Systems, methods and articles for enhancing wellness associated with habitable environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Habitable environments, such as homes, hotels, and offices, often fail to effectively manage environmental factors like lighting and air quality, which can impact occupants' health and well-being, lacking integrated systems to synchronize lighting, temperature, and air treatment to mimic natural circadian rhythms or address individual needs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control subsystem, illumination subsystem, air handling subsystem, and user input devices that adjust lighting, temperature, and air quality to match circadian patterns, accommodate travel adjustments, and provide therapeutic effects, using electrochromatic glass, UV sanitization, and scent introduction to enhance occupant comfort and health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If environmental factors in habitable environments are left unmanaged, then the system complexity is low, but occupant health and well-being deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple environmental control functions (lighting control, temperature control, air quality management) into a single integrated system that synchronizes these factors to mimic natural circadian rhythms. This merging approach addresses the contradiction by managing multiple harmful environmental factors simultaneously through one coordinated system, reducing the net complexity while improving occupant health outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages lighting levels, adjusts temperature, controls air treatment, and synchronizes these factors according to circadian patterns. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address various adverse environmental effects on occupant health without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lighting and environmental control systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but adaptability to individual occupant needs and natural rhythms is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts environmental factors (lighting, temperature, air quality) in real-time based on circadian rhythms and individual occupant needs. Rather than static settings, the system continuously adapts its control parameters to match natural biological cycles and personalized requirements, achieving high adaptability through dynamic response capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple environmental parameters simultaneously (illumination intensity, color temperature, temperature, air flow) according to predefined circadian patterns and individual occupant profiles. This coordinated parameter adjustment enables the system to adapt to natural rhythms and individual needs by systematically varying environmental conditions throughout the day and night cycles.
3Productivity
If multiple environmental factors are controlled independently, then each control system is simple, but the synergistic beneficial effects are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges independent control of lighting, temperature, and air quality into a unified system that coordinates these factors to produce synergistic wellness benefits. By combining these controls rather than operating them independently, the system achieves enhanced occupant well-being that is greater than the sum of individual factor effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous coordinated control of multiple environmental factors throughout the day and night, ensuring that beneficial effects are sustained without interruption. The continuous synchronization of lighting, temperature, and air treatment according to circadian rhythms ensures uninterrupted wellness enhancement, maximizing the productive impact on occupant health.
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 enhances occupant well-being by synchronizing environmental factors with natural rhythms, improving sleep quality, reducing jet lag, and providing therapeutic benefits through tailored lighting, temperature, and air quality adjustments, while maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment.
Implementation Method 1
At least one actuator may include electrochromatic glass in the at least one window
Implementation Method 2
The water supply subsystem may further include an ultraviolet water sanitizer that illuminates water that is to be supplied to the enclosed space via a faucet or a showerhead with ultraviolet illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Environmental characteristics of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or residences) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or ameliorate adverse or harmful aspects and introduce, increase or enhance beneficial aspects in order to improve a “wellness” or sense of “wellbeing” provided via the environments. Control of intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active Illumination addresses various issues, symptoms or syndromes, for instance to maintain a circadian rhythm or cycle, adjust for “jet lag” or season affective disorder, etc. Air quality and attributes are controlled. Scent(s) may be dispersed. Hypoallergenic items (e.g., bedding, linens) may be used. Water quality is controlled. Noise is reduced and sounds (e.g., masking, music, natural) may be provided. Passive and active pathogen controls are employed. Controls are provided for the occupant and/or facility personnel, as is instruction, and surveys, including assessing wellness.