A device for monitoring air quality in a vehicle

Abstract

A device for monitoring the air quality inside a vehicle, consisting of: a carbon dioxide sensor (101) configured to measure the carbon dioxide concentration in real time within the vehicle cabin; a monitoring member (102) operatively connected to the sensing member, the monitoring member being configured to compare the measured carbon dioxide levels with predefined thresholds and to detect anomalies; and a flag generation member (103) responsive to the monitoring member and configured to generate one or more warnings when said anomalies are detected.

Description

Scope of the invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to air quality monitoring, and more particularly to a device for monitoring the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in a vehicle in real time and for warning users of anomalies that could affect safety and health. Background of the invention;

[0002] Growing concern about air quality and its direct impact on human health and cognitive performance has led to significant developments in environmental monitoring technology. While monitoring of outdoor air pollution is quite advanced, indoor air quality, and particularly in vehicles, often remains neglected. Vehicles, especially in busy urban areas, can act as microclimates where the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) from occupant exhalation is a common and often overlooked problem. The enclosed cabin of a modern vehicle, although designed for thermal efficiency and acoustic insulation, often does not provide sufficient ventilation to maintain ideal air quality, especially during prolonged idle use or in poor ventilation conditions.

[0003] Scientific studies have shown that prolonged exposure to elevated carbon dioxide levels, while not immediately dangerous, can impair human concentration, alertness, and decision-making. These symptoms are particularly dangerous in the context of drivers, as any impairment in cognitive function can lead to delayed reaction times, poor judgment, and ultimately an increased risk of accidents. Despite this, most vehicles are not equipped with dedicated air quality monitoring systems, and those that do exist are often part of high-end automotive ecosystems or expensive aftermarket solutions.

[0004] Current solutions on the market typically cover broader air quality parameters such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5), and temperature / humidity sensors, while carbon dioxide measurement is either missing or inaccurate. Furthermore, these devices are often not tailored to the specific requirements of a vehicle environment. Many existing devices are bulky, complex, costly, and difficult to retrofit into existing vehicles. Furthermore, their warning mechanisms are either too subtle or too complex, preventing drivers from responding quickly. A further limitation is that most of these systems are not user-configurable or capable of remote monitoring, reducing their usefulness in modern connected environments.

[0005] There's also a technological gap regarding predictive safety alerts. Most air quality systems today are passive, meaning they only notify users when parameters exceed unsafe thresholds. What's needed is a system that not only monitors carbon dioxide levels but can proactively flag potentially dangerous conditions before they become critical. The lack of integrations with user-friendly interfaces and limited customization options further deter widespread adoption of such systems.

[0006] Given the rise of smart technologies, cloud-based learning algorithms, and the Internet of Things (IoT), there is a significant opportunity to develop a smarter, cost-effective, and easy-to-install solution specifically for vehicles. Such a solution should be compact enough to be installed even in small cars, simple enough for even non-technical users to understand and operate, and intelligent enough to provide reliable, actionable feedback in real time. It should also allow the driver or fleet operator to remotely configure and monitor the device, providing flexibility and control.

[0007] Given these problems, the present invention addresses a critical need in the field of vehicle safety and health management. It presents a novel solution that leverages cutting-edge sensor technology, intelligent microcontroller logic, cloud synchronization, and user-friendly alarm mechanisms, all packaged in a compact, retrofittable format. This solution effectively bridges the gap between cost, complexity, and practical utility, introducing a practical tool that can significantly improve driver safety and well-being through proactive monitoring of vehicle cabin air quality. Summary of the invention:

[0008] The present invention discloses a novel and effective device for monitoring air quality inside a vehicle, focusing specifically on the real-time detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. The core of the system consists of three main components: a carbon dioxide sensor, a monitoring module, and a warning signal generator. The interaction between these components enables an optimized mechanism that ensures continuous monitoring of the vehicle's interior air and warns the driver before the air impairs cognitive function and safety.

[0009] The carbon dioxide sensor element is preferably implemented with a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor, a proven technology for accurately measuring CO2 concentrations. This sensor is strategically placed in the vehicle—ideally on the dashboard or next to an air conditioning vent—to closely monitor the driver's breathing zone. It continuously measures the CO2 levels in the cabin and transmits this data to the monitoring module.

[0010] The monitoring module, typically a microcontroller or embedded processing unit, serves as the system's intelligence. It is programmed to analyze the incoming data from the sensor and compare it to predefined thresholds. These thresholds are defined based on the scientific understanding of how different concentrations of carbon dioxide can affect human health and cognitive alertness. For example, levels above 1,000 parts per million (ppm) are considered an initial warning level; levels above 1,500 ppm signal a more serious problem, and levels above 2,000 ppm are considered potentially dangerous. These graduated levels help the driver appropriately assess and respond to deteriorating conditions.

[0011] Once the monitoring member detects that CO2 concentrations exceed one of these thresholds, it sends a signal to the flag-generating member, which then triggers a predefined alarm mechanism. Alerts can be visual (e.g., flashing LED lights in different colors), audible (e.g., alarms or buzzers), or even mobile notifications via SMS or app-based messages. The alarm mechanism is designed to be intuitive and immediate, allowing the driver to take corrective actions, such as increasing ventilation or lowering windows, without becoming distracted or overwhelmed.

[0012] A notable feature of this invention is its compatibility with remote configuration and control. The device can be connected to a smartphone or computer via a customized application. Through this interface, users can monitor live CO2 data, receive notifications, and adjust configuration settings such as sensitivity levels, update intervals, and notification preferences. This remote monitoring capability extends its application beyond private vehicles to include fleet management systems, taxis, school buses, and delivery services, where centralized monitoring can be critical for safety and compliance.

[0013] In an enhanced version, the monitoring module includes a self-learning function, regularly synchronizing itself with a cloud-based knowledge system. This system collects data from multiple such devices and refines its threshold detection, alarm timing, and risk predictions based on aggregated real-world usage patterns. As a result, the device improves its accuracy and efficiency over time by adapting to changing environmental conditions and driver behavior.

[0014] The invention is designed to be compact and energy-efficient, powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery that supports extended operation without frequent maintenance. The housing and materials used ensure durability and allow for easy installation and retrofitting in any vehicle type, from cars to commercial vehicles. Importantly, the invention emphasizes affordability to ensure it remains accessible to a wide range of consumers, not just luxury vehicle owners.

[0015] By focusing on real-time, reliable, and actionable monitoring of CO2 levels in vehicles, this invention fills a critical gap in vehicle safety and wellness technology. It combines hardware and software components into a coherent solution that is both intelligent and user-centric, offering broad applicability across personal, commercial, and institutional transportation. It significantly contributes to reducing the risks associated with poor in-vehicle air quality and increases the overall safety and comfort of vehicle occupants. Short description of the drawing Fig. : shows a block diagram of the system according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0016] The present invention relates to a compact and intelligent air quality monitoring device specifically designed for vehicle environments. This device primarily monitors the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the vehicle interior in real time, compares it with a set of predefined safety limits, and issues alerts to the driver or vehicle operator when anomalies are detected. The invention is a seamless integration of modern sensor technologies, embedded control systems, wireless communications, user interfaces, and optional cloud-based data intelligence, all packaged in a minimalist and user-friendly housing.It is particularly well-suited to addressing the health, safety and operational challenges encountered in enclosed environments such as cars, trucks and other road vehicles, where the accumulation of exhaled CO2 can go unnoticed and lead to fatigue, reduced alertness or, in extreme cases, accidents due to impaired cognitive function.

[0017] The core architecture of the invention comprises three main functional elements: a carbon dioxide sensor, a monitoring element, and a flag generation element. These components are functionally and communicatively linked and together form the backbone of the device. The system operates in real time, continuously monitoring the air quality inside the cabin and initiating timely responses through warnings when CO2 levels rise above safe limits. The structural arrangement and system-level interconnectivity of these components are designed to ensure compactness, low power consumption, and easy retrofit installation.

[0018] The carbon dioxide sensor element serves as the primary input node of the system. In one of the preferred embodiments, the sensor element comprises a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor, which is known in the art for providing accurate CO2 measurements in the ambient air. This type of sensor works by detecting the specific infrared wavelength absorbed by CO2 molecules. The sensor continuously samples air from the cabin and converts the carbon dioxide concentration into electrical signals, which are then passed to the monitoring module for further processing. The choice of an NDIR sensor is deliberate and advantageous due to its long lifetime, high precision, minimal drift, and low interference from other gases or environmental conditions.

[0019] Sensor placement is crucial to ensuring meaningful readings. Accordingly, the sensor is typically positioned close to the driver—either on the dashboard, near the steering column, or on an air conditioning vent where the airflow can provide representative ambient data. This ensures that the recorded CO2 levels reflect the actual exposure of the occupants, especially the driver. The sensor housing is designed to withstand vehicle vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and humidity to ensure accurate and stable readings throughout its operational lifecycle.

[0020] The monitoring module is the computational core of the system. It is responsible for receiving raw data from the sensor member, processing it, performing comparison operations, determining anomalies, and instructing the flag generation member when appropriate. In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring module is implemented using a microcontroller unit (MCU) programmed with embedded firmware that defines the logic for assessing air quality. The firmware contains threshold data corresponding to scientifically accepted limits for CO2 concentration in enclosed spaces. These thresholds can be static or dynamic and may include values ​​such as 1,000 ppm, 1,500 ppm, and 2,000 ppm, each of which is associated with increasing health concerns and cognitive impairment.

[0021] Once the data is received, the monitoring module performs comparison operations between the recorded CO2 values ​​and the preset thresholds. If the values ​​are within acceptable limits, the system continues passive monitoring. However, if the recorded values ​​exceed one of the predefined thresholds, the monitoring module determines the type and severity of the anomaly and sends appropriate instructions to the flag generation module to activate alarms. The monitoring module also temporarily stores current data, which can be useful for performing trend analysis or synchronizing with external storage systems.

[0022] A key feature of the monitoring module is its remote configuration and communication capabilities. It can incorporate communication modules that support various wireless standards such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LoRa, or cellular connectivity. These communication protocols allow the device to interact with a user's smartphone, tablet, or cloud server. This allows the user to configure thresholds, customize alarm tones, access historical data, or even receive real-time air quality updates. This configuration can be performed via a proprietary mobile application or a web-based dashboard interface.

[0023] The flag generation member is responsible for converting the instructions received from the monitoring member into perceptible warnings that can attract the attention of the driver or user. The types of warnings can vary depending on the severity of the detected condition. Visual indicators such as flashing lights are one of the simplest forms of warning. In one implementation, the device includes an RGB LED module capable of displaying yellow for moderate risk (e.g., above 1,000 ppm), orange for elevated risk (e.g., above 1,500 ppm), and red for critical risk (e.g., above 2,000 ppm). These color-coded warnings provide a highly intuitive method for drivers to identify the risk level at a glance.

[0024] In addition to visual warnings, audible alerts in the form of buzzers or audio announcements can be included. The flag generation member can also support digital notifications by sending push messages or SMS alerts to a user's mobile device when CO2 levels are dangerously high. For commercial fleets, taxi services, or school transportation systems, the device can also be configured to send alerts to a central server or fleet operator for intervention or recording.

[0025] The entire system is housed in a compact enclosure constructed of durable, automotive-grade materials that are heat- and vibration-resistant. The enclosure includes adequate ventilation for air sampling and is designed for easy attachment with clips, Velcro, or screws, depending on user preference. The internal circuit board is optimized for low power consumption and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can be rated at 3.7V and 2,000mAh, for example. The battery is designed to last for several days of continuous use and can be recharged via a standard USB port or a vehicle outlet.

[0026] A notable aspect of the invention is the optional cloud-based learning module. This module allows the monitoring member to regularly synchronize with a central cloud platform where aggregated data from multiple deployed devices is analyzed. The cloud server processes this data to identify patterns, refine thresholds based on environmental and regional conditions, and update the firmware over the air. The device thus evolves with use, improving its ability to predict unsafe conditions and minimizing false alarms. For example, the system can learn that certain high-occupancy vehicles consistently reach unsafe CO2 levels faster during peak hours and therefore dynamically adjust alarm sensitivity.

[0027] The invention also enables data logging, which is essential for applications requiring documentation or compliance. In public transport or corporate fleets, the logged air quality data can be used to demonstrate compliance with health and safety standards. The logs can be exported in various formats or accessed via the mobile application.

[0028] In terms of user interaction, the device is designed to be intuitive and minimally distracting. The user interface of the mobile application or display device displays real-time CO2 concentration in numerical and graphical formats. Users can view historical trends, receive behavioral suggestions (e.g., "open window" or "activate ventilation"), and access technical support. The application can also provide maintenance notifications for sensor recalibration or battery recharging.

[0029] Another advantage of the invention is its retrofit capability. It requires no modification of the vehicle's electrical or air conditioning systems. The modular design allows for installation in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, school buses, and ride-sharing vehicles without special tools or professional installation. It is particularly advantageous for vehicles in regions with high ambient CO2 or pollution levels, or for those frequently operated with the windows closed, such as taxis in extreme weather.

[0030] From a manufacturer's perspective, the invention is suitable for cost-effective production due to the use of standard microcontrollers, low-power wireless chips, and widely available sensors. The design also considers environmental impact by using recyclable materials wherever possible and enabling end-of-life disassembly for component recovery.

[0031] In conclusion, this invention provides a robust, intelligent, and user-friendly solution for real-time monitoring of carbon dioxide in vehicle cabins. By addressing an important yet often ignored aspect of vehicle safety—interior air quality—the presented device provides a new layer of protection for the driver. It prevents performance degradation due to cognitive fatigue, promotes ventilation during critical moments, and integrates seamlessly into the modern connected lifestyle. Its versatility across different vehicle types, along with its scalable design and intelligent features, makes it a groundbreaking development in vehicle safety technology. List of reference symbols 100 systems 101 Carbon dioxide sensor 102 Monitoring Member 103 Flag generation member

Claims

[1] A device for monitoring the air quality inside a vehicle, consisting of: a carbon dioxide sensor (101) configured to measure the carbon dioxide concentration in real time within the vehicle cabin; a monitoring member (102) operatively connected to the sensing member, the monitoring member being configured to compare the measured carbon dioxide levels with predefined thresholds and to detect anomalies; and a flag generation member (103) responsive to the monitoring member and configured to generate one or more warnings when said anomalies are detected. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein the carbon dioxide sensor element is a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein the monitoring member comprises a microcontroller integrated with a wireless communication module for remote configuration and monitoring. [4] The device of claim 1, wherein the flag generation member comprises visual, audible and / or digital warnings, including colored LED signals, buzzers or mobile notifications. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein the device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and is configured for retrofitting into existing vehicles. [6] The device of claim 1, wherein the monitoring member is capable of synchronizing with a cloud-based system to enable regular updates and self-learning behavior of environmental conditions.

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