Flexible Air Purifier with Tangential Membrane Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory protection devices, such as negative pressure respirators and Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), are not cosmetically appealing, interfere with conversation, and are not suitable for non-industrial environments due to their obtrusiveness and respiratory discomfort, lacking portable and unobtrusive designs, and failing to provide air sterilization or conditioning.
Innovation Solution
A portable air purifier apparatus with modular cross-flow membrane filtering modules that provide filtered and conditioned airflow, featuring a flexible housing with membrane-based filtering materials positioned tangentially to the air stream, allowing for interchangeable filter modules and self-cleaning properties, along with remote pressure monitoring sensors and control circuitry for alerting users when filter replacement is needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If negative pressure respirators or PAPRs are used for respiratory protection, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but cosmetic acceptability and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtration function from the traditional mask structure and relocates it to a separate, replaceable filter cartridge that can be attached to various mask types. This allows the mask to maintain its cosmetic appearance while the filtration is performed by a distinct, easily replaceable component that does not compromise the mask's aesthetic qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic filter replacement system where the filter cartridge can be easily removed and replaced by the user. This dynamic approach allows the filtration system to adapt to different mask styles and configurations, maintaining both effectiveness and cosmetic acceptability through flexible reconfiguration rather than a fixed, permanent structure.
2Reliability
If full face masks are used to ensure respiratory protection, then protection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and conversation ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the respiratory protection system into two independent parts: a mask component that can be customized for cosmetic purposes and a separate filter cartridge that provides the necessary filtration. This segmentation allows users to choose mask styles that facilitate conversation while maintaining adequate protection through the filter cartridge, rather than being forced into full face masks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal filter cartridge design that can be attached to multiple types of masks (full face, half face, nose masks). This multi-functionality allows the same filtration system to work with various mask configurations, enabling users to select masks that are both protective and conducive to conversation based on their specific needs.
3Productivity
If large diameter hoses and large surface area filters are used to compensate for low static air pressure from fans, then airflow sufficiency is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional fan-driven mechanical air movement system with a passive airflow generation approach. Instead of using powerful fans that require large hoses and filters to compensate for low static pressure, the system uses the user's own breathing action to drive air through the compact filter cartridge, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and large-diameter hoses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible, thin-walled filter cartridge design that can be easily integrated into various mask configurations. The flexible construction allows the compact filter to be positioned efficiently within the mask structure, maintaining adequate filtration surface area while minimizing overall device size and complexity.
4Reliability
If tight fit masks are used to prevent unfiltered air from entering around the mask, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but respiratory stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the mask structure and places it in a separate, adjustable seal component that can be independently positioned. This allows the mask to maintain a tight fit for effective filtration while the separate seal adjustment mechanism compensates for variations in user anatomy, reducing the respiratory stress that would otherwise result from an overly tight fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable parameters in the seal design, allowing users to modify the tightness and positioning of the seal according to their comfort levels and anatomical variations. This parameter adjustment capability maintains filtration effectiveness by ensuring a proper seal while reducing respiratory stress by preventing excessive tightness.
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 apparatus offers a cosmetically acceptable, portable, and efficient air purification system that filters, sterilizes, and conditions air, reducing respiratory discomfort and obtrusiveness, while allowing for various filtering configurations and self-cleaning capabilities, enhancing user convenience and environmental adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The filtering modules comprises a flexible housing disposed between the first and second interfaces, the flexible housing containing one or more membrane based filtering materials configured to be positioned tangentially to the direction of flow of the air stream
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular, portable, air purifier device capable of supplying filtered or otherwise conditioned airflow to an individual. More specifically, the present invention provides an air purification system that allows for the remote detection and analysis of local ambient air quality and transmit that information to wirelessly connected devices.