Air cleaning device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification and ventilation systems require complex installations, mechanical components, and electrical power, leading to high costs, noise, and potential dispersion of contaminants due to turbulence, while passive systems suffer from low entrainment ratios and pressure losses.
Innovation Solution
A passive air cleaning device with a reduced cross-sectional area zone and a permeable outlet body, utilizing thermal updraft and natural pressure differentials to enhance filtration without mechanical components, achieving high entrainment ratios and minimal turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanically driven components (fans) are used to propel air through filtration systems, then air flow delivery is improved, but device complexity, noise, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fans with a passive fluid dynamic system using a Coanda effect nozzle that generates a jet stream to entrain and propel air through the filtration system. The jet stream is created by forcing air through a restricted aperture that utilizes the Coanda effect to attach to and follow the curved surface of the mixing chamber, eliminating the need for mechanical propulsion components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles by creating a high-velocity air jet that entrains surrounding air through pressure differentials and momentum transfer. The Coanda effect nozzle generates a controlled air stream that pneumatically drives the filtration process without mechanical moving parts, utilizing fluid dynamics to achieve air flow delivery.
2Productivity
If mechanically driven components are used to propel air, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical fans that generate noise by replacing them with a passive Coanda effect nozzle system. The noiseless air propulsion is achieved through fluid dynamic effects where the jet stream naturally entrains and moves air through the filtration chamber without mechanical agitation or moving parts that would generate acoustic disturbances.
3Reliability
If existing ventilation infrastructure is modified to boost ventilation rate, then pathogen spread is reduced, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-contained modular unit that can be installed at individual ventilation outlets without requiring modification of the central HVAC infrastructure. Each unit operates independently with its own filtration and air propulsion system, allowing for incremental deployment and reducing installation complexity and cost while effectively trapping pathogens at their source.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-sufficient with integrated components that require minimal external support. The system self-regulates air flow through the Coanda effect mechanism and contains all necessary filtration and propulsion elements within a single installable unit, eliminating the need for complex infrastructure modifications.
4Productivity
If fans are added to purification devices, then air circulation is improved, but turbulence and contaminant dispersion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fans that create turbulent flow with a Coanda effect jet stream system. The jet stream produces laminar, attached flow that follows the curved surface of the mixing chamber, creating smooth air circulation patterns without the turbulence and chaotic mixing that would disperse contaminants. The fluid dynamic attachment effect ensures controlled, predictable air flow paths.
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 device provides efficient air filtration with minimal maintenance and energy consumption, effectively trapping contaminants near their source and delivering clean air without turbulence, suitable for public spaces with limited space and power.
Implementation Method 1
A jet stream created by a nozzle utilising a Coanda effect is forced to attach to and follow a curved surface of a mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
utilizing thermal updraft and natural pressure differentials to enhance filtration without mechanical components
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an air cleaning device, in particular, the invention relates to a supplementary air cleaning device which boosts delivery of clean air using energy from the existing air flow and from thermal updrafts to drive air through a filter. Moreover, the device is designed to create a localised extraction zone from just above the breathing zone of standing passengers. The device is mounted externally to an existing ventilation outlet such as may be found in a train, bus, or airplane, or in a building. The System for enhancing air filtration for public indoor or transportation spaces comprises an air inlet comprising an air inlet area; a reduced cross-sectional area zone comprising at least one nozzle (23) forming a floor of the mixing chamber the angle formed between the floor and the at least one nozzle is between 0 and 40 degrees.