Air quality measuring device

Abstract

The invention relates to an air quality measuring device comprising a sensor for meas- uring a type of gas in the room where the air quality measuring device is placed and where the sensor is arranged to provide an output signal, a control unit arranged to re- ceive the output signal from the sensor and analyze this in relation to a set value and in the event of exceeding of the set value provide a control signal to an actuator that can move an indicator from a first position indicating an acceptable level of the measured gas to a second position indicating an unacceptable level of the measured gas to thereby provide a visual and motoric indication of exceeding the set limit value.

Description

[0001] AIR QUALITY MEASURING DEVICE

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an air quality measuring device, and more specifically an air quality measuring device that can be wall-mounted in homes, offices, or any other indoor or outdoor environment, where the device measures the air quality in its vicinity, this it can indicate the exceeding of a predetermined limit value for a certain substance, such as a specific type of gas, for example CO2, in the environment, and provides a visual indication through a reversible indicator. The invention also relates to a method of measuring air quality with said measuring device.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Air pollution has become a significant concern for environmentalists, health professionals, and the general public. Poor air quality is associated with various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and is a known factor in poor performance and concentration capabilities in learning institutes.

[0006] Current air quality measuring devices provide somewhat accurate measurements of air pollutants, but they often lack an intuitive and user-friendly way of presenting this information. Such devices are known in the market and more specifically it is known with such indicators that measure the CO2 content in the air and when a predefined level is exceeded, the device emit a sound or give a notification on an app to indicate such an exceedance.

[0007] It has been shown that the known indicators are not appropriate under certain circumstances. On this background it is an object of the invention to provide an improved air quality measuring device that is easy to use and provides a clear and understandable indication of the air quality.

[0008] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described herein. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate an example technology area where some implementations described herein may be practiced. of the invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, the objects laid out in the background section may be achieved by an air quality measuring device comprising a sensor for measuring a gas type in the room where the air quality measuring device is placed and where the sensor is arranged to provide an output signal, a control unit arranged to receive the output signal from the sensor and analyse this in relation to a set value and when the set value is exceeded, provide a control signal to an actuator that can move an indicator from a first position that indicates an acceptable level of the measured gas to a second position that indicates an unacceptable level of the measured gas to thereby provide a visual and motoric indication of exceeding the set limit value.

[0010] Hereby an air quality measuring device is provided, whereby the visual and motoric indication of exceeding the set limit value is easy to understand and provides a clear and intuitive indication of the air quality.

[0011] In an embodiment, the sensor is a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sensor.

[0012] In an embodiment the shaft is rotatably mounted in a, preferably suspension, housing.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the actuator is a motor that can turn a shaft on which the indicator is placed, preferably a stepper motor.

[0014] Alternatively, the actuator may be a linear actuator which, by displacement, can provide a displacement or rotation of the indicator.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the limit value is determined according to standard requirements for indoor environments, for example approximately 1000 ppm CO2.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the limit value is less than approximately 1500 ppm CO2, preferably less than approximately 1000 ppm CO2, more preferably less than approximately 750 ppm CO2, more preferred less than approximately 500 ppm CO2.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the limit value is less than approximately 400 ppm CO2. It is to be understood, that in the context of this specification the wordings “limit value” or “limit threshold” or “threshold level” are used interchangeable. They refer to different values, that may be predefined by the user and / or manufacture, so that the measuring device will provide one signal when levels are measured on one side of this predefined threshold, and the measuring device till provide another signal, when levels are one the other side of said predefined threshold.

[0018] In an embodiment the actuator is designed to after the measured gas is brought below the set limit value, alternatively a value lower than the set upper limit value, to bring the indicator to its initial starting position, where an acceptable level of the measured gas is indicated.

[0019] In an embodiment the energy supply to the respective components, sensor, control unit / processor and actuator, is a built-in battery / accumulator or optionally the mains via a converter to a suitable voltage.

[0020] In an embodiment the measuring device can operate on battery power or using a cable, preferably a LISB-C cable.

[0021] In an embodiment where a rechargeable battery is used, an LED can signal that charging is taking place.

[0022] In an embodiment there are also built-in input / output means of communication, for example Bluetooth or NFC based or Wi-Fi connection, for communication with external devices.

[0023] In an embodiment the control unit is designed not to send a control signal to the actuator within a fixed period of time, for example 1 or 2 hours, after an activation when the set limit value is exceeded.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention an air quality measuring device is provided. The measuring device comprising: a housing, preferably adapted to be wall-mounted; at least one sensor, preferably configured to measure the concentration of an air pollutant in the vicinity of the device; a microprocessor configured to receive and process measured data from the sensor and compare the data to a predefined threshold; and a reversible indicator, wherein the reversible indicator is adapted to be in an first position and change to a different second position, when the data from the sensor indicates that the predefined threshold has been exceed.

[0025] In an embodiment the reversible indicator comprises a bird-shaped object mounted on a pivot point, wherein the reversible indicator is in a first upright position and turns to a second upside down position, when the data from the sensor indicates that the predefined threshold has been exceed.

[0026] It is to be understood that in the context of this specification the term “air pollutant” is meant to cover a plurality of different types of gas / air components such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, hydrogen, oxygen etcetera.

[0027] In an embodiment a sensor of the measuring device may measure a parameter from the following non limiting list of parameters; temperature, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), formaldehyde, particulate matter, smoke, humidity, hydrogen, sound, radon and / or COVID.

[0028] In an embodiment the housing is made of a durable and / or lightweight material and / or weather-resistant material.

[0029] In an embodiment the reversible indicator is shaped like an animal, preferably a bird.

[0030] In an embodiment the pivot point allows the reversible indicator to rotate 180 degrees.

[0031] In an embodiment the device may be equipped with additional features that enable the user to improve their indoor climate. For instance, the device can signal a message through other moving physical parts, such as flapping of the bird's wings or opening and closing its beak. This can prompt the user to take action to improve their indoor air quality, without the need for light, sound, app, or digital displays.

[0032] In an embodiment the measuring device may be powered on through a click-button, eliminating the need for a separate on-off button. In an embodiment the measuring device is adapted to communicate with a secondary device, said secondary device being adapted to be able to open and / or close at least a part of a window or other means to allow outside air to flow into the room and / or stop outside air from flowing into the room, where the measuring device is arranged.

[0033] In an embodiment the measuring device and / or the secondary device is powered by solar power. Hereby providing an eco-friendly option.

[0034] The measuring device may comprise real-time monitoring and / or may encrypt IAQ data if the user chooses to.

[0035] In an embodiment the measuring device may connect and / or communicate with apps and APIs from Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google through Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi.

[0036] The device is compatible with IOS and Android applications and is NRPP certified for 48- hour testing in real estate transactions.

[0037] In an embodiment a measuring system is provided. The measuring system comprises at least one measuring device according to the first aspect of the invention and further comprises a plurality of sensors positioned within the structure to at least measure air quality levels within the structure, detect presence of one or more occupants therein, and detect a ventilation status of the structure. The measuring system further comprises a controlling unit, in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controlling unit is configured to periodically receive data pertaining to the air quality levels within the structure, presence of one or more occupants therein, and the ventilation status of the structure from the plurality of sensors.

[0038] In an embodiment the one or more ventilation requirements is one of open one or more windows, open one or more doors, close the one or more windows and close the one or more doors.

[0039] In an embodiment each of the initial and the present ventilation status is at least one of, one or more open windows, one or more closed windows, one or more open doors, one or more closed doors, one or more partially open doors, one or more partially closed doors, one or more partially open windows, and one or more partially closed windows. In another embodiment, the predefined threshold level is selected by the one or more occupants based on an occupancy intensity within the structure. The occupancy intensity is computed as a product of a number of the one or more occupants present within the structure and an average time the one or more occupants is present within the structure.

[0040] In yet another embodiment, the ventilation status is at least one of, one or more open windows, one or more closed windows, one or more open doors, one or more closed doors, one or more partially open doors, one or more partially closed doors, one or more partially open windows, and one or more partially closed windows.

[0041] In another aspect of the present invention a method of measuring air quality is provided. The method comprising the steps of: mounting an air quality measuring device on a wall; detecting the concentration of air pollutants in the vicinity of the device using one or more air pollutant sensors; processing the data from the sensors using a microprocessor and comparing the data to a predefined threshold; activating a reversible indicator comprising a bird-shaped object mounted on a pivot point when the concentration of air pollutants exceeds the predefined threshold, wherein the reversible indicator is in an upright position when the air quality is good and turns upside down when the air quality is poor.

[0042] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

[0043] It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. Brief of the

[0044] The invention will be described in more detail below by means of nonlimiting examples of embodiments and with reference to the schematic drawings, in which:

[0045] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an air quality measuring device where the indicator is in a first position;

[0046] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an air quality measuring device where the indicator is in a different position; and

[0047] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an air quality measuring device where the interconnection between the electrical components appears in diagram form.

[0048] Detailed description of the invention

[0049] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in further detail. Each specific variation of the features can be applied to other embodiments of the invention unless specifically stated otherwise. Note that for illustrative purposes the dimensions, especially thickness and / or size of the different elements shown may be exaggerated.

[0050] Turning first to Figs. 1 which shows an embodiment of an air quality measuring device, where an indicator 2 in the form of a bird figure is in a first position indicating that the indoor environment in relation to the level of the measured gas is acceptable, i.e. that the concentration of the gas is below a fixed limit value.

[0051] In the Danish guidelines for indoor environments, the concentration of CO2 is set at 1000 ppm as the maximum acceptable. The indicator is firmly connected to a shaft 3 which is rotatably mounted in a suspension housing 1 which contains the respective measurement, control, and movement components in the air quality measuring device.

[0052] Turning to Fig. 2 which shows an embodiment of an air quality measuring device where the indicator 2 is in a different position indicating that the indoor environment in relation to the level of the measured gas is not acceptable, i.e. that the concentration of the gas is above the set limit value. In relation to the Danish guidelines for indoor environments, the concentration of CO2 is thus measured to 1000 ppm as the maximum acceptable. The indicator 2 thereby signals that it is time for venting to replace the air in order to bring the CO2 level down below the limit value. When a new measurement indicates that the level has been brought below the set limit value or possibly a value set below the fixed upper limit value, the indicator is brought back to the in FIG. 1 shown position.

[0053] The air quality measuring device includes a housing that is made of a durable and lightweight material. The housing is designed to be wall-mounted and includes a front panel with a reversible indicator. The front panel can be easily removed for maintenance purposes.

[0054] The reversible indicator is shaped like a bird and is made of a lightweight and weatherresistant material. The bird-shaped indicator is attached to the front panel and is mounted on a pivot point. The pivot point allows the bird-shaped indicator to rotate 180 degrees.

[0055] The air quality measuring device is equipped with a microprocessor that analyzes the data collected by the sensors. The microprocessor compares the concentration of air pollutants to a predefined threshold and activates the reversible indicator when the threshold is exceeded.

[0056] When the air quality is good, the bird-shaped indicator is in an upright position, indicating that the air quality is satisfactory. When the air quality deteriorates, the indicator turns upside down, indicating that the air quality is poor. The reversible indicator is easy to understand and provides a clear and intuitive indication of the air quality.

[0057] By way of example, it will be readily appreciated that the measuring device may comprise a combination of two or more different sensors, such as gas sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, CO2 sensors, VOC sensors, fine particle sensors, humidity sensors, window sensors, door sensors, occupancy sensors, occupancy intensity and movement sensors, or any combination thereof.

[0058] While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description gives examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements, elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

Claims1. Air quality measuring device comprising a sensor (4) for sensing an amount and / or presence of a desired element, preferably a gas, in the room where the air quality measuring device is placed and where the sensor (4) is arranged to provide an output signal, a control unit (5) arranged to receive the output signal from the sensor (4) and analyze this in relation to a set value and, if the set value is exceeded, provide a control signal to an actuator (6) that can move an indicator (2) from a first position that indicates an acceptable level of the measured gas to a second position that indicates an unacceptable level of the measured gas in order to provide a visual and motoric indication of exceeding the set limit value.

2. Air quality measuring device according to claim 1 , where the sensor (4) is a CO2 sensor.

3. Air quality measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, where the actuator (6) is a motor, for example a stepper motor, which can turn a shaft (3) on which the indicator (2) is placed, where the shaft (3) is rotatably mounted in a suspension housing (1).

4. Air quality measuring device according to any one of claims 1-2, where the actuator (6) is a linear actuator which, by displacement, can provide a displacement or rotation of the indicator.

5. Air quality measuring device according to any one of claims 1 -4, where the limit value is determined according to standard requirements for indoor environments, for example 1000 ppm CO2.

6. Air quality measuring device according to any one of claims 1-5, where the actuator (6) together with the processor (5) is arranged for, after the measured gas has been brought below the set limit value, alternatively a value lower than the set upper limit value, to bring the indicator to its initial position.

7. Air quality measuring device according to any one of claims 1-6, where the energy supply for the respective components, sensor (4), control unit / processor (5) and actuator (6), consists of a built-in battery / accumulator (7) or optionally the mains via a converter to a suitable voltage.

8. Air quality measuring device according to any one of claims 1-7, where there are also built-in input / output communication means, for example Bluetooth based or Wi-Fi connection, for communication with external devices.

9. Air quality measuring device according to any one of claims 1 - 6, where the control unit is designed not to send a control signal to the actuator within a set period of time, for example 1 or 2 hours, after activation when the set limit value is exceeded.

10. A method of visually indicating air quality within a structure, the method comprising the steps of:- providing an air quality measuring device according to any one of claim 1 to 9,- measuring, preferably periodically, with the sensor, data pertaining to the air quality levels within the structure;- comparing, with the control unit, the received air quality levels within the structure to a predefined threshold level;- moving the indicator (2) from a first position, said first position being adapted to indicate, that the air quality levels are acceptable compared to the threshold level, to a second position, said second position being adapted to visually indicate that the air quality levels are at an unacceptable level compared to the threshold level, when the air quality levels are at an unacceptable level, and / or moving the indicator (2) from a second position, said second position being adapted to visually indicate that the air quality levels are at an unacceptable level compared to the threshold level, first position, to said first position being adapted to indicate, that the air quality levels are acceptable compared to the threshold level, when the air quality levels are at an acceptable level, so that said measuring device provides a visual indication of the air quality within the structure.

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