Elevator Cab Air Sterilization via Bottom Intake and UVC Kill Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevators pose a risk of airborne pathogen transmission due to inadequate air sterilization, as existing filtration systems do not effectively kill pathogens and can lead to re-contamination, and air circulation patterns within elevators can spread contaminants to occupants and the surrounding environment.
Innovation Solution
An air sterilization system incorporating an intake duct, fan, filters, and a kill box with ultraviolet-C (UVC) light that draws air from the elevator cab, filters it, and exposes it to UVC light for sterilization, ensuring pathogens are inactivated before recirculation, thereby reducing volatile organic compounds and particulate matter effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is continuously forced into the elevator cab from the top, then air circulation occurs within the cab, but the filtered air mixes with exhaled air and becomes contaminated with pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional air handler design by positioning the air intake at the bottom of the elevator cab and the exhaust at the top, reversing the traditional top-down air forcing approach. This inversion creates upward air flow that prevents contaminated air from recirculating back to occupants while maintaining effective air circulation and filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the air handling function from the conventional integrated design and implements a separate dedicated air handler system with distinct intake and exhaust pathways. This extraction allows independent optimization of air intake location (bottom) and exhaust location (top), preventing contamination while maintaining circulation efficiency.
2Reliability
If a small vent near the floor is used for air return, then over pressurization of the elevator cab is prevented, but air is ejected into the vestibule or landing when doors open, increasing contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air return function from the minimal vent design and implements a dedicated exhaust system with separate pathways. The exhaust system includes a dedicated exhaust duct that directs air away from the elevator cab, and a pressurization relief valve that provides controlled pressure relief without ejecting contaminated air into the building vestibule.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressurization relief valve as an intermediary mechanism between the elevator cab and the building vestibule. This valve provides controlled pressure relief while preventing direct ejection of contaminated air into the building environment, serving as a mediator that protects both the cab pressure balance and the building air quality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filtration systems are used to remove particles from air, then some particles are removed, but the system provides a rich environment for pathogens to replicate and spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the air handling system by maintaining continuous operation of the air handler and UV-C lights, ensuring that the filtration medium does not become a breeding ground for pathogens. The system parameters are adjusted to prevent pathogen replication while maintaining effective particle removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous operation of the air handler and UV-C sterilization system, ensuring that air is continuously treated and pathogens are continuously inactivated. This continuous action prevents the accumulation of pathogens in the filtration system and maintains effective particle removal without creating conditions for pathogen replication.
4Stress or pressure
If air is pressurized in the elevator cab, then air flow out of the cab is controlled, but air is ejected into the vestibule when doors open, increasing contamination potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure control function from the minimal vent design and implements a dedicated pressurization relief valve system. This separate system provides controlled pressure relief while preventing the ejection of contaminated air into the building vestibule, decoupling pressure control from contaminated air discharge.
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 significantly reduces pathogens, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter, achieving 95% reduction in particles less than 10 microns, 97% reduction in particles less than 1 micron, and 89% reduction in particles less than 0.3 microns, effectively sterilizing the air and minimizing the risk of infection within the elevator cab.
Implementation Method 1
a kill box, including a source of ultraviolet-C (UVC) light, and configured to receive air via the fan, where the UVC light is configured to sterilize air removed from the elevator cab
Implementation Method 2
a fan configured to draw air from the elevator cab via the intake duct
Implementation Method 3
at least one filter configured to filter the air drawn from the elevator cab by the fan
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator cab and method of sterilizing the air of an elevator comprising, a plenum configured to fluidly connect to an interior of the elevator cab, at least one intake formed in the side walls of the elevator cab and in fluid communication with the plenum, a fan configured to draw air from the elevator cab via the intake duct and the plenum, and a kill box, including a source of ultraviolet C (UVC) light, and configured to receive air via the fan, wherein the UVC light is configured to sterilize air removed from the elevator cab.