An air vent assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large air filtration units required to mitigate air pollution in properties are space-consuming and difficult to maintain, especially in urban areas where space is limited, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for localized filtration and easy maintenance.

Innovation Solution

An air vent assembly with a filter assembly that includes a chemisorption material, such as active carbon or impregnated activated alumina, is integrated into each room's ventilation system, allowing for localized filtration and easy access for maintenance, with the filter assembly being accessible from within the room and visible for saturation indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large filtration unit is installed to handle the entire air supply volume for the property, then the filtration effectiveness for PM2.5, PM10, and NOx pollutants is improved, but the space occupied and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single large filtration unit into multiple smaller filtration units distributed throughout the property. Each filtration unit handles a portion of the air supply volume, specifically serving local areas or rooms. This segmentation reduces the size of each individual unit, eliminating the need for large dedicated spaces while maintaining overall filtration effectiveness across the entire property.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local filtration at distributed points within the property rather than centralized filtration. Each filtration unit is sized appropriately for its local air supply requirements, allowing for optimized filtration performance in each zone without requiring oversized units that would consume excessive space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a large filtration unit is installed to handle the entire air supply volume, then the filtration effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidunit size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized filtration system into multiple decentralized filtration units. Each unit is independently sized for its specific air supply requirements, simplifying the overall system architecture. This segmentation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for a single large, complex filtration unit while maintaining comprehensive filtration coverage through multiple simpler units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the filter unit is installed in a location with sufficient space, then the filtration performance is maintained, but the loss of usable property space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidusable space loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large filtration unit into multiple smaller units that can be installed in distributed locations throughout the property, such as utility areas, closets, or existing mechanical rooms. This segmentation allows filtration functionality to be integrated into existing spaces without requiring dedicated large areas, thereby maintaining filtration performance while preserving usable property space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution reduces the size and space requirements of filtration units, allows for easy maintenance and replacement, and provides effective filtration of PM2.5, PM10, and NOx pollutants, while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining adequate dwell time.

Implementation Method 1

The filter assembly includes a chemisorption material filter. Preferably the chemisorption material is an active carbon or an impregnated activated alumina.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemisorption: Chemisorption

Implementation Method 2

an activated carbon filter to treat NOx gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

a coarse pre-filter, particulate filter to treat PM2.5 / PM10 air-born particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3109562B1An air vent assembly
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 NUAIRE
  • EP3109562B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

An air vent assembly for a ventilation system comprises a main body and a filter assembly. The main body has an airflow conduit with an airflow inlet for connection to an air supply duct and an airflow outlet defining an air supply inlet for a room. Mounting means are provided for securing the main body to a surface such as ceiling so that the conduit is located within a vent aperture of said room. A filter assembly is connected to the main body such that airflow is channelled through the filtration unit prior to flowing through the outlet of the conduit. The filter assembly includes a chemisorption material filter such as an active carbon or an impregnated activated alumina.