This allows the electronic mobile device 400 to easily read information about the air filter unit 220, such as the serial number, type, manufacturing date, manufacturer, and usage time of the filter material of the air filter unit 220.

[0048] Figure 3An air filtration unit 220 according to an embodiment of this application is schematically illustrated. The air filtration unit 220 includes a housing 229, which may be made of, for example, plastic. The housing 229 includes sidewalls 222, allowing filter material (not shown) for filtering air to be arranged within the space surrounded by the sidewalls 222. On opposite sides of the space surrounded by the sidewalls 222, the housing 229 defines an air inlet side (hidden and not shown) and an air outlet side 223 of the air filtration unit 220, respectively. The air inlet and outlet sides 223 are designed to be permeable to air, allowing gas to enter and exit. For example, in... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet side 223 has a perforated mesh structure. When the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 is correctly installed on the main unit 210, the air outlet side 223 of the air filter unit 220 faces the protruding side 214 of the main unit housing 219. Figure 4 As shown, air inlet 217 is formed in the proximal side 214 of the main housing 219. For example, the proximal side 214 of the main housing 219 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the electric fan. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown in the partial cross-section, inside the main housing 219, the NFC reader / writer 211 is located behind the proximity side 214. Thus, after the main housing 219 is assembled in place, the NFC reader / writer 211 is hidden by the proximity side 214 and cannot be seen with the naked eye from the outside. Figure 5 As shown, the main unit housing 219 can be assembled from two half-shell plastic parts, and the reader 211 is located in the housing 219.

[0049] See also Figure 4A support platform 224 is formed on the air outlet side 223 of the openwork mesh structure. For example, the support platform 224 is formed in a solid, flat manner, so that the NFC tag 221 can be fixed on the support platform 224, for example, by adhesive. The support platform 224 is positioned such that when the air filter unit 220 or its housing 229 is correctly installed on the host 210 or its housing 219, the antenna of the support platform 224 or the NFC tag 221 on the support platform 224 is exactly aligned with the antenna of the NFC reader 211 behind the proximity side 214 of the host housing 219, or in other words, the overlapping projection area of ​​the two on the proximity side 214 is maximized. According to an embodiment of this application, the antenna of the NFC reader 211 is arranged such that the main lobe of the radio frequency energy it emits is approximately normal to the proximity side 214 of the host housing 219; and the antenna of the NFC tag 221 is arranged such that the main lobe of the radio frequency energy it emits is approximately normal to the surface where the air outlet side 223 is located. Compared to the area occupied by the sidewall 222 of the housing 229, the area occupied by the vent side 223 of the housing 229 is significantly larger. Therefore, the NFC tag 221 of this application is fixed on the vent side 223 rather than on the sidewall 222, which ensures that an NFC tag with a larger antenna size is selected as the NCF tag 221 of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the larger the antenna area of ​​the NFC tag, the greater the wireless radio frequency voltage / power that can be received from the NFC reader / writer, which is sufficient to support the memory writing function of the NFC tag. In addition, in order to correspond with the NFC tag, according to the embodiment of this application, the NFC reader / writer 211 is located behind the proximity side 214, which further ensures that the NFC reader / writer 211 can use a higher power antenna, thereby more reliably ensuring reliable wireless data transmission between the NFC reader / writer 211 of the host 210 and the NFC tag 221 of the air filter unit 220. If the NFC tag is placed on the side wall 222 of the housing 229, the NFC tag can only use a smaller antenna, resulting in insufficient wireless radio frequency energy to support its memory writing function.

[0050] The support platform 224 has two opposite sides, one side being close to the air intake side of the air filter unit 220, and the other side being away from the air intake side of the air filter unit 220. According to a preferred embodiment of this application, the NFC tag 221 is located on the side of the support platform 224 closest to the air intake side of the air filter unit 220. Thus, when the air filter unit 222 is in a storage or standby state not assembled to the host 210, the NFC tag 221 is not on any exposed surface of the air filter unit 222, preventing the NFC tag 221 from being accidentally scratched and falling off, or its antenna or memory from being damaged and malfunctioning.

[0051] For the sake of protecting user health, the filter material of the air filter unit needs to meet specific standards. Generally, reputable manufacturers can produce air filter units that strictly ensure users' respiratory health requirements. However, there are cases where unauthorized manufacturers use inferior filter materials and impersonate reputable manufacturers to produce air filter units. Furthermore, the specifications of the filter materials used in air filter units manufactured by different manufacturers often differ. Therefore, the host device manufacturer can produce an air filter unit that is better suited to the host device. Primarily for these two purposes, the NFC reader / writer 211 and NFC tag 221 of this application are designed such that after they form a handshake protocol with each other, the controller 212 of the host device 210 will only allow the electric fan to start if the air filter unit is authenticated. Otherwise, the controller 212 can instruct the display screen 213 to show a warning message or instruct the buzzer of the host device 210 to sound an alarm, while simultaneously preventing the electric fan from starting. The specific handshake protocol and authentication method can take any form well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be elaborated upon herein. For example, during the authentication process, the NFC reader 211 can ask the NFC tag 221 for specific information about the air filter unit, such as the serial number. Then, the controller 212 uses the serial number and a pre-programmed authentication algorithm to determine whether the air filter unit is compatible with the host 210.

[0052] Figure 6This is a system block diagram, schematically illustrating an example of the communication process between the NFC reader / writer 211 of the host 210 and the NFC tag 221 of the air filter unit 220. For example, after the handshake and authentication are completed between the NFC reader / writer 211 and the NFC tag 221, the controller 212 of the host 210 can obtain the usage time information of the filter material of the air filter unit 220 via the NFC reader / writer 211. If the usage time does not exceed a specified maximum value, the controller 212 can instruct the electric fan to operate. Then, based on the running time of the electric fan, the usage time of the filter material of the air filter unit 220 installed on the host 210 is calculated, and this usage time is added to the previously obtained usage time as the new usage time, which is written (updated) to the memory of the NFC tag 221 of the air filter unit 220 via the NFC reader / writer 211. Then, after a predetermined time, such as 5 seconds, if the electric fan is still running, the controller 212 can again obtain the usage time information of the filter material of the air filter unit 220 via the NFC reader 211, and add the duration between the last update time and the current acquisition time to the acquired usage time as the new usage time, and write (update) it to the memory of the NFC tag 221 of the air filter unit 220 via the NFC reader 211. This read-accumulate-write / update process can be repeated at predetermined time intervals, such as 5 seconds, while the electric fan is running. In this way, the usage time of the filter material of the air filter unit 220 can always be updated and stored in the memory of the NFC tag 221 until the electric fan stops working or the air filter unit 220 is removed from the host 210. This ensures that the air filter unit 220 has a filter material usage time tracking function. Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that other information of the air filter unit 220 can also be tracked and recorded in a similar manner to the above embodiment for filter material usage time.

[0053] Meanwhile, the lifespan of the filter material in the air filter unit 220 can be displayed on the display screen 213 and updated in real time during the operation of the electric fan or whenever the air filter unit 220 is installed on the main unit 210, for user reference. Figure 7As shown. Furthermore, on the display screen 213, the pre-defined maximum usage time of the filter material in the air filter unit 220 is overlaid with the real-time updated current usage time of the filter material, allowing the user to estimate the remaining usage time of the air filter unit 220. Specifically, on the display screen 213, for example in the upper right corner (as indicated by symbol F), the specific usage time of the air filter unit is clearly displayed numerically in real-time, facilitating user observation. According to one embodiment of this application, the usage time of the filter material in the air filter unit 220 can be set to be updated only by the controller 212 of the host 210 instructing the NFC reader 211, preventing unauthorized NFC readers (other than the host 210) from accidentally altering the usage time record of the air filter unit's filter material, thus preventing users from exceeding the permitted usage time of the air filter unit and potentially harming their health.

[0054] According to one embodiment of this application, after the controller 212 detects via the NFC reader 211 that the usage time of the filter material in the air filter unit 220 has exceeded a predetermined maximum value, if the electric fan is running, the operation of the electric fan will be immediately stopped to prevent the user from inhaling air filtered by the expired air filter unit and avoiding health damage. At the same time, the display screen 213 and / or buzzer can issue visual and / or audible alarms.

[0055] Figure 8 The illustration shows, as an example, a mobile phone (as a mobile electronic device 400) displaying information about an air filter unit after shaking hands and authenticating with the NFC tag 221 of the air filter unit 220. It should be clear that the mobile electronic device 400 is configured to only read the memory information of the NFC tag 221, and not write information to the memory of the NFC tag 221, to prevent accidental alteration of the memory information of the NFC tag 221.

[0056] In the technical solution of this application, the antenna of the NFC reader 211 is arranged such that the main lobe of the wireless radio frequency energy it emits is approximately normal to the proximity side 214 of the host housing 219, and the antenna of the NFC tag 221 is arranged such that the main lobe of the wireless radio frequency energy it emits is approximately normal to the surface where the air outlet side 223 is located. Therefore, by establishing a wireless connection between the NFC reader 211 and the NFC tag 221 with different wireless radio frequency energy / power and determining whether these wireless connections are successfully established, it is possible to determine whether the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 is in a proper position or in another unsuitable position relative to the housing 219 of the host 210, thereby providing a reliable basis for the accurate operation of the host 210.

[0057] Since the air filter unit 220 is secured to the main unit 210 by an outer cover (not shown), in some cases, even if the antenna of the NFC tag 221 of the air filter unit 220 is not accurately aligned with the antenna of the NFC reader / writer 211, it may still be secured by the outer cover. Alternatively, even if the air filter unit 220 is accurately secured, during use of the main unit 210, it may be accidentally loosened due to impact from a foreign object. This could create a gap between the main unit 210 and the air filter unit 220, allowing air to be drawn into the air outlet 218 without being filtered by the filter material, resulting in the user breathing unfiltered ambient air and suffering health damage. In the prior art, it is impossible to reliably monitor accidental loosening or effectively monitor such gaps.

[0058] Figure 9A This illustrates the situation where the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 is correctly mounted on the housing 219 of the host 210 so that the NFC tag 221 is precisely aligned with the NFC reader / writer 211. Figure 9A The left and right portions of the image show the position of the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 relative to the housing 219 of the main unit 210, as viewed from the front and side, respectively. Figure 9B The illustration shows that when the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 is correctly mounted on the housing 219 of the host 210, the NFC tag 221 and the NFC reader / writer 211 are not perfectly aligned, resulting in a gap that allows air to pass through. For example, this gap may be caused by the physical snap-fit ​​features between the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 and the housing 219 of the host 210 not being securely engaged with each other. Figure 9B The left and right portions of the image show the position of the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 relative to the housing 219 of the main unit 210, as viewed from the front and side, respectively. Figure 9C This illustrates that when the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 is not properly installed on the housing 219 of the host 210, for example, when the housing 229 is installed on the housing 219 in an upside-down position, the NFC tag 221 is completely misaligned with the NFC reader / writer 211.

[0059] The inventors of this application discovered that, due to the unique arrangement of the NFC tag 221 and the NFC reader 211 in this application, by changing the radio frequency transmission energy of the antenna of the NFC reader 211 and judging the feedback from the NFC tag 221, it is possible to determine... Figure 9A , 9BThe state is as shown in 9C. For example, depending on the communication protocol used, after each data transmission from the NFC reader 211 to the NFC tag 221, the NFC tag 221 will send feedback information. By determining whether the feedback information has been read, it can be determined whether a suitable wireless communication connection has been established between the NFC reader 211 and the NFC tag 221.

[0060] According to this application, the NFC reader / writer 211 is configured to transmit wireless radio frequency energy at a first power and a second power respectively, to establish a wireless connection with the NFC tag 221. The first power is higher than the second power. For example, the above reference... Figure 6 The communication process between the NFC reader 211 of the host 210 and the NFC tag 221 of the air filter unit 220, as described above, or any one or more steps therebetween, such as handshake and / or authentication and / or read-accumulate-write / update processes, can be completed simultaneously at a first power and a second power. The controller 212 is configured to consider the communication process or step to have been completed only after determining that the entire communication process or a step has achieved a perfect wireless communication connection at both power levels. This dual-power wireless communication method improves the reliability of wireless communication between the air filter unit 220 and the host 210 after they are in place. According to the technical solution of this application, the selection criterion for the first power and the second power is that the difference between the two powers is sufficient to ensure that gaps caused by the physical snap-fit ​​features between the housing 229 of the air filter unit 220 and the housing 219 of the host 210 are not firmly engaged with each other. For example, in the presence of such a gap, if the NFC reader 211 operates at a higher first power, it can establish a wireless communication connection between the host 210 and the air filter unit 220. However, if the NFC reader 211 operates at a lower second power, it cannot establish a wireless communication connection between the host 210 and the air filter unit 220.

[0061] by Figure 9A For example, because the main lobe of the NFC reader / writer 211's antenna is approximately coaxial or parallel to the main lobe of the NFC tag 221's antenna, the NFC reader / writer 211 and the NFC tag 221 can communicate perfectly regardless of whether the antenna of the NFC reader / writer 211 is at its first or second power. However, in Figure 9BIn the scenario shown, although most of the antenna (projected) areas of the NFC reader / writer 211 and the NFC tag 221 overlap when viewed from the front, when viewed from the side, the gap causes the main lobe of the NFC reader / writer 211's antenna to be neither approximately coaxial nor parallel with the main lobe of the NFC tag 221's antenna, and they may even deviate at a significant angle. This deviation means that if the NFC reader / writer 211's antenna transmits RF energy at a lower second power, the NFC tag 221 cannot accurately receive data and provide feedback, resulting in communication failure. Therefore, by determining whether the NFC reader / writer 211's antenna can establish a valid wireless communication connection with the NFC tag 221 at the second power, this situation can be identified. Figure 9B The NFC tag 221 and NFC reader 211 are not perfectly aligned, meaning that although the air filter unit 220 is installed on the host 210, the position between them is not perfectly aligned, leaving a gap that could cause unfiltered air to be inhaled by the user. Figure 9C For example, when the NFC reader 211 and the NFC tag 221 are misaligned, the antenna of the NFC reader 211 cannot establish a suitable wireless communication connection with the NFC tag 221 due to the large distance between the antenna and the NFC tag 221, regardless of whether it is using the first power or the second power. Therefore, it can be considered that the air filter unit 220 is not properly installed on the host 210 in this case.

[0062] Figure 10 This illustration schematically shows a scenario where the NFC reader of the host computer switches between a first power and a second power to establish a connection with the NFC tag of the air filter unit to determine whether the air filter unit is properly installed relative to the host computer. Those skilled in the art will understand that in the following description, the NFC tag of the air filter unit can be the NFC tag 221 described above that is capable of writing information, but alternatively, it can also be an NFC tag that is only capable of reading information. For example, Figure 10 The communication process described herein can refer to any process after the NFC reader sends an instruction and the NFC tag receives the instruction and provides feedback, including the handshake process between the NFC reader's antenna and the NFC tag of the air filter unit, the authentication process, the process of the NFC reader instructing the NFC tag to provide its memory information, and so on.

[0063] In the context of this application, an NFC reader or its antenna is considered to have established a valid wireless communication connection with the NFC tag under a certain power only when the NFC reader or its antenna transmits a radio frequency command at a certain power and the NFC tag or its antenna receives the radio frequency command and reports that it has been properly received.

[0064] In step S10, the NFC reader first transmits the radio frequency energy representing the command at a relatively high first power. In step S20, it is determined whether a qualified wireless communication connection has been established for the command by checking whether the NFC reader has received feedback from the NFC tag. If the determination result of step S20 is yes, proceed to step S30. If the determination result of step S20 is no, proceed to step S70. In step S70, it can be directly determined that the air filter unit is not installed in place relative to the host, for example... Figure 9C The situation is illustrated below. This is because if the NFC reader and NFC tag cannot establish a valid wireless communication connection even at the higher first power, then the distance between them must be insufficient for proper alignment. In step S30, the NFC reader transmits the same command's radio frequency energy at a lower second power. In step S40, it is determined whether a valid wireless communication connection has been established for the command by checking whether the NFC reader has received feedback from the NFC tag. If the determination result of step S40 is yes, proceed to step S50. If the determination result of step S40 is no, proceed to step S60. In step S60, since the same command establishes a valid wireless communication connection between the NFC reader and NFC tag at both power levels, the command will be executed by the NFC tag's chip, thus proving that the air filter unit or its housing is perfectly positioned relative to the host or its housing at this moment. In step S60, the same command can only establish a valid wireless communication connection between the NFC reader and NFC tag at the higher first power level. This means that while the distance between the NFC reader and the NFC tag ensures that the higher-power first-order radio frequency signal can propagate from the NFC reader to the NFC tag, it cannot ensure that the lower-power second-order radio frequency signal can propagate from the NFC reader to the NFC tag, thus causing the wireless communication connection to fail to establish. This implies that there is a distance between them similar to... Figure 9B The gap shown. According to the technical solution of this application, only when each instruction is transmitted from the NFC reader to the NFC tag as a radio frequency signal at both power levels, and the NFC tag provides feedback on receiving the instruction, is the instruction considered to have been accurately sent to the NFC tag (i.e., a qualified wireless communication connection is established between the NFC reader and the NFC tag). Thus, since the NFC reader and the NFC tag involve a large number of instruction transmission steps during handshake, authentication, and even reading information from and / or writing information to the NFC tag, the controller controlling the operation of the NFC reader can always monitor the relative positions between the NFC reader and the NFC tag in real time, and thus infer the relative positions between the host and the air filter unit. Therefore, when the air filter unit 220 is misaligned on the host 210 due to a collision with a foreign object during the operation of the electric fan (e.g., ... Figure 9BAs shown in the example, the controller 212 of the main unit 210 can quickly detect this error and immediately instruct the electric fan to stop, thereby preventing the user from inhaling unfiltered air through the gap and affecting their health. Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution of this application can monitor the position of the air filter unit relative to the main unit in real time and provide the user with a reliable reference. It can serve as a beneficial supplement to the prior art, which ensures the connection between the two through mechanical connection, thereby improving the safety of using the main unit and / or the air filter unit.

[0065] Although specific embodiments of this application are described in detail herein, they are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments described herein can be used in combination with each other. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electrically powered air purifying respirator (200) comprising a main body (210) and an air filter unit (220) removably connected to the main body (210), the air filter unit (220) having a housing (229) enclosing an interior space for containing filter media, the housing (229) defining air inlet and outlet sides (223) opposite to each other for enabling air to be filtered by the filter media via the air inlet side and discharged by the air outlet side (223), the main body (210) having a casing (219) in which an electrically powered blower and an NFC reader / writer (211) are arranged, the casing (219) being formed with a proximal side (214) facing towards the air outlet side (223) when the air filter unit (220) is mounted to the main body (210), an air inlet (217) of the main body (210) being formed in the proximal side (214), characterized in that, the air filter unit (220) further comprises an NFC tag (221) located at the air outlet side (223), the NFC tag (221) having a memory in which information or data capable of being written or updated is recorded, the information or data reflecting at least a usage duration of the filter media of the air filter unit (220); the NFC reader / writer (211) is adjacent to and hidden by the proximal side (214), the NFC reader / writer (211) being configured to selectively read information or data from the memory of the NFC tag (221) and / or update existing information or data content in the memory of the NFC tag (221) upon establishing a qualified wireless communication connection with the NFC tag (221) when the air filter unit (220) is correctly mounted to the main body (210), the air outlet side (223) of the air filter unit (220) is constructed in a hollow grid and formed with a solid support platform (224), the NFC tag (221) is fixed on the support platform (224), the NFC tag (221) is located on a face of the support platform (224) facing the filter media, an antenna of the NFC reader / writer (211) is arranged such that a main lobe of wireless radio frequency energy emitted thereby is normal to the proximal side (214) of the main body (210); and an antenna of the NFC tag (221) is arranged such that a main lobe of wireless radio frequency energy emitted thereby is normal to a face on which the air outlet side (223) is located, the NFC reader / writer (211) is configured to consider that a qualified wireless communication connection between the NFC reader / writer (211) and the NFC tag (221) is established and the air filter unit (220) is correctly mounted in place relative to the main body (210) only when wireless radio frequency energy is transmitted to the NFC tag (221) at a first power and a second power simultaneously and feedback is received, wherein the first power is greater than the second power.

2. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 1, wherein, If the NFC reader / writer (211) transmits wireless radio frequency energy to the NFC tag (221) at a first power and does not receive feedback, the air filtration unit (220) is determined to be incorrectly installed in place on the host (210).

3. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 1, wherein, If the NFC reader / writer (211) transmits wireless radio frequency energy to the NFC tag (221) at a first power and receives feedback and the NFC reader / writer (211) transmits wireless radio frequency energy to the NFC tag (221) at a second power and does not receive feedback, the air filtration unit (220) is determined to be installed to the host (210) but there is a gap between the air outlet side (223) of the air filtration unit (220) and the proximal side (214) of the host (210) that allows air to enter the air inlet (217) without being filtered by the filter material.

4. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 3, wherein, Upon determining that the gap exists, the electrically powered air mover is prohibited from operating.

5. An electrically powered air purifying respirator (200) comprising a host (210) and an air filtration unit (220) removably connected to the host (210), the air filtration unit (220) having a housing (229) enclosing an interior space to contain filter material, the housing (229) defining air inlet and outlet sides (223) opposite each other to enable air to be filtered by the filter material via the air inlet side and to be expelled by the air outlet side (223), the host (210) having a casing (219) in which an electrically powered air mover and an NFC reader / writer (211) are disposed, the casing (219) being formed with a proximal side (214) that faces the air outlet side (223) when the air filtration unit (220) is installed to the host (210), an air inlet (217) of the host (210) being formed in the proximal side (214), characterized in that, the air filtration unit (220) further comprises an NFC tag (221) located at the air outlet side (223); the NFC reader / writer (211) is adjacent to and concealed by the proximal side (214), an antenna of the NFC reader / writer (211) being arranged such that a main lobe of wireless radio frequency energy transmitted thereby is normal to the proximal side (214) of the host (210); and an antenna of the NFC tag (221) is arranged such that a main lobe of wireless radio frequency energy transmitted thereby is normal to a face in which the air outlet side (223) is located, characterized in that the NFC reader / writer (211) is configured to consider that a qualified wireless communication connection is established between the NFC reader / writer (211) and the NFC tag (221) and that the air filtration unit (220) is correctly installed in place relative to the host (210) only when wireless radio frequency energy is transmitted to the NFC tag (221) at both a first power and a second power and feedback is received, wherein the first power is greater than the second power.

6. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 5, wherein, If the NFC reader / writer (211) transmits wireless radio frequency energy to the NFC tag (221) at a first power and does not receive feedback, the air filtration unit (220) is determined to be incorrectly installed on the host (210).

7. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 5, wherein, If the NFC reader / writer (211) transmits wireless radio frequency energy to the NFC tag (221) at a first power and receives feedback and the NFC reader / writer (211) transmits wireless radio frequency energy to the NFC tag (221) at a second power and does not receive feedback, the air filtration unit (220) is determined to be installed on the host (210) but there is a gap between the air outlet side (223) of the air filtration unit (220) and the proximal side (214) of the host (210) that allows air to enter the air inlet (217) without being filtered by the filter material.

8. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 7, wherein, Upon determining that the gap exists, the electrically powered air mover is prohibited from operating.

9. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 8, wherein, When the air filtration unit (220) is correctly installed on the host (210), the NFC reader / writer (211) is configured to selectively read information or data from the memory of the NFC tag (221) and / or update existing information or data content in the memory of the NFC tag (221) if a qualified wireless communication connection with the NFC tag (221) is established.

10. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 9, wherein, The air outlet side (223) of the air filtration unit (220) is configured with a hollow grid and formed with a solid support platform (224) on which the NFC tag (221) is fixed.

11. The powered air-purifying respirator (200) of claim 10, wherein, The NFC tag (221) is located on a surface of the support platform (224) that faces the filter material. The NFC tag (221) is located on a surface of the support platform (224) that faces the filter material.

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