Method and apparatus for directing vehicle occupant ventilation

Abstract

To provide a method, a device and a product that enable reduction (for, example, removal) of widespread infection (for example, bacterial infection, virus infection, etc.) among occupants of a transporter, such as an aircraft.SOLUTION: A method and device for ventilation toward a transporter occupant are disclosed. An exemplary disclosed device includes: an air supply duct of a cabin of a transporter; a manifold fluidly connected to the air supply duct, the manifold extended in an occupant seat of the cabin; and a nozzle fluidly connected to the manifold, the nozzle located to face the front of the face of the occupant when the occupant occupies one of the occupant seats.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for directing ventilation for vehicle occupants. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, a cabin air system (CAS) is implemented in an aircraft to provide clean, filtered air to the aircraft's occupants. Specifically, the CAS provides outside air to the aircraft cabin and simultaneously circulates air within the cabin. The resulting airflow patterns within the cabin can result in significant mixing of air within the cabin. As a result, air expelled by an occupant can circulate to other occupants, thereby increasing the risk of infection, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An exemplary apparatus includes an air supply duct in a cabin of a vehicle, a manifold fluidly connected to the air supply duct, the manifold extending to passenger seats in the cabin, and a nozzle fluidly connected to the manifold, the nozzle positioned to face toward the front of a passenger's face when the passenger occupies one of the passenger seats.

[0004] An exemplary seat for use in a vehicle includes a manifold fluidly connected to the air supply duct, a conduit fluidly connected to the manifold that extends from the manifold and toward a headrest of the seat, and a nozzle fluidly connected to the manifold and positioned to face directly in front of an occupant's face when the occupant occupies the seat.

[0005] An exemplary method includes providing air to an air supply duct associated with a cabin of a vehicle, the air supply duct fluidly connected to a manifold extending to passenger seats in the cabin, and directing air from the manifold to a nozzle positioned to face toward the front of the passenger's face when the passenger occupies each of the passenger seats.

[0006] An exemplary method includes connecting a manifold to a seat in a cabin of a vehicle, the manifold being fluidly connected to an air supply duct associated with the cabin; fluidly connecting a nozzle to the manifold; and positioning the nozzle such that air from the air supply duct is directed toward a front of an occupant's face when the occupant occupies the seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary aircraft in which embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary ventilation system according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 illustrates an exemplary seat implementation of the ventilation system shown in FIG. 2. [Figures 4A-4C] 1 depicts exemplary nozzle types that may be implemented in embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for implementing embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for implementing embodiments disclosed herein.

[0008] The drawings are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions may be exaggerated in the drawings. Generally, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings and accompanying description to refer to identical or similar parts. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "above" describes the relationship of two parts with respect to the Earth. A first part is above a second part if the second part has at least one part between the Earth and the first part. Similarly, as used herein, a first part is "below" a second part if the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As noted above, a first part can be above or below a second part if there is one or more of the following: another part is between them; there is no other part between them; the first part and the second part are in contact; or the first part and the second part are not in direct contact with each other. As used in this patent application, a statement that a part is in any way above (e.g., positioned on, installed on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part indicates that the referenced part is either in contact with the other part or that the referenced part is above the other part with one or more intermediate parts between them. As used herein, connected references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and coupled) can include intermediate material between and / or relative movement between the elements referenced by the connected reference, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, a connected reference does not necessarily imply that the two elements are directly connected and / or in a fixed relationship to one another. As used herein, a statement that a part is “in contact” with another part is defined to mean that there are no intermediate parts between the two parts.

[0009] Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein without implying or indicating any sense of priority, physical order, placement within a list, and / or sequence in any manner, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements to facilitate understanding of the disclosed embodiments. In some examples, the term "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to by a different term, such as "second" or "third," in the claims. In such instances, it should be understood that such terms are used merely to clearly distinguish between elements that may otherwise share the same name, for example. As used herein, "approximately" and "about" refer to dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world imperfections. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A method and apparatus for directing ventilation for a vehicle occupant is disclosed. Known aircraft implement cabin air systems (CAS) to provide clean, filtered air to the aircraft occupants. However, when the cabin acts as a circulation space, the air within the cabin can become significantly mixed. In particular, air expelled by an occupant can circulate to other occupants, thereby increasing the risk of infection, etc.

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein allow for increased relative ventilation isolation between occupants of a vehicle, which may be an aircraft, spacecraft, land vehicle, boat, submarine, bus, etc. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein may reduce the likelihood of infection (e.g., by viruses, bacteria, etc.) and / or the spread of undesirable odors throughout the vehicle. Alternatively, the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in connection with buildings and other stationary structures where people are located in close proximity to one another.

[0012] The embodiments disclosed herein utilize a manifold fluidly connected to an air supply duct. The manifold may extend between multiple passenger seats in a vehicle. At least one nozzle is fluidly connected to the nozzle. The nozzle and / or the nozzle outlet are directed toward the front of the face of a seated passenger. For example, the nozzle may be positioned in front of the passenger and attached to a nozzle mount that exhibits a curvature that orients the nozzle to face the front of the passenger. In particular, the nozzle may be directed toward the passenger's mouth and / or nose.

[0013] In some embodiments, the nozzle mount includes multiple curved portions so that the nozzle faces the occupant. In some embodiments, a conduit extends between the manifold and the nozzle and / or nozzle mount. In some such embodiments, the conduit extends approximately vertically between the seat base and the seat headrest. In some embodiments, the nozzle mount is pivotable relative to the vertical height of the seat. Additionally or alternatively, the nozzle mount and / or nozzle are flexible to adjust the position and / or orientation of the nozzle relative to the occupant.

[0014] 1 illustrates an exemplary aircraft 100 in which embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented. In the exemplary embodiment, the aircraft 100 includes a horizontal stabilizer 102, a vertical stabilizer 103, and wings (e.g., fixed wings) 104 attached to a fuselage 106. The wings 104 of the exemplary embodiment include engines 107 and control surfaces (e.g., flaps, ailerons, tabs, etc.) 108, some of which are located on the trailing or leading edges of the wings 104. The control surfaces 108 may be shifted or adjusted (e.g., deflected, etc.) to provide lift during takeoff, landing, and / or flight maneuvers.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the occupants of aircraft 100 (e.g., passengers, flight crew, pilots, etc.) are located in fuselage 106 of aircraft 100. In other words, fuselage 106 provides a habitable environment for the occupants of aircraft 100. In this embodiment, aircraft 100 both admits outside air into aircraft 100 and circulates air within fuselage 106. The embodiments disclosed herein facilitate relative isolation and / or separation of the circulated air among such occupants.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary ventilation system 200 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, a cabin 202 is shown within the fuselage 106. The ventilation system 200 includes an air supply duct 204 fluidly connected to a distribution duct 206. The distribution duct 206 is fluidly connected to a manifold (e.g., a seat manifold, a seat air distribution manifold, etc.) 210. The exemplary manifold 210 extends across and / or through seats 212 (hereinafter seats 212a, 212b, 212c, etc.), all of which are arranged in a single row in this example. However, in other examples, the seats 212a, 212b, 212c may be positioned in various rows.

[0017] In the exemplary embodiment, manifold 210 is fluidly coupled to nozzles 214 (hereinafter, nozzles 214a, 214b, 214c, etc.) via respective conduits (e.g., respective air conduits, fluid lines, risers, etc.) 218 ​​(hereinafter, conduits 218a, 218b, 218c, etc.). Further, nozzles 214a, 214b, 214c are supported and positioned by respective nozzle mounts (e.g., nozzle positioners, nozzle tubes, etc.) 220 (hereinafter, nozzle mounts 220a, 220b, 220c, etc.).

[0018] To provide air to at least one occupant in seats 212a, 212b, and 212c, air is supplied to air supply duct 204 and to distribution duct 206. The air is then provided to a manifold 210 that extends across seats 212a, 212b, and 212c. Air from manifold 210 then passes through conduits 218a, 218b, and 218c and exits through respective nozzles 214a, 214b, and 214c. As a result, air is provided directly to the occupant in seats 212a, 212b, and 212c. In this embodiment, nozzles 214a, 214b, and 214c are oriented to face the front of the occupant's face (e.g., toward the occupant's mouth and / or nose). In particular, the exemplary nozzle mounts 220a, 220b, 220c are curved to direct the air output from the nozzles 214a, 214b, 214c toward the front of the occupant's face. In other words, the nozzles 214a, 214b, 214c are positioned in front of the seats 212a, 212b, 212c and are curved to direct the nozzles 214a, 214b, 214c toward the occupant's face. In this embodiment, the nozzles 214a, 214b, 214c are positioned directly in front of the respective occupants, substantially horizontally (e.g., within 15 degrees of horizontal).

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary seat implementation of the ventilation system 200 shown in FIG. 2. In this example, an occupant 301 is shown supported by the aforementioned seat 212. The seat includes a base (e.g., seat bottom) 302, a seat back 304, and a headrest 306. As can be seen in the exemplary view of FIG. 3, the nozzle 214 is positioned in front of the occupant 301 and faces toward the occupant 301 in an area proximate to the occupant's mouth and nose. Additionally, the nozzle mount 220 extends away from the headrest 306 and is curved to direct air toward the occupant 301. In other words, the nozzle 214 faces toward the occupant 301 in a manner similar to a microphone and / or a headset microphone. In this example, the conduit 218 of the illustrated embodiment extends approximately perpendicular to the seat back 304 and / or the seat 212.

[0020] To position the nozzle 214 in front of the occupant 301 and point the nozzle 214 toward the front of the occupant's 301 face, the nozzle mount 220 and / or the nozzle 214 includes a longitudinal extension 305 that extends toward the front of the seat 212, as well as a curved (e.g., arcuate) portion 307 that directs the nozzle 214 toward the occupant 301. In other words, the curved portion 307 coupled with the longitudinal extension 305 causes the nozzle 214 to face the front of the occupant 301, thereby functioning in a manner similar to, for example, a microphone boom. However, any suitable shape that points the nozzle 214 toward the front of the occupant's 301 face may instead be implemented.

[0021] In some embodiments, nozzle 214 may pivot to adjust the height at which air is provided to occupant 301. For example, conduit 218 may pivot about pivot 310, as generally indicated by double arrow 312. Additionally or alternatively, nozzle 214, nozzle mount 220, and / or conduit 218 may be flexible (e.g., plastically deformable) to adjust the position and / or height at which nozzle 214 provides air to occupant 301. In some embodiments, nozzle 214 is integral with seat 212. In some embodiments, nozzle 214 moves and / or pivots (e.g., via a linkage or cam mechanism, etc.) in response to height adjustment of seat 212.

[0022] 4A-4C depict exemplary nozzle types that may be implemented in embodiments disclosed herein. Referring to FIG. 4A, a top view of nozzle 214 and occupant 301 is shown. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, nozzle 214 extends across the width of occupant 301's head.

[0023] 4B is a detailed view of nozzle 214. In this embodiment, nozzle 214 includes a plurality of apertures 401 that are equally spaced apart, thereby defining a grid pattern (e.g., a piccolo hole pattern). In this embodiment, apertures 401 all have the same diameter. However, in other embodiments, apertures 401 may vary in size and / or spacing. For example, the size of apertures 401 may gradually increase toward the center of occupant 301.

[0024] 4C is a detailed view of an alternative exemplary nozzle 402. In contrast to exemplary nozzle 214, nozzle 402 exhibits a grill or grille-like opening with vanes 404. In some embodiments, vanes 404 may be angled and / or adjusted by occupant 301.

[0025] The exemplary nozzle types described herein are examples only, and any suitable nozzle type may be implemented instead, for example, converging nozzles, diverging nozzles, diverging nozzles, etc.

[0026] 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 500 for implementing embodiments disclosed herein. In this embodiment, ventilation system 200 operates within aircraft 100 during flight. In particular, ventilation system 200 provides pressurized air to occupants in fuselage 106.

[0027] In block 502, air is provided from an air supply to the air supply duct 204.

[0028] In block 504, in some embodiments, the air is filtered (e.g., via a sub-micron filter, a HEPA filter, etc.). In particular, the air may be filtered as it is recirculated through the cabin 202.

[0029] In block 506, air is directed to nozzle 214. In this embodiment, nozzle 214 is positioned and / or rotated to direct air toward the front of the occupant's face.

[0030] In block 508, in some embodiments, the nozzle mount 220 and / or the nozzle 214 pivots. For example, the nozzle 214 may be moved by the occupant so that the nozzle 214 is pointed toward the occupant's mouth and / or nose.

[0031] At block 510, it is determined whether to repeat the process. If the process is to be repeated (block 510), control of the process returns to block 502. Otherwise, the process ends. This determination may be based on whether ventilation is needed (e.g., whether the aircraft 100 is in flight).

[0032] 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 600 for implementing embodiments disclosed herein. In this embodiment, ventilation system 200 is attached and / or installed in fuselage 106 of aircraft 100.

[0033] In block 602, a filter is coupled to the air supply duct 204. The filter may be used to filter the air provided to the occupants.

[0034] At block 604, manifold 210 is coupled to seats 212. For example, manifold 210 may be positioned behind, through, and / or across multiple of seats 212. Additionally or alternatively, manifold 210 extends underneath seats 212. In some embodiments, manifold 210 extends across multiple of seats 212 in a single row of aircraft 100.

[0035] At block 606, the nozzles 214 are fluidly coupled to the manifold 210. The nozzles 214 may be coupled to the manifold via conduits or tubing (e.g., flexible tubing). In this particular embodiment, a conduit 218 is coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) between the manifold 210 and the nozzles 214.

[0036] At block 608 , in some embodiments, the conduit 218 is operably coupled between the nozzle 214 and the manifold 210 .

[0037] In block 610, the nozzle 214 is positioned toward the face of the occupant. In particular, the nozzle 214 is positioned to face toward the front of the occupant when the occupant is seated.

[0038] At block 612, it is determined whether the process should be repeated. If the process should be repeated (block 612), control of the process returns to block 602. Otherwise, the process ends.

[0039] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that exemplary methods, devices, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed that facilitate reducing (e.g., eliminating) the spread of infections (e.g., bacterial infections, viral infections, etc.) among occupants of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. Additionally, the embodiments disclosed herein may reduce the spread of pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, etc.) among occupants of the vehicle.

[0040] Although certain exemplary methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent application is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent application encompasses all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture that fairly fall within the scope of the claims of this patent application. While the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated in the context of aircraft, the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in any suitable type of vehicle or building structure requiring ventilation.

[0041] Clause 1: The air supply duct of the cabin of the vehicle; a manifold fluidly connected to the air supply duct, the manifold extending to an occupant seat in the cabin; nozzles fluidly connected to the manifold, one of the nozzles positioned to face directly toward the face of a respective occupant when the occupant occupies one of the occupant seats; An apparatus comprising:

[0042] Clause 2: The apparatus of clause 1, further comprising a conduit extending between the manifold and the nozzle.

[0043] Clause 3: The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the conduit extends from the base of the passenger seat to a headrest of the passenger seat.

[0044] Clause 4: An apparatus as described in any one of clauses 1 to 3, further comprising a nozzle mount for supporting each nozzle, the nozzle mount curving away from a headrest of the passenger seat.

[0045] Clause 5: A device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the nozzle is directed towards the mouth or nose of the occupant.

[0046] Clause 6: An apparatus as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the manifold extends between the passenger seats in the same row of the cabin.

[0047] Clause 7: A seat for use in a vehicle, said seat comprising: a manifold fluidly connected to the air supply duct; a conduit fluidly connected to the manifold, the conduit extending from the manifold and toward a headrest of the seat; a nozzle fluidly connected to the manifold and positioned to face directly in front of an occupant's face when the occupant occupies the seat; A seat equipped with:

[0048] Clause 8: The seat of clause 7, further comprising a nozzle mount for supporting the nozzle, the nozzle mount curving away from the headrest.

[0049] Clause 9: The seat of clause 8, wherein the nozzle mount is pivotable along a vertical height.

[0050] Clause 10: The seat of clause 8, wherein the nozzle mount is flexible to adjust placement of the nozzle relative to the occupant.

[0051] Clause 11: A seat as claimed in any one of clauses 7 to 10, wherein the conduit extends from the base of the seat to the headrest.

[0052] Clause 12: A seat as claimed in any one of clauses 7 to 11, wherein the manifold extends across the rear of the seat.

[0053] Clause 13: Providing air to an air supply duct associated with a cabin of a vehicle, the air supply duct fluidly connected to a manifold extending to an occupant seat of the cabin; directing air from the manifold to a nozzle positioned to face directly in front of the face of an occupant when the occupant occupies each of the occupant seats; A method comprising:

[0054] Clause 14: The method of clause 13, further comprising pivoting a nozzle mount supporting the nozzle based on an occupant height.

[0055] Clause 15: The method of clause 13 or 14, wherein the manifold extends between the passenger seats in a row of the cabin.

[0056] Clause 16: The method of any one of clauses 13 to 15, further comprising filtering the air in the air supply duct.

[0057] Clause 17: Connecting a manifold to a seat of a cabin of a vehicle, the manifold being fluidly connected to an air supply duct associated with the cabin; fluidly connecting a nozzle to the manifold; positioning the nozzle so that air from the air supply duct is directed toward the front of the occupant's face when the occupant occupies the seat; A method comprising:

[0058] Clause 18: The method of clause 17, further comprising connecting a conduit between the manifold and the nozzle, the conduit extending along the height of the seat.

[0059] Clause 19: The method of clause 17 or 18, further comprising connecting a filter to the air supply duct.

[0060] Clause 20: The method of any one of clauses 17 to 19, wherein the manifold is positioned at the rear of the seat.

[0061] The following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

Claims

1. an air supply duct for the cabin of the vehicle; a manifold fluidly connected to the air supply duct, the manifold extending beneath a passenger seat of the same row in the cabin; a tube fluidly connected to the manifold, the tube having (i) an arcuate portion extending toward the front of one of the occupant seats, and (ii) a straight portion configured to extend across the width of at least one of the mouth or nose of a respective occupant's face when the occupant occupies the occupant seat, the straight portion defining a nozzle area; a nozzle extending across the nozzle region of the tube, the nozzle defined by respective apertures disposed across the straight portion of the tube; a conduit fluidly connecting the manifold and the tube, the conduit extending from under the passenger seat to a rotary joint that rotatably connects the tube to the conduit, the rotary joint being adjacent to a headrest of the passenger seat, the conduit being outboard of a seat back of the passenger seat and flexible for adjusting the position of the rotary joint and the tube; An apparatus comprising:

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the conduit extends from the base to the headrest.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a nozzle mount for supporting each nozzle, said nozzle mount curving away from said headrest.

4. 1. A seat for use in a vehicle, said seat comprising: a tube fluidly connected to a manifold adjacent a headrest of the seat and fluidly connected to an air supply duct, the tube having (i) an arcuate portion extending toward the front of the seat, and (ii) a straight portion configured to extend across the width of at least one of the mouth or nose of a respective occupant's face when the occupant occupies the seat, the straight portion defining a nozzle area; a nozzle extending across the nozzle region of the tube, the nozzle defined by respective apertures disposed across the straight portion of the tube; a conduit fluidly connecting the manifold and the tube, the conduit extending from under the seat to a rotary joint that rotatably connects the tube to the conduit, the conduit being outside a seat back of the seat and flexible to move the rotary joint to adjust the position of the tube; A seat equipped with:

5. 5. The seat of claim 4, further comprising a nozzle mount for supporting the nozzle, the nozzle mount curving away from the headrest.

6. The seat of claim 5 , wherein the nozzle mount is pivotable along a vertical height.

7. 6. The seat of claim 5, wherein the nozzle mount is flexible to adjust placement of the nozzle relative to the occupant.

8. 8. A seat as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the conduit extends from the base of the seat to the headrest.

9. 9. A seat as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the manifold extends across the rear of the seat.

10. providing air to an air supply duct associated with a cabin of a vehicle, the air supply duct fluidly connected to a manifold extending under passenger seats in the same row of the cabin, a conduit fluidly connected to the manifold, the conduit extending from under one of the passenger seats to a rotary joint, the conduit being flexible outside a seat back of the passenger seat to adjust the position of the rotary joint and a tube extending from the rotary joint, the tube rotatably connected to the conduit at the rotary joint; directing air from the conduit into the tube, the tube having (i) an arcuate portion extending toward the front of the occupant seat and (ii) a straight portion configured to extend across the width of at least one of the mouth or nose of each occupant's face when the occupant occupies the occupant seat, the tube including nozzles defined by respective apertures disposed across the straight portion of the tube; A method comprising:

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising pivoting a nozzle mount supporting the nozzle based on the height of the occupant.

12. 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising filtering the air from the air supply duct.

13. connecting a manifold to a seat of a cabin of a vehicle, the manifold being positioned below a seat of a same row of the cabin and fluidly connected to an air supply duct associated with the cabin; rotatably coupling a tube to a conduit to define a rotational joint therebetween, the conduit being fluidly connected to the manifold, the tube extending from a headrest of the seat, the tube having (i) an arcuate portion extending toward a front of the seat and (ii) a straight portion configured to extend across the width of at least one of a mouth or a nose of a respective occupant's face when the occupant occupies the seat, the tube including nozzles defined by respective apertures disposed across the straight portion of the tube, the conduit extending from beneath the seat to the rotational joint, the conduit being external to a seat back of the seat and flexible for adjusting the position of the rotational joint; positioning at least one of the tubes or nozzles so that air from the air supply duct is directed towards the front of the face of the occupant when the occupant occupies the seat; A method comprising:

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising connecting a filter to the air supply duct.

15. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the manifold is positioned behind the seat.

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