Cabin Air Purification Layout With UV-C Isolation and Ejector Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an air purification system that can disinfect air in a continuous space, such as an aircraft cabin, while occupied, and which is permanently installed into the overhead air distribution system, using multiple points of air intake, filtration, purification, and release, without relying on air circulation fans and protecting passengers from UV-C rays.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises elongated air compartments with air filters and ejector pumps, which move air through the system using compressed air, and UV-C light sources for disinfection, with air outlets designed to distribute disinfected air evenly and minimize exposure to UV-C light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C light sources are used to disinfect air in the cabin, then pathogen destruction is improved, but passenger safety deteriorates due to UV-C exposure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The air treatment function is segmented into separate locations: UV-C disinfection occurs in overhead air compartments above passenger seats, while fresh air is delivered through outlets at passenger level. This spatial segmentation allows UV-C exposure to be confined to areas not occupied by passengers, eliminating harmful exposure while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Air acts as an intermediary medium that is disinfected by UV-C light in the overhead compartment, then delivered to passengers through air outlets. The air serves as a carrier that has been purified of pathogens but does not carry the harmful UV-C radiation to passengers, thus mediating between the disinfection source and the passenger safety requirement.
2Speed
If air circulation fans are used to move air through the system, then air flow is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the aircraft's existing pressurization system to drive air flow through the overhead compartments and air outlets. The aircraft's own pressurization fans, which are already required for cabin pressure maintenance, serve the dual function of driving air through the UV-C treatment system, eliminating the need for separate air circulation fans and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft's pressurization system performs multiple functions: maintaining cabin pressure and driving air flow through the UV-C disinfection system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated air circulation fans, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective air movement through the purification system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple air outlets are used to distribute air evenly, then air distribution uniformity is improved, but UV-C exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented vertically: UV-C disinfection occurs in the overhead compartment, and air is delivered through multiple outlets at passenger level. This segmentation allows multiple air outlets to provide even distribution without exposing passengers to UV-C radiation, as the outlets are positioned below the UV-C light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-plane air distribution to a vertical dimension with overhead treatment and below-level delivery. Air outlets are positioned at passenger level while UV-C sources remain overhead, creating a vertical separation that enables even air distribution through multiple outlets without compromising passenger safety from UV-C exposure.
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 system effectively disinfects air in continuous spaces like aircraft cabins, providing a continuous and even distribution of filtered and disinfected air to passengers while protecting them from UV-C exposure.
Implementation Method 1
UV-C light is a high frequency wavelength of light within the ultraviolet band. Certain UV-C light has a peak wavelength of between 210 and 290 nm and has been shown to have anti-pathogenic effects. When the UV-C energy reaches the DNA/RNA of a pathogen, it causes modifications, rendering the pathogen unable to reproduce.
Implementation Method 2
The system comprises elongated air compartments with air filters and ejector pumps, which move air through the system using compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
An air purification system for a passenger cabin of a transport vessel. The air purification system comprises an elongated air compartment having a panel, with a plurality of openings along the panel. Air filters reside within the openings to receive air from inside the cabin. The system also includes a plurality of air tubes. Air moves through the air tubes, aided by a source of compressed air, to motive flow valves. The motive flow valves create suction to draw air into the air compartment from the passenger cabin. The system also includes at least one UV-C light source. The UV-C light source resides within the air compartment, and disinfects the air moving through the air compartment. A plurality of air outlets are also placed along the panel, with each outlet configured to release air at selected points to provide a distribution of disinfected air into the passenger cabin.