Evaporation-powered air circulation system

Abstract

An evaporation-powered air purification device having a wheel with water-responsive materials. As water evaporates and is absorbed, the wheel rotates thereby moving air over a plant within an enclosure. The plant and / or growth media that supports the plant, purifies the air.

Description

EVAPORATION-POWERED AIR CIRCULATION SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and is a non-provisional of, U.S. Patent Application 63 / 691,092 (filed September 5, 2024), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] This invention was made with government support under grant number ITE- 234430 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The government has certain rights in the invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to air purification systems. Air purifiers help remove common indoor pollutants which can cause unpleasant odors and other contaminates. For example, air purification systems can reduce or eliminate odors from pets, cooking, smoking and even reduce the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Airborne diseases can be prevented by filtering viruses and / or bacteria. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters use a dense mesh to trap airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold, spores, bacteria and viruses. Activated carbon filters tarp odors, smoke, gases and VOCs. Ultraviolet (UV) purifiers use UV light to kill airborne pathogens (e.g. bacteria, viruses, mold, etc.) and ionic purifiers emit negative ions into the air, thereby causing airborne particles to be removed from the air. Such conventional air purification systems use electricity to enable the purification and / or circulate air over the purification system. The cost of such systems places a burden on the owner and limit their use. While each of these purification systems provide advantages in select situations, alternative purification systems are still desired.

[0004] The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. SUMMARY

[0005] This disclosure provides an evaporation-powered air purification device having a wheel with water-responsive materials. As water evaporates and is absorbed, the wheel rotates thereby moving air over a plant within an enclosure. The plant and / or growth media that supports the plant, purifies the air. An advantage that may be realized in the practice of some disclosed embodiments of the device is that is provide electricity- free air purification.

[0006] In a first embodiment, an evaporation-powered air purification device is provided. The device comprising: a plant enclosure with a water reservoir for holding excess water, the plant enclosure configured to receive a plant and growth media for the plant; a frame connected to the plant enclosure such that air passes from the plant enclosure through the frame; at least one wheel rotatably connected to the frame, the at least one wheel comprising: an outer frame, a central bearing and at least one radial arm that connects the central bearing to the outer frame; at least one water-responsive material disposed between, and connected to, the outer frame and the central bearing; at least one elastomeric connector connecting the at least one water-responsive material and the outer frame and / or the central bearing; the frame covering a first portion of a flat side of the at least one wheel to produce a covered portion while leaving a second portion of the flat side of the at least one wheel uncovered to produce an uncovered portion, wherein swelling of the at least one water-responsive material in the covered portion and contraction of the at least one water-responsive material in the uncovered portion produces a torque that rotates the at least one wheel to circulate air through the plant enclosure.

[0007] This brief description of the invention is intended only to provide a brief overview of subject matter disclosed herein according to one or more illustrativeembodiments, and does not serve as a guide to interpreting the claims or to define or limit the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims. This brief description is provided to introduce an illustrative selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] So that the manner in which the features of the invention can be understood, a detailed description of the invention may be had by reference to certain embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only certain embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the scope of the invention encompasses other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the features of certain embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Thus, for further understanding of the invention, reference can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which:

[0009] FIG.1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of an evaporation-powered air purification device.

[0010] FIG.2 and FIG.3 are two side views of the device of FIG.1.

[0011] FIG.4 and FIG.5A are rear and front views of the device of FIG.1.

[0012] FIG.5B is a cross section view of the bottom of the device.

[0013] FIG.6 is a top view of the device of FIG.1.

[0014] FIG.7 depicts one embodiment of a wheel for use with the disclosed device.

[0015] FIG.8 is a graph showing continuous rotation of the wheel during use of the device.

[0016] FIG.9 and FIG.10 are detailed depictions of select portions of two embodiments of the wheel.

[0017] FIG.11 depicts another embodiment of the wheel.

[0018] FIG.12 depicts yet another embodiment of the wheel.

[0019] FIG.13 and FIG.14 depict two additional embodiments of the wheel with circular and polygonal outer frames. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] This disclosure provides a device 100 that removes air pollutants and circulates purified air by natural evaporation without using electricity. The device 100 offers an energy-efficient and sustainable solution for air purification. By integrating plant-based air purification with an evaporation energy device, the device 100 harnesses natural processes to clean and circulate air without relying on external energy sources. The device 100 provides consistent circulation of air and purification, utilizing evaporation. In one embodiment, the device provides a self-sufficient and eco-friendly alternative for conventional air purification techniques. The device decreases energy usage and operational expenses, while simultaneously fostering improved indoor air quality.

[0021] FIG.1 depicts an exploded view of the device 100. The device 100 comprises a plant enclosure 102 that houses a plant 104. The plant 104 within the plant enclosure 102 functions as a botanical air purifier. The device 100 also comprises a frame 106 that supports at least one wheel 108. The wheel 108 is rotatably connected to the frame 106. In the embodiment of FIG.1, three wheels 108 are shown. In other embodiments, a different number of wheels is present. For example, other embodiments may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more wheels. In one embodiment, the wheel 108 is vertically aligned relative to the ground. In FIG.1, the plant enclosure 102 has a triangular profile and a stand 110 is present that attaches to the plant enclosure 102 for increased stability. Thedevice 100 is modular such that the plant enclosure 102 and the frame 106 are fabricated separately and connect to one another by, for example, a snap connection.

[0022] FIG.2 and FIG.3 provide side view of the device 100. The frame 106 covers a first portion 201 of a flat side of the wheel 108, thereby producing a covered portion. The frame 106 also leaves a second portion 202 of the flat side of the wheel 108 uncovered, thereby producing an uncovered portion. As discussed in further detail elsewhere in this specification, this selective covering causes water-responsive materials within the wheel 108 to selectively swell and / or contract as moisture is absorbed or evaporates, thereby producing a torque that rotates the wheel 108. The rotation circulates air through the plant enclosure without using electricity. In this manner, the wheel 108 functions as a fan.

[0023] The plant enclosure 102 has at least one optically transparent window 300 that permits light to reach the plant 104. The topically transparent window 300 may be formed of an optically transparent material, such as clear acrylic. In one embodiment, the plant enclosure 102 has a single open cavity that connects to the frame 106. In this manner, any humidity produced by the plant 104 is directed through open cavity, into the frame 106 and over the wheel 108.

[0024] FIG.4 and FIG.5A provide front and rear views, respectively, of the device 100. FIG.5A illustrates a drain 500 on the plant enclosure 102. As the plant 104 is watered, excess water can be removed through the drain 500. FIG.5B is a cross section view of the device showing a water reservoir with water 504. The drain 500 is positioned such that excess water flows into the frame 106, increasing the moisture that is used for evaporation. FIG.6 provides a top view of the device 100.

[0025] Referring to FIG.7, a plan view of one embodiment of the wheel 108 is shown. A support chassis is formed by an outer frame 700 that is connected to a central bearing 702 by a radial arm 704. In one embodiment, the central bearing is a circular disc. In the embodiment of FIG.7, there are four radial arms 704. The central bearing 702 has a bearing connection 706 that is the center point of rotation. Each wheel 108 has at least one water-responsive material section 708. In the embodiment of FIG.7, thereare eight water-responsive material sections 708. In other embodiments there are at least four, at least six or at least eight sections. In still other embodiments, there are an even number of sections. Each water-responsive material section 708 comprises a distal end 710 and a proximal end 712 of the water-responsive material section, respectively. In the embodiment of FIG.7, the proximal end 712 is fixedly connected to the central bearing 702 while the distal end 710 is elastically connected to the outer frame 700 by a one or more elastomeric connectors 714. The elastomeric connectors 714 may be, for example, elastomeric rubber connectors or springs.

[0026] The bearing connection 706 has an axle (not shown) that directly connects to the frame 106, thereby permitting the wheel 108 to rotate. In one embodiment, the bearing connection 706 is a ball bearing. In some embodiments (see FIG.2) the bearing connection 706 is aligned with an edge of the frame 106 such that the first portion 201 (i.e. the covered portion) and the second portion 202 (i.e. the uncovered portion) of the wheel 108 have surface areas that are approximately equal (e.g. ±25%, ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, ±5%) or are equal.

[0027] In use, a water-responsive material section absorbs ambient humidity and swells while in the first portion 201 (i.e. the covered portion). Conversely, a water- responsive material section releases water and contracts while in the second portion 202 (i.e. the uncovered portion). Because at least some portion of the water-responsive material is in both covered and uncovered portions, a torque is applied to the wheel 108 which causes constant rotation.

[0028] A variety of water-responsive materials are known to those skilled in the art. A water-responsive material is a material that exhibits a change in shape and / or physical properties when exposed to varying humidity levels. For example, a water-responsive material may swell, change shape and / or change stiffness or elasticity. In one embodiment, the water-responsive material is selected from the group consisting of cellulose, silk, peptidoglycan, peptide and combinations thereof. The water-responsive material may be in the form of a thin film (e.g.10-500 µm, 50-400 µm, 100-300 µm or150-250 µm in thickness) or elongated fibers (e.g. a diameter of 10-500 µm, 50-400 µm, 100-300 µm or 150-250 µm). FIG.8 depicts the rotation as a function of time.

[0029] Referring to FIG.8, the wheel 108 of FIG.7 undergoes continuous rotation without the need for electricity. In some embodiments, the wheel rotates at a rate between 0.25 rotations per minute (RPM) and 0.36 RPM.

[0030] FIG.9 depicts one water-responsive material section 708 of FIG.7 in detail. The proximal end 712 may comprise, for example, a connector 716 that fastens the water- responsive material section 708 between two flat plates fixedly connected to one another with fasteners, thereby forming a fixed (e.g. non-elastic) connection to the central bearing 702. Similarly, the distal end 710 may also secure the water-responsive material section 708 between two flat plates. The elastomeric connectors 714 then provide an elastic connection to the outer frame 700.

[0031] In some embodiments, the central bearing 702 comprises a track 900 that permits one to adjust the tension that is applied to the elastomeric connectors 714. For example, a screw or similar fastener (not shown) may be disposed within the track 900 and attach to the proximal end 712 through a connector 716. The tension applied to the elastomeric connectors 714 can be adjusted by loosening the fastener, moving the proximal end 712 relative to the track 900 and then tightening the fastener. There is one track 900 for each water-responsive material section 708.

[0032] FIG.10 depicts another embodiment wherein the distal end 710 is fixedly connected to the outer frame 700 and the proximal end 712 is elastically connected to the central bearing 702 through one or more elastomeric connectors 714. The elastomeric connectors 714 may be, for example, elastomeric rubber connectors or springs.

[0033] FIG.11 depicts an embodiment wherein the water-responsive material section 708 is elastically connected to both the outer frame 700 (through at least one elastomeric connector 714a) and the central bearing 702 (through at least one elastomeric connector 714b). The elastomeric connectors 714a, 714b may be, for example, elastomeric rubber connectors or springs.

[0034] The elastomeric connectors 714 connect to the distal end 710 (FIG.9), the proximal end 712 (FIG.10) or both (FIG.11) through a connector 716 with a predetermined mass. The connector 716 is directly connected to the water-responsive material 708 at the distal 710 and / or the proximal end 712. When the water-responsive material undergoes swelling or contracting, these changes cause displacement of the connector. This movement of the connector, relative to the support chassis, alters the distribution of weight within the wheel 108 and thereby changes its overall center of mass. Through the repeated swelling and contraction of multiple water-responsive material sections, the center of mass is cyclically shifted, producing a torque that drives rotation of the wheel 108. In one embodiment, the wheel 108 is vertically aligned relative to the ground to promote the altering of the distribution of weight. The wheel is said to be vertically aligned when the wheel is at 90°±30°, 90°±20°, 90°±10°, or 90°±5° relative to the ground.

[0035] The connector 716 consists of a material that is water-unresponsive (i.e. the material does not swell or contract upon exposure to moisture). In certain embodiments, the connector 716 may be formed a material such as a polymer (e.g. an acrylic polymer), multiple layers of a polymer, a metal or another rigid substrate, that are cut to shape and fastened together using fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, or rivets). The shape, thickness, and fastening method are not particularly limited and may vary. The connector 716 provides a predetermined weight distribution that can be shifted relative to the support chassis to alter the center of mass of the wheel 108. In some embodiments, the connector 716 has a mass that is greater than the mass of the water-responsive material 708.

[0036] FIG.12 shows an embodiment of the wheel 108 that is similar to the embodiment of FIG.7 except in that a rigid, elongated protrusion 1200 is present that slides within a track 1202. For example, a tongue and groove connection may be formed between the protrusion 1200 and the track 1202. This connection serves to stabilize the unit during periods of low tension while still allowing variable elongation or compression of the elastomeric connectors 714.

[0037] FIG.13 depicts the support chassis without the water-responsive material. In the embodiment of FIG.13, the outer frame 700 is circular. In FIG.14, the outer frame 700 is a polygon (e.g. octagon, hexagon, pentagon, etc.). In FIG.14, the radial arms are omitted and the water-responsive material section 708 is suspended by the elastomeric connectors 714a, 714b.

[0038] In one embodiment, the plant enclosure 102 is formed of a polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). In one such embodiment, the plant enclosure 102 is generated by three-dimensional (3D) printing. The plant 104 may be secured within the plant enclosure 102 by, for example, a mesh bag that is shaped to mate with the plant enclosure 102. The mesh bag is filled with growth media (e.g. soil, gravel, absorbents, activated carbon, etc.) that provides both support for the plant’s root structure and filter out toxins from polluted air. The plant 104 is positioned inside the plant enclosure 102. A wide variety of plants may be used including, for example, golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum, and English ivy (Hedera Helix).

[0039] These figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of WR material units that employ alternative combinations of mass placement, fixed connections, elastic connections, and stabilizing components. Other combinations, including variations in fastener type, connection arrangement, and mass positioning, are contemplated within the scope of the rotatable wheel.

[0040] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An evaporation-powered air purification device comprising: a plant enclosure with a water reservoir for holding excess water, the plant enclosure configured to receive a plant and growth media for the plant; a frame connected to the plant enclosure such that air passes from the plant enclosure through the frame; at least one wheel rotatably connected to the frame, the at least one wheel comprising: an outer frame, a central bearing and at least one radial arm that connects the central bearing to the outer frame; at least one water-responsive material disposed between, and connected to, the outer frame and the central bearing; at least one elastomeric connector connecting the at least one water- responsive material and the outer frame and / or the central bearing; the frame covering a first portion of a flat side of the at least one wheel to produce a covered portion while leaving a second portion of the flat side of the at least one wheel uncovered to produce an uncovered portion, wherein swelling of the at least one water-responsive material in the covered portion and contraction of the at least one water-responsive material in the uncovered portion produces a torque that rotates the at least one wheel to circulate air through the plant enclosure.

2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one water-responsive material is selected from the group consisting of a cellulose, a silk, a peptide, a peptidoglycan and combinations thereof.

3. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one water-responsive material is a film.

4. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one water-responsive material is a fiber.

5. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomeric connector connects to a predetermined mass on the at least one water-responsive material, wherein the predetermined mass moves, relative to the central bearing, as the at least one water-responsive material swells and / or contracts.

6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer frame is circular.

7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer frame is a polygon.

8. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel is vertically aligned.

9. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the covered portion and the uncovered portion each have surface areas that are equal ±25%.

10. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the covered portion and the uncovered portion each have surface areas that are equal ±10%.

11. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the covered portion and the uncovered portion each have surface areas that are equal.

12. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the least one elastomeric connector is between the at least one water-responsive material and the outer frame and the central bearing is fixedly connected to the least one water-responsive material.

13. The device as recited in claim 12, wherein the outer frame comprises a track and a rigid, elongated protrusion is connected to the water-responsive material that moves within the track as the as the at least one water-responsive material swells and / or contracts.

14. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the least one elastomeric connector is between the at least one water-responsive material and the central bearing and the outer frame is fixedly connected to the least one water-responsive material.

15. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the central bearing comprises a track with a fastener disposed therein, the fastener configured to selectively tension the least one elastomeric connector.

16. The device as recited in claim 1, at least one elastomeric connector is connected to the at least one water-responsive material and the outer frame.

17. The device as recited in claim 1, at least one elastomeric connector is connected to the at least one water-responsive material and the central bearing.

18. The device as recited in claim 1, at least one elastomeric connector comprises (1) a first elastomeric connector connected to the at least one water-responsive material and the outer frame and (2) a second elastomeric connector connected to the at least one water-responsive material and the central bearing 19. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one connector is present that is directly attached to the at least one water-responsive material at a distal end and / or at a proximal end thereof and directly connected to the at least one elastomeric connector, wherein the at least one connector is a rigid substrate consisting of a water-unresponsive material.

20. The device as recited in claim 19, wherein the water-unresponsive material is selected from the group consisting of a metal and a polymer.

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