Improved device for providing a clean air zone and a controlled personal breathing zone

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved device for providing a temperature controlled laminar air flow (TLA) of filtered air to create a clean air zone, such as a controlled personal breathing zone, at a point of care. The specific relative arrangement of the air inlet and air outlet of the device of the present invention enables a more stable TLA based clean air zone to be provided than prior art devices and at the same time allows for extensive monitoring and reporting features.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved air handling apparatus suitable for providing clean air to a clean air zone, such as creating a controlled personal breathing zone, and to an improved method for providing clean air to a clean air zone, such as creating a controlled personal breathing zone. Background Technology

[0002] Temperature-controlled laminar airflow (TLA) involves providing a substantially laminar, downward-oriented airflow. The downward airflow in TLA stems from the fact that the provided air is slightly cooler than ambient air (typically 0.1 to 3°C, e.g., 0.3 to 1°C or 0.5 to 0.8°C). Existing technology describes how airflow and temperature can be carefully regulated to a level during the operation of a TLA device that just counteracts the upward flow generated by the body convection of an individual requiring care, for example, in or on a resting place (e.g., a bed). Because the downward laminar airflow mixes very little with ambient air at the boundaries of the clean air zone in this case, TLA, if carefully controlled, can effectively create a clean air zone around the point of care, such as a controlled breathing zone for a resting individual requiring care, without leaving any airflow.

[0003] It has been found that supplying a clean airflow in the form of TLA during, for example, sleep (thus creating a personal breathing zone, as described above) can alleviate symptoms in patients with atopic asthma (Boyle RJ, Pedroletti C, Wickman M, et al., Nocturnal temperature controlled laminar airflow for treating atopic asthma: a randomised controlled trial. Thorax 2012;67:215-221; Pedroletti C, Millinger E, Dahlén B, et al., Clinical effects of purified air administered to the breathing zone in allergic asthma: A double-blind randomized cross-over trial. RespirMed 2009;103:1313-9; Schauer U, Bergmann KC, Gerstlauer M, et al., Improved asthma control in individual in need of cares with severe persistent allergic asthma after 12 months of nightly temperature-controlled laminar airflow (TLA): An observational study with retrospective comparisons). Eur Clin Respir J 2015;2:28531) and other allergic diseases, such as atopic eczema (Brazier P et al., (2016) BMJ Open Resp Res2016;3:e000117; Gore C, Gore RB, Fontanella S et al., Temperature-controlled laminar airflow (TLA) device in the treatment of children with severe atopic eczema: Open-label, proof-of-concept study. Clin Exp Allergy. 2018 May;48(5):594-603).

[0004] By providing clean air to a clean air zone in the form of clean air supplied by a TLA (e.g., creating a controlled personal breathing zone for a resting individual requiring care) in accordance with the prior art described above, some devices are able to reduce exposure to residential air pollutants, such as allergens and contaminants, by more than 75%, and in some cases by up to 95%.

[0005] WO2005 / 017419(A1) discloses an air supply device for generating a clean air zone, wherein the supplied air has a lower temperature than ambient air, and wherein the air is supplied through permeable gases having channels on the outside of the permeable gases, the channels being substantially straight, substantially uniform in thickness, and having a length at least four times their width.

[0006] US7037188(B2) discloses a system including a blower unit that generates a regulated airflow and delivers it to an individual breathing zone. The system is described as relying on the temperature difference between the air near the ground (i.e., under the bed) and above the bed (see Sections

[0093] ,

[0097] and

[0098] ).

[0007] US8956442(B2) discloses a method and apparatus for improving microvascular function in humans and mammals by using a TLA air handling system to reduce exposure to fine particles in the air.

[0008] WO2011 / 042801(A1) discloses methods and apparatus for maintaining a controlled personal breathing zone using TLA. These apparatuses are described as preferably having one or more air inlets near the ground at the location where the apparatus is used (see pages 7, lines 17-18). Figure 3 ).

[0009] WO2011 / 114186(A1) discloses methods and apparatus for reducing exposure to allergens and other airborne fine particles during sleep or in an individual's breathing zone corresponding to sleep by using TLA to replace body convection. These apparatuses are described as preferably having one or more air inlets near the ground at the location where the apparatus is used (see page 14, lines 28-29). Figure 3 ).

[0010] WO2012 / 136728(A1) discloses methods and apparatus for treating atopic dermatitis using TLA air treatment. These apparatuses are described as preferably having one or more air inlets near the ground at the location where the apparatus is used (see pages 9, lines 19-20). Figure 3 ).

[0011] While the specific devices disclosed in the aforementioned references are very effective, they are also relatively large, and their operation involves relatively high energy consumption and relatively high noise levels.

[0012] However, more importantly, the effective operation of all the specific devices disclosed in the aforementioned references depends to some extent on the specific placement of the device relative to the generated clean air zone (e.g., the controlled personal breathing zone of a resting individual requiring care) and the surrounding environment. Therefore, the increasing and ongoing use of the specific prior art devices disclosed in the aforementioned references and subsequent studies (see, for example, Gore et al., Effect of a novel temperature-controlled laminar airflow device on personal breathing zone aeroallergenexposure, Indoor Air 2015; 25: 36–44) indicates that these specific devices are prone to exhibiting limited efficiency in a large number of real-world situations. Indeed, for prior art devices to function optimally, the air supplied from the device's outlet and slowly descending to the point of care needs to be able to leave the point of care (e.g., the controlled personal breathing zone) freely from all directions. That is, prior art devices function optimally only when air can leave the clean air zone generated at the point of care unimpeded in all directions (i.e., in all directions covered by a 360° circumference (forming the boundaries of the clean TLA flow supplied to the clean air zone at the point of care)).

[0013] However, in many real-world situations, air can only truly leave the care point in one or two general directions relative to (and from) the clean air zone generated at (e.g., a resting place, such as a bed, where the individual requiring care rests) within or on. Therefore, in many real-world situations, the possible directions in which air can truly leave the care point will only cover a small portion of the circumference (forming the clean air zone generated by the TLA flow supplied to the care point). Thus, in many cases, true free exhaust at the care point is only possible perpendicular to one side of the care point (e.g., the resting place, such as the bed), and in most cases only in one direction. In the case of a controlled personal breathing area, this can, for example, be in the direction of the foot of the resting place (e.g., the bed). In many cases, air cannot move in the direction of the head of the resting place (e.g., the bed), and in many cases, it cannot be perpendicular to the other side of the resting place (e.g., the bed) because the resting place (e.g., the bed) is often placed next to at least one wall, and in many cases, in a corner. This is particularly typical for, for example, a child lying in bed.

[0014] Similar exhaust situations can be observed in nursing points where space is limited, even in clean air zones such as workstations (including workbenches), operating rooms, surgical operating rooms, and instrument tables.

[0015] Such restrictions on the possible free movement (emission) of air leaving the care point can significantly affect the size and cleanliness of the clean area that would otherwise be intended to be created by the device at the care point.

[0016] Finally, continued use suggests that the design of existing devices can still be further optimized in terms of improving treatment adherence and encouraging users to perform standard maintenance procedures, such as replacing filters without the risk of unnecessary contamination of clean areas due to spillage of used filter material. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The general objective of this invention is to provide an improved air handling apparatus for providing a cooled, clean, and substantially stratified airflow (TLA) to a point of care, which is more stable (i.e., compared to those provided by the prior art) to create a better-controlled and more stable clean air zone at the point of care, such as a personal breathing zone for a resting individual requiring care.

[0018] The clean air zone generated by the TLA, such as the personal breathing zone for a resting individual requiring care, will, in addition to the care point at the level of the geometric center of the care point, provide an outlet for the air handling unit and also include a certain spatial volume between the outlet of the air handling unit and the care point at the level of the geometric center of the care point.

[0019] Compared to prior art devices, the device of the present invention allows for improved cleanliness of the clean air zone generated by TLA (e.g., the personal breathing area of ​​a resting individual requiring care). Improved clean air distribution and improved exhaust from the clean air zone at the care point significantly improve the stability of the clean air zone generated at the care point and significantly reduce the recovery time required for the clean air zone generated at the care point if disturbed, such as by the movement of a person requiring care resting at the care point. Furthermore, the device of the present invention does not rely on an air inlet placed below the level of the geometric center point of the care point (e.g., at ground level), and therefore, unlike prior art devices, the device of the present invention does not rely on thermal stratification of the ground for efficient operation. On the contrary, the device of the present invention relies on an air supply that is at least partially exhausted from an area immediately adjacent to (at or directly above) the clean air zone generated at the care point (e.g., the personal breathing area). In a preferred embodiment, the air supplied from the exhaust port is exhausted from an area immediately adjacent to (at or directly above) the clean air zone generated at the care point (e.g., the personal breathing area).

[0020] The device according to the invention is particularly characterized in that: -Supply air supplied from one or more outlets (10) is provided as a TLA flow to the care point (2) at a level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) or directly above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) by providing one or more inlets (4) adjacent to the controlled clean air zone (31), at a level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), and continuously discharged from the clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) when the device (1) is used. - They are preferably mounted on a wall and / or on a bracket that can be attached to, for example, a headboard. - The filter (7) is located in the filter compartment, for example in the form of a flat filter, and can be easily replaced. - Devices providing clean air supply include impeller-type devices, such as inline turbine impellers (15), - They rely on enhanced noise reduction features, such as the use of perforated plates with multiple cavities (27) They rely on motor control, such as sine curves. -They rely on motor suspension, such as silicon -These include cooling radiator configurations (29), such as cylindrical ones. - They depend on the Peltier configuration (28), for example, display performance coefficient (COP) > 1 - They rely on automatic start / stop, for example by using an infrared camera (13) to monitor whether an individual is present at the care point.

[0021] Therefore, the TLA devices disclosed herein differ from the specific prior art devices disclosed in the aforementioned references in that, in reality, air is more efficiently replaced / discharged from the care point (2), so the proper operation of the TLA devices disclosed herein is less dependent on their specific placement; and they are designed to facilitate self-operation and maintenance and are optionally equipped with sensors (13) and control units to provide automated operation and monitoring and reporting facilities. Attached Figure Description

[0022] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention can be achieved by referring to the remainder of the specification and the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A preferred embodiment and specific use of an air handling device (1) according to the invention is shown, including a TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated particularly at a care point (2). The device shown is adapted to provide a substantially stratified descending stream of purified air (36) downward toward the care point (2), the air temperature of the purified air stream (36) measured at the care point (2) at a level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) differing from that of the ambient air (34), the air temperature of the purified air stream (36) being 0.1 to 3°C lower than that of the ambient air (34) at a level (35) of the center point (37) of the care point (2), the device comprising: -One or more air inlets (4), - One or more air outlets (10), at least one of which is located above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) and is adapted to discharge the substantially layered, downward purified airflow (36). -One or more filters (7, Figure 1 (Not shown in the text) - Fan assembly (5, Figure 1 (Not shown in the text) - An air temperature control system, suitable for heating or cooling the supplied airflow, and -Shell (6) A further feature of the device is that at least one of the one or more air inlets (4) is adjacent to the controlled clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), when the device (1) is used, at or directly above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), and at a distance R2 greater than but less than twice the distance R1, where R1 is the distance from the same geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the care point (2) to the “outer boundary” of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the air handling unit (1) has been adapted to generate the controlled clean air zone (31) at the care point (2) by displacing body convection from the individual (3) requiring care who is resting at the care point (2), thereby generating the controlled clean air zone (31) in the form of a controlled personal breathing zone for the individual (3) resting at the care point (2), and Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the air inlet (4) for discharging air from the clean air zone (31) is placed directly above the care point, adjacent to the clean air zone (31).

[0023] Figure 2a and Figure 2b Two embodiments of the air handling apparatus (1) according to the invention are shown, including the arrangement of the air inlet (4) relative to a typical clean air zone (31) generated, particularly by the apparatus according to the invention, during use. Therefore, Figure 2a and Figure 2b The embodiments shown include: -One or more air inlets (4), - One or more air outlets (10) adapted to discharge a substantially layered, downward flow of purified air. - One or more filters (7), - Fan assembly (5), - An air temperature control system, suitable for heating or cooling the supplied airflow, and -Shell (6) Figure 3 An embodiment of an air handling apparatus according to the invention is shown, which includes a release mechanism that, when in an unlocked horizontal position or near a horizontal position, allows for the replacement of the filter (7) in such a manner that only the clean side of the filter (8) is exposed to the surrounding environment.

[0024] Figure 4a1 , 4a2 Images 4a1, 4a2, 4c, and 4d illustrate different embodiments of the air handling apparatus (4a1, 4a2, 4c, and 4d) according to the invention and the prior art air handling apparatus (4b), and how they can be used to create a controlled personal breathing zone for an individual resting at a point of care. Figure 4e An enlarged view of the main direction vector of the airflow (38) entering the air inlet (4) of the device according to the invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 The performance comparison of the prior art device (AIR4, i.e., the device described in WO2012 / 136728) with the device according to the invention (AIR5) is shown, i.e., the ability of the device to stably maintain a controlled clean air zone (31) generated by the care point (2) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) at the care point (2) when in use. The data shown is a graphical representation of the particle cleanliness at different positions / distances (Ø / R) of the clean air zone (31) from the geometric center point (37) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) at the care point (2), and is the average of the measurements taken at care points (2) placed next to a wall in the form of a bed and at independent care points (2) in the form of an independent bed. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular illustrating exemplary embodiments thereof. Figure 4a1 and 4a2 However, the present invention can be embodied in different forms, such as... Figure 4c , 4d As shown in 4e, and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The TLA devices of the present invention are characterized in that they comprise: - One or more air inlets (4) adjacent to the clean air zone (31) generated during use of the device, particularly at the care point (2), and the one or more air inlets (4) are located at or directly above the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). - One or more air outlets (10) located at a level above the clean air zone (31) of the care point (2) and adapted to discharge a substantially laminar, downward airflow. - One or more filters (7) - Fan assembly (5), - An air temperature control system suitable for heating or cooling the supply airflow, and -Shell (6) The clean air zone (31) generated by the device according to the invention, particularly at the care point (2), can be used in a variety of situations. Therefore, providing a clean air zone (31) is crucial in situations such as workstations (e.g., workbenches), fume hoods / fume cabinets, operating rooms, or surgical instrument tables.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the TLA device of the present invention is used to replace body convection from an individual requiring rest and to create a clean air zone (31), such as a controlled personal breathing zone, for said individual resting at a care point (2). In such embodiments, the TLA devices of the present invention are characterized in that they comprise: - One or more air inlets (4) adjacent to a clean air zone (31), such as a controlled personal breathing zone, which is created by the device at the care point (2) during use, and the one or more air inlets (4) at or above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). - One or more air outlets (10) located above the level of the individual breathing zone at the point of care (2) and adapted to discharge a substantially layered, downward flow of purified air (36). - One or more filters (7) - Fan assembly (5), - An air temperature control system suitable for heating or cooling the supply airflow, and -Shell (6) In the context of this invention, an individual requiring care should be understood as any kind of individual requiring care. That is, the individual requiring care can be a mammal, such as a human, or any other animal, such as a bird, reptile, amphibian, or invertebrate.

[0029] In the context of this invention, the clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention during use should be understood as substantially free of mixed, contaminated ambient air, at least at the care point (2). Therefore, the treated air zone supplied from the outlet (10) of the air handling device according to the invention can reduce the airborne particulate count (i.e., particulate matter particles ≤ 2.5 µm) at the care point (2) by more than 95%, for example, by up to 99.5%, and generally reduces the airborne particulate count at the care point (2) by at least more than 75% during use. In some preferred embodiments, during use, more than 95% of particles ≥ 0.5 µm present in the ambient air are removed from the treated air supplied from the outlet (10) of the air handling device according to the invention. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the air handling device according to the invention supplies air from one or more of its outlets (10) according to performance reported by prior art devices, which creates a clean air zone (31), such as a personal breathing zone, in which the concentration of cat allergens is reduced by 30-fold, total breathing zone particulate exposure is reduced by 3000-fold for particles >0.5µm, and total breathing zone particulate exposure is reduced by 3700-fold for particles >10µm. Therefore, when in use, exposure to airborne allergens (e.g., pet dander (primarily <5µm) and house dust mites (>10µm)) at the point of care (2) can be effectively reduced.

[0030] As described above, the clean air zone (31) (e.g., personal breathing zone) generated by the TLA is provided from the air outlet (10) of the air handling unit, which includes not only the care point (2) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), but also a certain spatial volume between one or more air outlets (10) of the air handling unit and the care point (2).

[0031] In the context of this invention, the “outer boundary” of the spatial volume occupied by the TLA-based clean air zone (31) (e.g., a personal breathing zone) generated by the air handling device according to the invention is therefore understood as a “surface” defined by a discrete point in the space between the air handling device outlet (10) and the care point (2) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), where the airborne particulate count (i.e., particulate matter particles ≤ 2.5 µm) is reduced by at least 75% compared to ambient air when in use. In some preferred embodiments, the “outer boundary” should be understood as a “surface” defined by a discrete point in the space between the air handling device outlet (10) and the care point (2) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), where at least 95% of particles larger than 0.5 µm are removed compared to ambient air when in use, for example, up to 99.5% of particles larger than 0.5 µm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is understood as a “surface” defined by a discrete point in the space between the air outlet (10) of the air handling device and the care point (2) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), where the concentration of cat allergens is reduced by 30 times, the total respiratory zone particulate exposure is reduced by 3000 times for particles >0.5µm, and by 3700 times for particles >10µm.

[0032] Based on the foregoing, the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention, such as a personal breathing zone, is understood in the context of the invention as having at least a 75% reduction in the airborne particulate count (i.e., particulate matter particles ≤ 2.5 µm) in a certain spatial volume between the air handling device outlet (10) and the care point (2) at a level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) compared to ambient air. In some preferred embodiments, it should be understood that at least 95% of particles larger than 0.5 µm are removed in a certain spatial volume between the air handling device outlet (10) and the care point (2) at a level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) compared to ambient air. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it should be understood that, during use, the concentration of cat allergens in the air in a certain volume between the air outlet (10) of the air handling device and the care point (2) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) is reduced by 30 times, and the total respiratory zone particulate exposure is reduced by 3000 times for particles >0.5µm and by 3700 times for particles >10µm.

[0033] Based on the above, the “outer boundary” of the clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention at the care point (2) (e.g., a personal breathing zone) at the level of the care point (35) should be understood to mean that, in use, the shortest distance R1 from the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) to another point at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) reduces the airborne particulate count (i.e., particulate matter particles ≤ 2.5 µm) by at least 75% compared to ambient air. In some preferred embodiments, it should be understood that, in use, at least 95% of particles larger than 0.5 µm are removed compared to ambient air by the shortest distance R1 from the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) to another point at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). In a particularly preferred embodiment, it should be understood that, in use, the concentration of cat allergens at the shortest distance R1 from the geometric center (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the care point (2) to another point at the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the care point (2) is reduced by 30-fold, and the total respiratory zone particulate exposure is reduced by 3000-fold for particles >0.5µm and by 3700-fold for particles >10µm.

[0034] In the context of this invention, the dimensions of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2), such as the distance R1 from the geometric center point (37) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) to the “outer boundary” at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), whether in whole or in part, are preferably defined in mm.

[0035] In the context of this invention, the distance R1 from the geometric center point (37) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) to the “outer boundary” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) is preferably 150 mm or greater, for example 200 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, 350 mm, 400 mm, 450 mm, 500 mm, 550 mm, 600 mm, 650 mm, 700 mm, or 750 mm.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance R1 from the geometric center point (37) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) to the “outer boundary” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) is 300 mm or greater, for example 400 mm, 450 mm, 500 mm, 550 mm, 600 mm, 650 mm, 700 mm, or 750 mm.

[0037] In the context of this invention, the size of the “surface area” defined by the “surface” of the clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), based on TLA, whether whole or part, is preferably defined in mm2.

[0038] In the context of this invention, the “volume” defined by the “surface” of the clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), based on TLA, whether whole or part, is preferably defined in mm3.

[0039] The TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention can take any form with a 3-dimensional (e.g., x, y and z) "surface".

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention will have a relatively large planar shape at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) (also referred to as the lower bottom of the clean air zone (31)) compared to the plane at the air outlet (10) of the air handling device (also referred to as the upper bottom of the clean air zone (31)), and its overall “surface” will be further defined by a plurality of faces intersecting tangents.

[0041] The geometry associated with the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling apparatus according to the invention will include, but is not limited to: Partial sphere: In particular, the distance R1 of each point on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) is substantially equal to that of the geometric center point (37), regardless of whether it is at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2).

[0042] Partial ellipsoid: Points on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), can be said to substantially correspond to points generated by deforming the sphere through directional scaling (or, more colloquially, by affine transformation). In this case, points on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), at a level (35) above the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), may be at a distance greater than or less than the distance R1 from the geometric center point (37) to the geometric center point (37) on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2).

[0043] Partial tori: The points on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), can be said to correspond substantially to points generated by rotating a circle around an axis in three-dimensional space (the axis being coplanar with the circle).

[0044] Cylinder: In particular, the points on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) can be said to correspond substantially to the points generated by the lines connecting two parallel circular bases of the same or different sizes.

[0045] Cone: In particular, the points on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) can be said to correspond substantially to the points generated from the circular base and the curved side terminating at a point.

[0046] Pyramid: In particular, the points on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) can be said to correspond substantially to points generated from the base of a polygon (e.g., a triangle or a square) and the lateral face of a triangle terminating at a point.

[0047] Prisms: In particular, the points on the “surface” of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) can be said to correspond to points generated by two congruent and parallel planes, such as square prisms, triangular prisms, octagonal prisms or hexagonal prisms.

[0048] Any combination of the above forms.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling apparatus according to the invention may take the form of a “surface” that substantially corresponds to a partial sphere or a partial ellipsoid.

[0050] In some preferred embodiments, such as a partially sphere or a partially ellipsoidal body, one dimension (e.g., x) of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated according to the invention, particularly at the care point (2), is relatively small compared to the other two dimensions (e.g., y and z) of the generated TLA-based clean air zone (31). Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments, such as a partially sphere or a partially ellipsoidal body, one dimension (e.g., y) of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated according to the invention, particularly at the care point (2), is relatively large compared to the other two dimensions (e.g., x and z).

[0051] As described above, the device of the present invention allows for improved clean air TLA flow, improved clean air distribution, and improved clean air replacement / emission from the clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), resulting in a significant increase in the stability of the clean air zone (31) at the care point (2) and a significant reduction in the recovery time required for the clean air zone (31) at the care point (2) if disturbed, for example, if the individual requiring care moves while resting at the care point (2), i.e., the airborne particulate count (i.e., particulate matter particles ≤ 2.5 µm) is re-established compared to ambient air by at least 75%.

[0052] Therefore, compared to prior art devices, the function of the device according to the invention depends less on the specific placement of the device relative to the care point (2) (e.g., a controlled personal breathing zone). This has a significantly positive impact on compliance levels (e.g., therapeutic compliance) and clinical outcomes compared to the levels of compliance achievable with prior art devices, which can be obtained with the device according to the invention. Therefore, compared to prior art devices, the device according to the invention is less likely to exhibit limited efficiency in use (unable to freely leave the care point (e.g., the personal breathing zone) in all directions), i.e., when air cannot move unimpeded away from the care point in all directions (i.e., the care point is composed of an area made around the circumference and covering 360° in all directions), when clean air is continuously supplied to the clean air zone (31) generated particularly at the care point (2), the device according to the invention can also function. Therefore, the device of the present invention also functions in the following situations: when the device is in use, the clean air continuously supplied to the clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), can only move freely in a direction on one side of the care point (2) (and from there), such as a resting place (e.g., a bed) where the individual requiring care rests, and / or, for example, only along the foot end direction of the resting place (e.g., the bed). This is especially true when the TLA flow continuously supplied to generate the clean air zone (31) when the device is in use cannot otherwise leave the care point (2) along the head end direction of the resting place (e.g., the bed), where the individual requiring care rests, and / or cannot otherwise move away from the care point (2) along one side of the resting place (e.g., the bed), for example, if the resting place (e.g., the bed) is at least next to or in a corner of a wall. Furthermore, individuals often move around, and when resting or relaxing, they sometimes position their heads, such as their noses and mouths, especially near the boundary of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated by the care point (2), for example, close to the distance R1 from the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) to its “outer boundary”. If there is a wall nearby at this time, the air cleanliness will be disturbed in most cases when using a prior art TLA system, while in the case of the device according to the invention, it remains virtually undisturbed.

[0053] The foregoing implies that the device of the present invention is particularly relevant in providing a clean air zone (31) for, for example, a child lying in bed, because the size and cleanliness of the clean zone (31) are generated by the device at the care point (2) during use, which is much more stable than what might be observed with prior art devices, since the object (e.g., an individual) can move freely or walk around in the clean zone (31, within a distance R1 from the geometric center point 37) without compromising the air cleanliness of the clean air zone (31). Finally, compared with prior art devices, the device of the present invention is designed to facilitate standard maintenance procedures (e.g., filter replacement) for the user, without the undesirable risk of contamination from the spillage of clean zone material from the used filter.

[0054] Furthermore, unlike most prior art devices, the device of the present invention does not rely on air entering from the ground to achieve optimal performance; therefore, unlike prior art devices, the device of the present invention does not depend on the thermal stratification of the ground. On the contrary, the device of the present invention relies solely on the air supply emitted during use adjacent to (especially at the care point (2)) the clean air zone (31) (at or directly above the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) at the level (35)). In the context of this invention, the expression “adjacent” to the clean air zone generated at the point of care should be understood as defined according to the size of the clean air zone (31) generated by the relevant air handling device, particularly at the point of care, in accordance with the above definition of (clean air zone). Therefore, in the context of this invention, “adjacent” to the clean air zone (31) generated by the device in use, particularly at the point of care (2), should be understood as defined as a point at a distance R2 from the geometric center point (37) (e.g., at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) generated at the point of care (2) by the air handling device according to the invention, which is greater than R1 but less than twice R1, where R1 is the distance from the same geometric center point (37) to the “outer boundary” (i.e., “surface”) (at the level (35) of the geometric center point (35) of the point of care (2)) of the clean air zone (31) (e.g., the personal breathing zone) generated at the point of care (2) by the air handling device according to the invention, as defined above. In other words, when the device is in use, the "adjacent" clean air zone (31) generated, especially at the care point (2), should be understood to be defined as a point at a distance R2 from the geometric center (37) (e.g., at the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the care point (2)) generated by the air handling device according to the invention, which is greater than R1 but less than twice R1, wherein R1 is the shortest distance from the geometric center (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the care point (2) to another point where the airborne particulate count level is reduced by 75% compared to ambient air (i.e., particulate matter particles ≤ 2.5 µm). In some preferred embodiments, when the device is in use, “adjacent” to the clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), should be understood as a distance R2, which is greater than R1 but less than twice R1, where R1 is the shortest distance from the geometric center (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) to another point where at least 95% of particles larger than 0.5µm are removed compared to ambient air. In a particularly preferred embodiment, “adjacent” to the clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2), should be understood as a distance R2, which is greater than R1 but less than twice R1, where R1 is the shortest distance from the geometric center (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) to another point where the concentration of cat allergens is reduced by 30-fold, total respiratory particulate exposure is reduced by 3000-fold for particles >0.5µm, and reduced by 3700-fold for particles >10µm.

[0055] As stated above, the expression “adjacent” to the clean air zone (31) generated when the device is in use, particularly at the care point (2), should be understood in the context of this invention as a point R2 at the geometric center (37) (e.g., at the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) by the air handling device according to the invention, a distance greater than R1 but less than twice R1, where R1 is the distance from the same geometric center (37) to the “outer boundary” (i.e., “surface”) (at the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the clean air zone (31) (e.g., the personal breathing zone) generated at the care point (2) by the air handling device according to the invention, as defined above.

[0056] In other words, the expression “adjacent to” especially the clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) should be understood in the context of this invention as defining a distance R2 from the geometric center point (37) (e.g., at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention, especially at the care point (2), can be defined as 2. R1>R2>R1.

[0057] The device of the present invention is adapted to provide a substantially tiered downward flow of purified air toward or into, for example, a controlled personal breathing zone or another care point (2) of a user or individual requiring care, where there is a difference in air temperature (measured at the level (35) of the level of the personal breathing zone of the individual requiring care or the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2)) between the supply air and the ambient air, wherein the air temperature difference is maintained in the range of 0.1 to 3°C, for example 0.3 to 1°C, or 0.5 to 0.8°C, lower than the ambient air at the level of the personal breathing zone or care point.

[0058] The technical effect is achieved by placing 1) at least one air inlet (4) adjacent to the care point (2), such as the controlled personal breathing zone, i.e., at a distance R2 from the geometric center point (37) (e.g., at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention, particularly at the care point (2), which can be defined as 2 R1>R2>R1, and 2) at least one outlet (10) is located just above the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the care point (2) (e.g., a controlled personal breathing zone). A well-defined and more stable clean air zone (requiring a temperature 0.1 to 3ºC, for example 0.3 to 1ºC, or 0.5 to 0.8ºC, cooler than the ambient air at the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the care point (2) (e.g., a controlled personal breathing zone) is thus generated. Therefore, compared with prior art devices, the device according to the invention allows for improved clean air flow, improved clean air distribution, and improved exhaust from the clean air zone at the care point (2), resulting in a significant increase in the stability of the clean air zone (31) generated particularly at the care point (2), and a significant reduction in the recovery time required, particularly for the clean air zone (31) generated at the care point, should it be disturbed, for example, by the movement of a person or individual requiring care resting at the care point, or by disturbances from a person or individual requiring care resting at the care point.

[0059] The aforementioned effect will be achieved by positioning one or more air inlets (4) adjacent to the clean air zone (31) (e.g., a controlled personal breathing zone) generated by the device at the care point (2), i.e., the distance R2 from the geometric center point (37) (e.g., at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention, particularly at the care point (2), can be defined as 2. The fact that R1>R2>R1 is quite surprising and could not have been foreseen by assessing the scientific evidence available in the existing technology.

[0060] In fact, based on an assessment of the scientific evidence available in the prior art, the only reasonable a priori conclusion that can be reasonably drawn is that one or more air inlets (4) should be positioned immediately adjacent to the clean air zone (31) generated by the device at the care point (2), such as a controlled personal breathing zone, i.e., at a distance R2 from the geometric center point (37) (e.g., at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention, particularly at the care point (2), which can be defined as 2 R1>R2>R1, which leads to harmful interference with the clean air zone (31). Therefore, a key finding of the present invention is that the integrity of the clean air zone (31) (e.g., the controlled personal breathing zone) is not disturbed—in fact, it is reinforced—if one or more air inlets (4) are placed adjacent to the clean air zone (31), e.g., the controlled personal breathing zone, i.e., at a distance R2 from the geometric center point (37) (e.g., at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device, especially at the care point (2), which can be defined as 2 R1>R2>R1, and in a preferred embodiment, they are positioned at or above the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) at a level (35) of approximately 5-30 cm, and further positioned so that the main direction vector of the airflow (38) enters at least one of the one or more air inlets (4), with reference to Figure 4e Surprisingly, the angle between the air inlets (4) and the main directional vector of the air (39) displaced / exhausted from the controlled clean air zone (31) is >= 90 degrees and <= 270 degrees. That is, in the preferred embodiment, the air inlets (4) are primarily positioned such that they each individually face a certain volume of space, with most of the angle being greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 270°, for example, 180°, compared to the volume of space from which air is displaced / exhausted (39) during device operation.

[0061] In the device according to the invention, at least a portion of the supply air is discharged from the environment through the air inlet (4) (or from a clean air zone (31) immediately adjacent to, particularly at, the care point (2), or at or directly above, the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). In a preferred embodiment, the supply air is discharged from the clean air zone (31) immediately adjacent to, particularly at, the care point (2) and directly above, the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2).

[0062] In the context of this invention, placing one or more air inlets (4) adjacent to, in particular, the clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) should be interpreted as meaning that if R1 as defined above is equal to 300 mm, they are placed at a distance of more than 300 mm but less than 600 mm from the geometric center point (37) of the sphere, the center of which is located at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). That is, in the case where R1 as defined above is 300 mm, R2 as defined above will be 600 mm > R2 > 300 mm.

[0063] In the context of this invention, placing one or more air inlets (4) adjacent to, in particular, the clean air zone (31) generated at the care point (2) should be interpreted as meaning that if R1 as defined above is between 300 mm and 500 mm, they are placed at a distance of more than 300 mm to more than 500 mm from the geometric center point (37) of the sphere, the center of which is located at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). That is, if R1 as defined above is in the range of more than 300 mm to more than 500 mm, then R2 as defined above will be 1000 mm > R2 > 300 mm.

[0064] In the context of this invention, placing one or more air inlets (4) at or directly above the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the care point (2) of a clean air zone (31) (e.g., a controlled personal breathing zone) generated during device use should be interpreted as meaning that they are placed approximately 2-50 cm, for example 3-45 cm, e.g., app. 25 cm, or 3-45 cm, e.g., 4-40 cm, e.g., app. 30 cm, or 5-35 cm, e.g., 10-25 cm, e.g., app. 10-20 cm, the center of which is located at the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of the care point (2) of the sphere, and defining the clean air zone, e.g., the controlled personal breathing zone. In a preferred embodiment, one or more air inlets (4) are also positioned such that the main direction vector (38) of the airflow enters these air inlets (4) (see Figure 4e ) occurs in directions that form angles >=90° and <=270° with the main direction vector of the airflow displacing / exhausting from the clean air zone (31) generated by the device, for example in Figure 4a1 and 4a2 In the illustrated embodiment, by placing one or more air inlets (4) on the side opposite to the side where one or more air outlets (10) of the device are located, it is ensured that the main direction vector of the airflow (38) enters at least one of the one or more air inlets (4) adjacent to the controlled clean air zone (31) generated by the device (1) during use, and forms an angle >= 90° and <= 270° with the main direction vector of the air (39) displaced / discharged from the controlled clean air zone (31).

[0065] Surprisingly, it was found that the stability of the clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling apparatus according to the invention is substantially unaffected if the air inlet (4) is constructed / positioned as described above. Therefore, those skilled in the art would not place the air inlet (4) adjacent to the TLA-based clean air zone, a position that would necessarily be considered asymmetrical compared to the general or primary direction vector of the clean TLA flow generated, particularly at the care point (2), since such positioning of the air inlet (4) would be expected to significantly affect the flow direction of the clean air supplied to the clean air zone (31). However, the combination of this somewhat asymmetrical positioning of one or more air inlets (4) and the slightly denser, cooler air (compared to ambient air) supplied as the TLA flow to the clean air zone (31) clearly ensures that the general and primary direction vector of the TLA clean air flow at the care point (2) can be maintained while effectively venting / replacing air from the care point (2) that would otherwise be trapped and accumulate, for example, at the headboard or near the wall, potentially causing turbulence or other disturbances to the clean air zone (31). Unwilling to be bound by theory, the current assumption behind this surprising finding is that blowing may interfere with the temperature-controlled laminar air (TLA) flow, although even when affected at a distance from the relevant TLA flow, the interference of suction (or more precisely, air exhaust) is not very noticeable. This may also be partly why it was observed that, for the device according to the invention, even if one or more air inlets (4) are placed adjacent to the clean air zone (31) generated during use of the device, such as a controlled personal breathing zone, they are unlikely to have a negative impact on the clean air zone (31) if they are positioned such that the main direction vector of the airflow (38) enters the air inlet (4) and forms an angle >= 90° and <= 270° with the main direction vector of the air displaced / exhausted from the adjacent personal breathing zone, see Figure 4e. Figure 4a1 , 4a2 In 4c, 4d, and 4e, by placing one or more air inlets (4) on the opposite side to the side where one or more air outlets (10) of the device are located, the main direction vector of the airflow (38) is ensured (see 4c, 4d, and 4e). Figure 4e The air enters at least one of the one or more air inlets (4) adjacent to the controlled clean air zone (31) generated by the device (1) during use, and forms an angle of >= 90° and <= 270° with the main direction vector of the air displaced / discharged from the controlled clean air zone (31).

[0066] Furthermore, the inventors currently speculate that the relative positions (including their positions relative to the care point) of one or more air inlets (4) and one or more air outlets (10) of the device according to the invention effectively stabilize the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point. In a sense, the characteristics, especially the stability, of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated by the air handling device according to the invention are determined to some extent by the placement of these air inlets (4) and the air outlets (10), since the air inlets (4) are placed adjacent to the clean air zone (31) (e.g., the controlled personal breathing zone). In contrast, the characteristics / stability of the TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated by the prior art device are primarily (if not primarily or solely) determined by the placement of the air outlets (10).

[0067] Besides being more stable in use, this feature offers several other advantages. First, the resulting clearly defined clean air zone (31) will become increasingly cleaner over long-term operation due to the recirculation of air from the care point (2) (rather than, for example, air drawn from the ground as in the prior art). Furthermore, when the air inlet (4) is placed close to the resulting clean air zone (31) compared to placing the inlet at ground level, the inlet air will mix less with ambient air, which improves the overall efficiency of the air purifier (e.g., during cooling) and the lifespan of the filter (7). This, in turn, increases the maintenance-free operating time of the unit, since the filter (7) is the shortest-lived part of the unit. Another advantage is that the total power consumption required to cool the air in the clean air zone (31) generated by the unit to any given temperature below ambient temperature will decrease over time, as the recirculated air will be continuously cooled to the temperature required during operation.

[0068] The filter (7) used in the apparatus according to the invention is preferably a high-efficiency particulate air filter, preferably a filter capable of removing at least 75%, at least 85%, or at least 95% of particles larger than 0.5 µm, or higher (if required at the point of care). In other embodiments, any suitable filter media or device suitable for filtering particles or gases not desired at the point of care (2) may be used. This includes, for example, glass fiber and / or polymer fiber filters, or electrostatic filters, or mixed filters (i.e., charged particles and / or filter media), or radiation methods (i.e., ultraviolet light), or chemical and / or fluid methods, or any combination of activated carbon filters or other filter types.

[0069] The routine operation of the device according to the invention can be further improved by incorporating one or more filters (7) into the filter compartment, the filters (7) being inserted or replaced by removing the filter compartment at the front of the device, see Figure 3 .

[0070] In a further embodiment, the TLA device of the present invention may include a filter compartment, which can be detached / separated from the device by a release mechanism such that the outermost side of the filter (7) in the filter compartment faces downwards. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The compartment has been removed / separated from the device. With the filter compartment in a horizontal position and the outermost side of the filter facing down while the clean side of the filter (8) faces up, it is possible to replace the filter (7) in the filter compartment. When replacing the filter (7), the user and care point are protected from allergens and dust collected within the filter compartment. The filter compartment can then be placed in a plastic bag (preferably, if applicable, the plastic bag already contains a replacement filter), where the used filter (7) can be released from the compartment using a mechanism. The filter compartment can then be removed from the plastic bag, still in a vertical position, and reinstalled on the device with the new filter (7) placed in the compartment, minimizing the user and care point's exposure to allergens and dust. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the possibility of particulate contamination, such as in sleeping areas, during filter replacement is thus significantly reduced.

[0071] Examples of the TLA device (1) according to the present invention and its possible uses Figure 1 The device shown includes a TLA-based clean air zone (31) generated, particularly at the care point (2). The device is adapted to provide a substantially tiered downward flow of purified air (36) toward the care point (2), the temperature of which differs from that of the ambient air (34) (measured at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2)) by 0.1 to 3°C, making it cooler than the ambient air (34) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). The device includes: -One or more air inlets (4), - One or more air outlets (10), at least one of which is located above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) and is adapted to discharge the substantially layered, downward purified airflow (36). - One or more filters (7), - Fan assembly (5), - An air temperature control system adapted to heat or cool the supplied airflow, and -Shell (6) A further feature of the device is that at least one of the one or more air inlets (4) is adjacent to the controlled clean air zone (31) generated by the device (1) during use, particularly at the care point (2), located at or directly above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), and the distance to the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the care point (2) (at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2)) is R2, which is greater than R1 but less than twice R1, where R1 is the distance from the same geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) at the care point (2) to the “outer boundary” of the clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2). Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the air handling unit (1) has been adapted to generate the controlled clean air zone (31) at the care point (2) by replacing body convection from the individual requiring care resting at the care point (2), thereby generating the controlled clean air zone (31) in the form of a controlled personal breathing zone for the individual resting at the care point (2), and Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the air inlet (4) for discharging air from the clean air zone (31) is placed directly above the care point, adjacent to the clean air zone (31).

[0072] from Figure 1 It can be seen that the TLA device is preferably designed for vertical installation, and the device can therefore be, for example, wall-mounted.

[0073] In most embodiments, one or more air outlets (10) of the device according to the invention are located near or at the top of the clean air zone (31) generated when the device is in use.

[0074] Due to the technical effect achieved by placing at least one air inlet (4) near the clean air zone (31) generated when the device is in use (especially near the care point (2)) (e.g., near the personal breathing area), and placing one or more air outlets (10) above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) (e.g., the personal breathing area), the device of the present invention (even if placed on a wall or in a corner) will still be able to generate a well-defined clean air zone (31) that requires a temperature 0.1 to 3°C, for example 0.3 to 1°C, or 0.5 to 0.8°C, cooler than the ambient air at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2).

[0075] At the same time, the device is located very close to the point of care (2), such as the breathing area of ​​the user / “person in need of care”, which limits the function of the device because it must be able to generate the required well-defined clean air zone (31) with a temperature 0.1 to 3°C, for example 0.3 to 1°C, or 0.5 to 0.8°C, cooler than the ambient air at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the point of care (2) (e.g., the individual’s breathing area) without generating noise, which is incompatible with the location very close to the point of care (2) (e.g., the user / “person in need of care”).

[0076] Several details of the device according to the invention can help ensure a specific low noise level during use. For example, a suitable filter (7), capable of removing at least 75%, at least 85%, or at least 95% of particles larger than 0.5 µm, can provide a relatively large filtration area compared to the area covered by the generated clean air zone, for example, the filter having a filter media area at least twice the area covered by the clean air zone (31) at the care point (2). The larger the filter media area, the lower the airflow velocity and pressure differential required for operation on the filter (7). Therefore, all other things being equal, a larger filter media area will help reduce the noise generated. In some preferred embodiments, the area covered by the clean air zone (31) at the care point (2) can be approximately 0.10 m². 2 The area of ​​the filter media can be approximately 2m². 2 Even if the area of ​​the filter media is 20 times larger than the area covered by the clean air zone (31) generated by the device during use, especially at the care point.

[0077] In addition, many possible features associated with the blower or fan assembly (5) of the device can be used to improve its efficiency and correspondingly reduce the pollution noise level and energy consumption during its use.

[0078] Generally, referring to FIG2, the TLA device according to the present invention will include: - Air inlet (4), through which airflow is guided to fan assembly (5), fan assembly (5) including at least fan (14) and external fan housing (18), - The outlet portion of the external fan housing.

[0079] An impeller / fan (14) placed in the external fan housing (18) of the TLA device according to the invention typically comprises a mixed-flow / turbo fan / impeller (15) and a motor (16) for driving the fan / impeller. The motor (16) and the mixed-flow fan / impeller (15) then operate to generate an airflow to the outlet portion of the housing of the fan assembly.

[0080] The fan assembly of the TLA device according to the invention typically also includes a drive circuit for actuating the motor, which is connected to a programmable control unit.

[0081] The fan assembly according to the invention will preferably include a mixed-flow or turbine impeller (15) in the form of a closed impeller structure having a top, bottom, and internal impeller chamber, which is divided into multiple sub-chambers by impeller blades or vanes. This will allow the fan assembly to include an effective pneumatic seal between the impeller and the impeller housing. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the fan assembly according to the invention, the pneumatic seal (24) between the impeller and the impeller housing will be in the form of a labyrinth-type air seal.

[0082] An effective pressure seal that prevents high-pressure air (at the impeller outlet) from leaking back to the intake side (impeller inlet) significantly increases the efficiency of the air purification device according to the invention, allowing the impeller to operate at a lower speed (rpm), thereby reducing noise during operation.

[0083] Compared to previous TLA devices, the device according to the invention is characterized in particular by one or more air inlets (4) being adjacent to a clean air zone (31) generated by the device at a care point (2), such as a controlled personal breathing zone, at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), rather than at the ground level, for example.

[0084] As stated above, those skilled in the art would have some doubts about placing the air inlet (4) of the air handling unit close to the clean air zone (31) generated during the use of the unit, since such positioning of the air inlet (4) would a priori be expected to significantly affect the approximate and main direction vector of the clean TLA airflow supplied from the outlet (10) of the unit.

[0085] For example, the air temperature at ground level is typically expected to be lower than that at a typical care point (2) (e.g., the individual breathing zone of a bed). Therefore, in addition to the above, those skilled in the art would also conjecture that the TLA device according to the invention is particularly characterized by an air inlet (4) at or directly above the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2), which presents a challenge in providing more efficient air cooling than previously known devices. In some preferred embodiments, the finned stack of the radiator (29) may cover only 3 / 4 of the circle, covering a portion of the total air volume allocated to the supply air. The portion of the total air volume bypassing the radiator is designated for cooling electronic devices, etc. In turbine impellers or mixed-flow impellers, the airflow from the inlet of a portion of the impeller exits the impeller at a corresponding location at the impeller outlet.

[0086] This design improves radiator efficiency, thereby reducing energy consumption during operation and consequently lowering the noise level generated during operation. Therefore, installing the radiator (26 / 29) on the impeller inlet (suction) side optimizes the airflow distribution on the radiator and reduces air resistance, thereby reducing the impeller's rotational speed requirement and thus lowering the noise level.

[0087] To further reduce the noise level generated during operation, certain preferred embodiments of the air handling apparatus according to the invention utilize multiple micro-perforated plates (27) with Helmholtz resonators installed at different locations around the fan assembly, as shown in Figure 2.

[0088] The presence of such a micro-perforated plate will significantly reduce the noise level generated during operation, see, for example, US20140271132A1 (Tyler).

[0089] Many possible temperature control elements can be used in the air handling apparatus according to the invention, including a handling apparatus with a temperature control system, which is a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. The temperature control system includes a thermoelectric Peltier module (28).

[0090] Heat pipes and radiators can both be made of metal, usually alloys or metals with good thermal conductivity, such as metals selected from alumina, copper, steel, brass, etc.

[0091] Another drawback of existing TLA devices is that they are only semi-automatic and do not allow for truly personalized operation. To overcome this drawback, the air handling device according to the present invention will preferably include a programmable control unit.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the air handling apparatus according to the invention further includes one or more sensors (or cameras) (13) coupled to a programmable control unit, capable of detecting and monitoring ambient air temperature, outlet air temperature, “surface” temperature of the clean air zone (31), and whether there is an individual in the clean air zone (31) (e.g., at the care point (2)).

[0093] The TLA device according to the invention shall deliver clean air at a temperature only slightly below the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2) at an ambient air temperature (in the range of 0.1 to 3°C, for example 0.3 to 1°C, or 0.5 to 0.8°C) and flow at a downward velocity, ensuring that the flow of clean air is not regarded as a draught.

[0094] Therefore, the air handling unit according to the invention may include at least one sensor or camera (13), such as an infrared sensor array and two or more temperature sensors coupled to a programmable control unit and capable of detecting surface temperatures with high precision, for example, at care points such as the “surface” of the clean air zone (31) with an accuracy of + / - 0.1°C or less. This level of precision allows monitoring to be conducted to determine whether a uniform temperature reduction is actually achieved within the generated clean air zone (31) when the unit is turned on in a real-world environment compared to when it is turned off. In this way, the functionality of the clean air zone (31) generated in a real-world environment can be checked, and interferences that interfere with the function of the TLA clean air zone (e.g., airflow turbulence from fans or window ventilation) can be detected and, if possible, counteracted. Even though this zone integrity test can only be performed when the system is not in use, i.e., when nothing is placed in the clean air zone (31), it will allow the functionality of the unit to be checked at the point of use without the presence of a technician.

[0095] Preferably, the sensor or camera (13), such as an IR sensor array and two or more temperature sensors, is capable of additionally detecting the air temperature at one or more air outlets (10).

[0096] A combination of one or more sensors or cameras (13), such as an IR sensor array and two or more temperature sensors, coupled with a programmable control unit, is capable of detecting a number of parameters, such as the presence or absence of an object, such as an individual, i.e., an end-user / individual requiring care, in a clean air zone (31), such as a personal breathing zone, such as her or his bed, thus allowing the device to operate when an object (e.g., an individual) appears at the point of care (2). This automatic start / stop function improves overall compliance, such as treatment compliance (adherence to treatment), which would otherwise be a major problem in, for example, asthma, since the user does not need to start and stop the device. At the same time, it will help reduce overall energy consumption and filter replacement frequency. In some preferred embodiments, the air handling device according to the invention will include components (e.g., a WiFi device or a GSM module) that allow the actual measurement results of any measured parameter to be reported to qualified healthcare or technical service professionals, for example, via the Internet. Thus, for example, the air handling device according to the invention may include a programmable control unit programmed to send notifications to technical service professionals, individuals requiring care, and / or healthcare providers regarding whether the device is operational. Therefore, the device can be programmed to provide documentation of its proper use, which may be advantageous in certain situations, such as in the case of health insurance. Similarly, the device can be programmed to automatically send messages to service facilities or prompt users whether technical service of the device is needed or whether user intervention is required, such as filter replacement.

[0097] The present invention also relates to a method for alleviating symptoms associated with exposure to particulate allergens by using an air handling device according to the invention to provide a controlled personal breathing zone for an individual requiring care.

[0098] Figure 1 An embodiment of the air handling device (1) of the present invention and its use are shown. The device can be mounted on a wall (33), for example, as shown, or it can be mounted, for example, at the head of a bed.

[0099] The device includes one or more air inlets (4) which are preferably placed near or very close to a clean air zone (31) (e.g., a controlled breathing zone) generated at the point of care (2), and filters, fan assemblies and air outlets (10 / 12) are adapted to discharge a substantially tiered downward flow of clean air toward the point of care (2), for example into the personal breathing zone (3) of the user or individual requiring care.

[0100] The device preferably includes one or more sensors (or cameras) (13) connected to a programmable control unit, such as an IR sensor array and two or more temperature sensors. This combination ensures that the device can detect one or more other characteristics, such as whether the user / individual (3) requiring care is at an appropriate distance from the device (e.g., in the individual's breathing zone), in addition to detecting the air temperature difference between the air supplied from one or more outlets (10) and the ambient air temperature at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2).

[0101] The combination of an IR sensor array and two or more temperature sensors, along with a programmable control unit, paves the way for truly automated device control, significantly enhancing the user experience with ease and without problems. For example, the device can detect objects at the point of care (2), such as a user in bed, and automatically turn them on or off accordingly. It can also detect the user's sleep patterns (e.g., number of times they turn over each night, restless sleep, etc.). The sensor / control unit can also directly detect the stability of the clean air zone (31) generated at the point of care (2), particularly since the IR sensor array has a sensitivity of + / -0.1°C or higher. The device can perform an installation check, whereby the stability of the generated clean air zone (31) is checked during device installation. This facility, i.e., the user-performed installation test, can replace a technician's installation visit, for example, if the device is moved to a different location relative to the point of care (2), or if the point of care is moved to a different location in the room. Furthermore, the device can be continuously programmed to control whether it generates a well-defined clean air zone (31), such as a controlled personal breathing zone, and to issue a warning to the user if the clean air zone (31) (e.g., the controlled personal breathing zone) becomes unstable due to seasonal changes (cold air in winter, or the use of fans / air conditioning in summer, etc.). Warnings, and even reports, can also be automatically sent from the device to the user or service technician via a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications or similar) module. WiFi or Bluetooth devices providing internet connectivity can supplement or replace the GSM module. In either case, such communication facilities provide communication with common handheld devices (e.g., smartphones), thus avoiding the need for display on the device itself.

[0102] At least one of the one or more air inlets (4) is located within or near a clean air zone (31), i.e., adjacent to the clean air zone (31) (generated via a care point (2) when the device is in use), such as a controlled personal breathing zone, improving the discharge of contaminated air inside and around the clean air zone (31). Air circulating in the clean air zone is effectively discharged ("used air" discharge), thus creating a significantly more stable clean air zone (31).

[0103] In the case of existing TLA devices, such as those described in WO 2011042801 (Kristenson), the actual location of the bed, and therefore the actual location of the device in the room, has proven to be critical to its functionality. This is because stagnant air zones in the walls and / or corners expand and limit the establishment of clean zones. The novel air handling unit described herein largely overcomes this limitation.

[0104] Compared with existing devices, the device of the present invention allows for improved clean air flow, improved clean air distribution, and improved clean air discharge from the clean air zone (31) at the care point (2), resulting in a significant improvement in the stability of the clean air zone at the care point (2) and a significant reduction in the recovery time required for the clean air zone (31) when the care point (2) is disturbed (e.g., by the movement of a person requiring care who is resting at the care point).

[0105] Another advantage of the air handling devices according to the invention is that they are significantly more compact and suitable for easy installation on a wall (33) or, for example, on a headboard.

[0106] Figure 2a and Figure 2b Two embodiments of the air handling apparatus (1) according to the invention are shown, including the arrangement of the air inlet (4) relative to a typical clean air zone (31) generated during use of the apparatus according to the invention. Therefore, Figure 2a and Figure 2b The embodiments shown include: -One or more air inlets (4), - One or more air outlets (10) adapted to discharge a substantially layered, downward flow of purified air. - One or more filters (7), - Fan assembly (5) - An air temperature control system adapted to heat or cool the supplied airflow, and -Shell (6) The device according to the invention is designed to minimize pressure drop and correspondingly reduce the necessary rotational speed of the impeller and other sources of noise and heat generated during operation. Several design features contribute to this. Minimizing the number of “air bends” in the airflow path (20) within the device reduces the total pressure drop, thereby reducing noise. Operating through a relatively large inlet and filter zone also reduces noise, thereby maintaining a low air velocity and thus reducing pressure. A specially designed fan assembly (5) is also important for noiseless operation. The use of a micro-perforated plate near the impeller (27) helps reduce noise.

[0107] Typically, the device according to the invention includes one or more sensors and / or cameras (13), such as an IR sensor array, coupled to a programmable control unit and capable of detecting temperature differences with an accuracy of + / -0.1°C. Suitable sensors may be non-contact, high-precision infrared sensor arrays, which can provide non-contact temperature sensing accuracy up to 0.1°C.

[0108] The airflow in the device (1) according to the invention is generated by the action of a fan (blower) assembly (5). To reduce noise and energy consumption, the device is equipped with a specially designed fan assembly (5). Two embodiments of this assembly are shown in Figure 2. The airflow in the assembly is generated by the rotation of a mixed-flow / turbine impeller (15). The rotation of the impeller is generated by a motor (16). The motor (16) can be a DC brushless motor or any other type of motor, the speed of which can be changed by the control circuitry of the device.

[0109] The operation of the fan / impeller generates an airflow that enters the assembly through the inlet (4), passes through the impeller (15), and rises into the housing (25). In the depicted embodiment, the fan assembly (5) also includes a temperature regulation system comprising, for example, thermoelectric Peltier modules (28) connected to a set of heat sinks (29) via multiple heat pipes (30). The temperature regulation system can be mounted directly on top of the impeller housing (25) to form an integrated part of the fan assembly.

[0110] In order to optimize efficiency and thereby reduce noise generated during operation, the fan assembly of the air handling device according to the invention includes a pneumatic seal (24) located between the impeller (15) and the impeller housing (25).

[0111] The noise generated by the fan assembly can be further reduced by using a micro-perforated plate (27), just as sinusoidal motor control and impeller tuning can be applied to ensure that this is outside the motor frequency.

[0112] The pneumatic seal of the air handling apparatus according to the invention is preferably based on a frictionless labyrinth seal. This labyrinth seal can be a single-stage labyrinth, i.e., a seal comprising a circumferential fin fitted into a circumferential groove, see Figure 2, or it can be a two-stage or higher-stage labyrinth seal.

[0113] Example Example 1 Using statistical calculations and based on existing technology AIR4 (i.e., WO2012 / 136728) (see...) Figure 4b ) and the TLA device AIR5 according to the present invention (see Figure 4a1 and Figure 4a2 A stimulation test was conducted to compare the "clean areas" between the two. Measurements were taken at care points (2), in this case, beds placed close to the wall and freestanding beds, i.e., freestanding care points (2). The values ​​of AIR4 (prior art) and AIR5 (according to the present invention) mentioned in the table below, for example Ø600mm (both sides), are the average values ​​of measurements taken for beds placed close to the wall and freestanding beds.

[0114] More specifically, the tests were conducted in two different environments.

[0115] In the first environment, the so-called provocation test, air cleanliness was measured at the care point (2), i.e., on the bed, where the clean area was disturbed, and particle measurements were taken over a one-minute period starting from the time the disturbance was performed. Furthermore, particle measurements were taken at the geometric center point (37) of the clean air area, located at the level directly above the subject's forehead on the bed at the center (37) of the care point (2). In these tests, the care point (i.e., the bed) was independent.

[0116] In the second environment, a TLA device based on existing technology AIR4 (i.e., WO2012 / 136728) (see...) Figure 4b ) and the TLA device AIR5 according to the present invention (see Figure 4a1 and Figure 4a2 The test was conducted at care point (2) (i.e., the bed located in the corner of the room) and particle measurements were taken at the geometric center (37) of the clean zone (again, above the subject's forehead at the center (37) of care point (2) in the bed, R = + / -100 mm, + / -200 mm, and correspondingly + / -300 mm, and directly above the level (35) of the geometric center (37) of care point (2), while the device was still operational (i.e., while the person was still located at the geometric center (37) of the clean air zone). The test was conducted according to standard ISO-14664-1:1999 Clean rooms and associated controlled environments – Part 1. The test was then repeated at care point (2) (i.e., the bed placed diagonally in the same room).

[0117]

[0118] Actual particle measurements are initiated simultaneously with excitation in the air zone. After 6 seconds, the total number of particles >0.5µm is read, which is the total number of particles collected in seconds 0-6, indicated as "6" under the "Time" heading in the table above. The next particle reading is taken in seconds 6-12, indicated as "12" under the "Time" heading in the table above. For all measurements, the first measurement value "6" is used as a reference value of 100%. Therefore, all subsequent measurements are reported as percentage values ​​compared to the reference value measured at "6". For example, for Series 1, the reference value is 19000 (100%), and the subsequent measurement at "12" is calculated as 450 / 19000 = 0.024 or 2%.

[0119] The above data comes from the stimulation test and Figure 5The results show that the device AIR5 according to the present invention can maintain a cleanliness level of >99.5% at Ø600, even when the bed is placed close to a wall. The prior art device AIR4 cannot maintain >99.5%, especially when placed close to a wall. Furthermore, the data shows that the total exposure of the device AIR5 according to the present invention is significantly lower than that of the prior art device AIR4; specifically, the total exposure of the device AIR5 according to the present invention within 1 minute is significantly lower than that of the prior art device AIR4 within 1 minute, which is related to the activation of the cleanliness level.

[0120] Figure 5 The results shown are a graphical representation of the average particle cleanliness (compared to the ambient air cleanliness at the time of measurement) at different locations from the geometric center point (37) (at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care point (2)) in the form of a care point (2) placed next to a wall and a freestanding care point (2) in a freestanding bed. This test demonstrates the functionality of the TLA device AIR5 according to the present invention (see Figure 4a1 and 4a2 Regardless of whether the point of care (e.g., the bed) is located in a corner, the function of the prior art TLA device AIR4 (i.e., WO2012 / 136728) (see Figure 4b) is the opposite, and the prior art TLA device AIR4 cannot produce a similar level of air cleanliness when the point of care, such as the bed, is located in a corner.

[0121] List of reference numerals 1. Air handling unit 2. Nursing Point 3. The objects at the point of care, such as individuals / families requiring care. 4. Air Inlet 5. Fan assembly 6. Device housing 7. Filter 8. Cleaning side of the filter 10. Air vent 12. Exit air 13. Sensors or cameras 14. Fan 15. Turbine or mixed-flow impeller 16. Electric motor 18. Fan assembly housing 19. Panel protecting the drive circuit from airflow along the airflow path. 20. Airflow path 21. Top of the impeller chamber, 22. Bottom of the impeller chamber 23. Impeller blades or blades 24. Pneumatic seals 25. Impeller casing 26. Some cylindrical radiators 27. Microperforated plate 28. Peltier module 29. Radiator 30. Heat pipe 31. Clean Air Zone 32. Housing containing a filter 33. Wall 34. Ambient air 35. The level of the geometric center point (37) of nursing point (2) 36. Purify airflow 37. Geometric center of the controlled clean air zone (31) at nursing point (2). 38. The main directional vector of the airflow entering the device through the air inlet (4) 39. The main direction vector of the airflow displaced / emitted from the controlled clean air zone (31)

Claims

1. An air handling device (1) for generating a controlled clean air zone (31) at a care area (2), the device being adapted to provide a layered, downwardly directed purified airflow (36) toward the care area (2), wherein the air temperature of the purified airflow (36) measured at a level (35) of the care area (2) at the geometric center point (37) differs from that of the ambient air (34), and the air temperature of the purified airflow (36) measured at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care area (2) is 0.1 to 3°C lower than that of the ambient air (34), the device comprising: - One or more air inlets (4). - One or more air outlets (10), at least one of which is located above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care area (2) and is adapted to discharge the layered, downward-directed purified airflow (36). - One or more filters (7), in the form of high-efficiency particulate air filters or devices, suitable for filtering unwanted particles or gases from the care area (2). - Fan assembly (5) - An air temperature control system, said air temperature control system being adapted to provide heating or cooling of the supply airflow, and -Shell (6) A further feature of the device is that at least one of the one or more air inlets (4) is adjacent to the controlled clean air zone (31) generated by the device (1) in the care area (2) during use, and is positioned at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care area (2) or in the care area (2). The distance R2 is directly above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the nursing area (2) and the distance R2 is greater than the distance R1 but less than twice the distance R1, where R1 is the distance from the same geometric center point (37) of the nursing area (2) to the outer boundary of the clean air zone (31) defined by the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the nursing area (2), where the airborne particulate count level, i.e., particulate matter particles ≤2.5µm, is reduced by at least 75% compared to the ambient air, and the principal direction vector of the airflow (38) entering at least one of the one or more air inlets (4) forms an angle >=90° and <=270° with the principal direction vector of the airflow (39) displacing / emission from the controlled clean air zone (31) adjacent to the device.

2. The air handling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air handling unit (1) is adapted to generate the controlled clean air zone (31) in the care area (2) by replacing body convection from the individual in need of care resting in the care area (2), thereby generating the controlled clean air zone (31) in the form of a controlled personal breathing zone for the individual resting in the care area (2).

3. The air handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the one or more air inlets (4) is adjacent to the controlled clean air zone (31) generated by the device (1) in the care area (2) during use, and is located at a distance R2 from the geometric center point (37) of the clean air zone (31) of the care area (2) at a level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care area (2), such distance R2 is greater than 300 mm but less than 600 mm from the geometric center point (37) of the controlled clean air zone (31) of the care area (2) at a level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care area (2).

4. The air handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the one or more air inlets (4) is adjacent to the controlled clean air zone (31) generated by the device (1) in the care area (2) during use, and is located 5-50 cm above the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care area (2).

5. The air handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A portion of the housing (6) of the device is removable to allow for the insertion or removal of the at least one filter (7).

6. The air handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device is designed for wall mounting.

7. The air handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one air outlet (10) is located at or near the top of the controlled clean air zone (31) generated by the device.

8. The air handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes one or more sensors or cameras (13) in the form of a high-precision IR sensor array capable of detecting temperature differences with an accuracy of + / -0.1°C or less, coupled to a programmable control unit, and capable of detecting the surface temperature of the care area (2) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care area (2).

9. The air handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The temperature of the air delivered to the controlled clean air zone (31) in the care area (2) is 0.3 to 1°C, which is 0.5 to 0.8°C colder than the ambient air (34) surrounding the controlled clean air zone (31) at the level (35) of the geometric center point (37) of the care area (2).

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