Air-circulating conference table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration units are not designed to reduce the transmission of airborne pathogens between people seated at the same table, are often large and noisy, and do not effectively create a sterile collaborative work environment during public health emergencies or otherwise.
Innovation Solution
An air-circulating table with an integrated air filtration unit, featuring air outlet nozzles that direct filtered air away from the center towards the edges and air inlet vents to create a positive pressure zone around users, reducing cross-contamination and incorporating antimicrobial layers for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standalone air filtration units are used, then air filtration capability is provided, but the units are large and noisy, detracting from a comfortable working environment
Solution Approach 1:
The air filtration unit is integrated into the table base, merging the filtration function with the existing table structure. This eliminates the need for separate standalone units, reducing space requirements and visual clutter while maintaining filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure serves as an intermediary housing for the filtration unit, allowing the system to benefit from the table's existing design and positioning while providing the filtration function. The table base acts as a mediator that conceals and supports the filtration components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air filtration units are positioned to filter air effectively, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but the units may obstruct collaboration or create visual distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration unit is combined with the table base structure, so the filtration components are housed within the table rather than standing separately. This integration eliminates visual distractions and maintains an unobstructed collaborative environment while providing effective air filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
Air outlet nozzles are positioned at specific locations on the table surface to provide localized clean air streams to individual users. This targeted approach ensures effective pathogen reduction while maintaining visibility and accessibility across the entire table surface for collaboration.
3Reliability
If air outlet nozzles are positioned to direct air away from center toward edges, then filtered air reaches users effectively, but the nozzle placement must be precisely optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet system is segmented into multiple nozzles distributed across the table surface, with each nozzle serving a specific zone. This segmentation allows for optimized air delivery to different user positions while distributing the complexity across multiple simple, identical components rather than requiring one complex positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlet nozzles are designed with adjustable diffusers that can vary the output direction and flow volume dynamically. This allows the system to adapt to different seating arrangements and user needs without requiring precise fixed positioning, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective air delivery.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If social distancing is implemented to reduce airborne disease spread, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but in-person communication and collaboration are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful airborne pathogens into a benefit by providing targeted filtered air streams to each user. The air filtration and delivery system transforms the threat of airborne transmission into a protective mechanism that enables safe in-person collaboration without requiring social distancing.
Solution Approach 2:
Filtered air streams act as an intermediary protective barrier between users, allowing close proximity interaction while reducing pathogen transmission risk. This intermediary mechanism enables maintaining physical closeness for collaboration while providing respiratory protection, eliminating the need for social distancing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces the spread of airborne contaminants, enhances the safety and comfort of in-person meetings, and maintains a collaborative work environment by providing filtered air while minimizing noise and visual obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
an air filtration unit housed within an interior space of the table base
Implementation Method 2
one or more air outlet nozzles that are configured to direct filtered air from the air filtration unit in a direction away from a center region of the table toward an edge region of the table
Implementation Method 3
one or more air inlet vents that are configured to receive return air to be filtered by the air filtration unit
Data Source
AI summary
An air-circulation table for providing filtered air to its users is disclosed, the table including a table top with a working surface and a table base provided below the table top. The table base defines an interior space for housing an air filtration unit. The table top includes one or more air outlet nozzles that are disposed at the working surface to direct filtered air from the air filtration unit toward the users. The table top further includes one or more air inlet vents that are disposed at the working surface to receive return air to be filtered by the air filtration unit. At least one of the one or more air inlet vents are provided closer to an edge region of the table than the one or more air outlet nozzles.