Elevator cab air purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face limitations in air flow and exchange, leading to concerns about air purity due to limited air circulation and unconditioned hoistway air, which existing air exchange devices are unable to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
An air purification device for elevator cabs featuring a housing with an inlet and outlet, a fan module for airflow, and integrated air purifiers that utilize ultraviolet radiation to purify air flowing through multiple pathways, ensuring effective air circulation and purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional air exchange devices are used in elevator cabs, then air circulation is provided, but the air flow amount is limited and air purity cannot be effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air circulation and air purification functions into a single integrated device. The air handler unit incorporates both a fan for air movement and UV-C lamps for purification, allowing simultaneous achievement of high air flow and effective pathogen elimination without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV-C radiation as an intermediary agent to purify air. The UV-C lamps emit radiation that acts as a mediator to inactivate pathogens in the air stream, enabling purification without direct mechanical contact or chemical additives.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air purification devices are added to elevator cabs, then air purity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air handling and purification functions into one unified device. The housing contains both the fan module for air circulation and the UV-C lamp module for purification, eliminating the need for separate air handlers and purifiers, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air purification device is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs air circulation, filtration, and pathogen elimination. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple separate systems, simplifying installation and maintenance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple air pathways are created for UV radiation exposure, then purification effectiveness is improved, but housing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air flow path into multiple separate pathways within the housing, each equipped with UV-C lamps. This segmentation ensures that air is exposed to radiation in multiple stages, improving purification effectiveness while keeping each individual pathway relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space within the housing to create multiple air pathways that move in different directions. By arranging pathways in various orientations and levels, the design maximizes UV radiation exposure without requiring excessive horizontal expansion or complex routing.
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 solution provides enhanced air purification by ensuring adequate exposure to ultraviolet radiation, reducing airborne contaminants and pathogens, such as viruses, without compromising passenger capacity or aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The air purifier comprises a source of radiation... the source of radiation comprises a light that emits ultraviolet light... purifying the air comprises irradiating the air... irradiating the air comprises exposing the air to ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator cab air purification device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and at least one air pathway between the inlet and the outlet. A fan module is situated to cause air flow into the housing through the inlet, through the housing, and out of the housing through the outlet. The air flow through the housing includes air flow along the at least one pathway in at least a first direction. An air purifier is situated within the housing and configured to purify air that flows along the at least one pathway before the air exits the housing through the outlet.