Improved device for providing a clean air zone, e.g. a controlled personal breathing zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air treatment devices for generating temperature-controlled laminar airflow (TLA) are large, energy-intensive, noisy, and their efficiency is limited by the specific placement relative to the clean air zone, often restricted in real-life scenarios where air cannot freely move away from the point of care in all directions, leading to reduced cleanliness and stability of the clean air zone.
Innovation Solution
The air treatment device provides a descending temperature-controlled, laminar air flow from outlets located above the geometrical center point, with air inlets placed in the immediate proximity to ensure efficient evacuation and distribution, reducing dependence on thermal stratification at floor level, and incorporating features like impeller type devices, noise reduction, and automatic operation using sensors and infrared cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air inlets are placed at floor level to enable free air movement in all directions, then air evacuation efficiency is improved, but device placement flexibility is reduced and dependence on thermal stratification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from floor-level air inlet placement (horizontal dimension) to wall-mounted placement at head level (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows the device to function effectively in various room configurations without relying on thermal stratification at floor level, while maintaining efficient air evacuation through the laminar flow mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions air inlets locally at the head level near the breathing zone rather than at floor level. This local placement optimizes the air evacuation efficiency for the specific purpose of maintaining a clean breathing zone, while the wall-mounted design provides placement flexibility in different room configurations.
2Ease of operation
If device size is reduced for easier placement and operation, then ease of operation is improved, but air flow stability and clean air zone generation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for large, complex mechanical air movement systems with a streamlined design that generates stable laminar flow through optimized airflow dynamics. The compact device maintains air flow stability by focusing on precise, controlled laminar flow rather than high-volume air movement, enabling ease of placement while preserving flow stability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy consumption is reduced for lower operational costs, then use of energy is improved, but air flow control precision and clean air zone stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the energy parameter by designing a system that achieves effective clean air zone generation with lower energy consumption. The streamlined device maintains air flow control precision through optimized laminar flow dynamics and strategic air inlet placement, rather than relying on high energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and control precision.
4Ease of operation
If device is placed away from the point of care for better air distribution, then air distribution is improved, but clean air zone stability is reduced due to interference from surrounding air movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions air inlets at the head level before the air reaches the breathing zone, creating a preliminary clean air layer that descends vertically. This preliminary action establishes a stable clean air zone that is less susceptible to interference from surrounding air movements, while still achieving effective air distribution in the breathing zone.
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
This configuration enhances the stability and cleanliness of the clean air zone, reduces recovery time after disturbances, and allows for self-assisted operation and maintenance, with improved air evacuation and distribution, making it more efficient and adaptable to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
Temperature-controlled laminar airflow (abbreviated TLA) involves providing a substantially laminar, descending downwardly directed flow of air. The descending air flow in TLA stems from the fact that the air provided is slightly (typically 0.1 to 3° C.) cooler than the ambient air.
Implementation Method 2
the upwardly directed flow generated by e.g. the body convection of an individual in the need of care resting in or on a resting place
Implementation Method 3
The descending air flow in TLA stems from the fact that the air provided is slightly (typically 0.1 to 3° C.) cooler than the ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved device for supplying temperature controlled laminar air flow (TLA) of filtered air to generate a clean air zone, e.g. a controlled personal breathing zone, at a point of care. The specific relative placement of the air inlets and outlets of the device of the present invention enables the provision of a more stable TLA based clean air zone than the prior art devices and at the same time allows for extensive monitoring and reporting features.