Air treatment system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft cabin air treatment systems do not provide individualized control over air scent, temperature, and circulation, leading to stagnant air and inconsistent passenger comfort, especially in premium class suites with high panels separating the suite from the rest of the cabin.

Innovation Solution

An air treatment module with detachable scented cartridges, thermoelectric devices for temperature control, and modular design, allowing passengers to select scents and temperatures, integrated with the aircraft cabin ventilation system for improved air circulation and easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional aircraft cabin ventilation system is used, then air circulation is provided, but the air becomes stagnant and passenger comfort is inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividualized air treatment controlVSAvoidair circulation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air treatment system is divided into modular components including replaceable cartridges containing different scented media, allowing individual customization of air treatment for each passenger suite while maintaining overall system reliability through standardized modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of air treatment parameters including scent selection, temperature control, and circulation intensity, enabling passengers to customize their environment while the system adapts to maintain optimal air quality and prevent stagnation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If scented cartridges are made replaceable for ease of maintenance, then maintenance becomes easier, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge replacement easeVSAvoidmodular system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scented media is contained in replaceable cartridges that can be easily swapped out by maintenance personnel, simplifying maintenance procedures while the modular cartridge design integrates into a standardized housing that minimizes overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scented cartridges are designed as disposable or limited-life components that can be easily replaced rather than serviced, reducing maintenance complexity and ensuring consistent performance without requiring complex repair procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Provides an individualized travel experience by allowing passengers to customize air scent and temperature, enhancing air circulation and preventing stagnation, while facilitating easy maintenance and cartridge replacement.

Implementation Method 1

a replaceable cartridge with a scented medium that is absorbed into the air passing through the air duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a thermoelectric device is configured at a discharge end of the air duct for heating or cooling the air passing through the air duct based on a passenger selected temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3439960B1Air treatment system
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 BE AEROSPACE INC
  • EP3439960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3439960B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3439960B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for treating air discharged to a passenger suite of an aircraft includes an enclosure that houses components for treating air passing through the enclosure and a detachable cover connected to the enclosure that provides access to the components. Air treatment components associated with air treatment flow paths within the enclosure include a blower with a fan that draws air through an air intake on the enclosure. An air duct is affixed to a discharge of the blower and directs the air discharged from the blower through an air treatment flow path that includes a scented cartridge with a scented medium that is absorbed into the air passing through the air duct. An air exhaust port is attached at a discharge end of the air duct that discharges the air conditioned by the scented cartridge through an air exhaust vent on the enclosure.