Apparatus for the directed discharging of droplets and/or particles, in particular in the interior of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for operating an apparatus of this kind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle air filtration systems inadequately filter small particulates and droplets, allowing infectious pathogens to spread within the vehicle interior, as they are not effectively separated from the air, leading to a higher infection risk during travel.
Innovation Solution
A device with an outflow opening and fan creates a targeted air curtain to direct and capture droplets and particles from the mouth and nose region, using a collection element with a capture opening to remove them efficiently, and optionally includes a filter element to further purify the air, ensuring the particles do not re-enter the vehicle or infect others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing motor vehicle air filtration systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but small particulates and droplets are not effectively filtered, leading to higher infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The air filtration function is segmented into multiple specialized components: a first filter for large particles, a second filter for small particulates, and a HEPA filter for fine droplets. Each filter targets specific particle sizes and types, allowing the system to effectively remove various infectious agents while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
A UV-C lamp is introduced as an intermediary disinfection mechanism between the filters and the passenger environment. This UV light source actively disinfects captured particles and the surrounding air space, adding a layer of infection risk reduction that works complementarily with the physical filtration system
2Reliability
If a comprehensive filtration system with multiple filters and UV lamp is implemented, then infection risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the first and second filters handle both particle removal and air circulation, the HEPA filter provides both filtration and air purification, and the UV-C lamp serves both disinfection and air sterilization purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple filtration mechanisms (first filter, second filter, HEPA filter) and the UV-C disinfection system are merged into a single integrated ventilation unit. This consolidation allows the system to achieve comprehensive pathogen removal through coordinated operation of all components within one structural framework, managing complexity through integration rather than separation
3Reliability
If air circulation is maintained for ventilation, then air quality is improved, but droplets and particles can spread throughout the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts potentially harmful air currents that could spread droplets into beneficial filtered and disinfected airflow. The UV-C lamp disinfects the air and captured particles, while the filtered air from the multi-stage filtration system is recirculated back into the vehicle interior, transforming what would be contaminant-carrying airflow into clean, safe ventilation
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
Effectively prevents the spread of infectious pathogens by removing droplets and particles at their source, reducing the infection risk within the vehicle and maintaining a safer environment for passengers.
Implementation Method 1
Air can be delivered through the outflow opening by means of the fan, whereby an air curtain, which is formed in front of a mouth and nose region of a person by the air delivered by means of the fan
Implementation Method 2
the device has at least one collection element having at least one capture opening opposite the outflow opening, by means of which capture opening at least a part of the air curtain, and thus at least a part of the droplets and/or particles removed by means of the air curtain
Data Source
AI summary
A device for removing particulates includes an outflow opening and a fan that delivers air through the outflow opening. An air curtain is formed in front of a mouth and nose region of a person by the air delivered by the fan and which is directed in a targeted manner to remove particulates. The device has a collection element with at least one capture opening opposite the outflow opening. A least part of the air curtain, which runs in a plane stretched through transverse and vertical directions of a motor vehicle, is captured by the capture opening to remove at least a part of the particulate.