Localized air filtration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration systems fail to effectively prevent the transmission of airborne viruses between individuals, particularly in enclosed spaces like restaurants and offices, as they do not address virus transmission through ventilation air or local interactions between people sitting together without masks, and existing solutions are either expensive, noisy, or ineffective in preventing virus spread between seated individuals.
Innovation Solution
A localized air filtration system strategically placed above or integrated into a table, utilizing a motorized fan system and a HEPA filter to draw in and filter air from a small area, directing virus-free air to individuals while preventing cross-flow of breath air and capturing stray viruses, thus reducing the risk of infection between table occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thorough filtration of room air is implemented using powerful fans, then virus filtration efficiency is improved, but noise level increases and cost increases making it incompatible with quiet dining or working environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the air filtration function into localized units positioned at individual tables rather than using a single centralized system. Each unit handles only the air for one table, allowing use of stronger fans for better filtration without creating noise problems across the entire space, as each unit operates independently at low power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides tailored air filtration to specific local areas (individual tables) rather than treating the entire room uniformly. Each table receives customized filtered air from its dedicated unit, allowing optimized fan power and filtration strength for each location without affecting noise levels in other areas of the restaurant or workspace.
2Reliability
If general ventilation systems are used to reduce virus content in enclosed rooms, then overall air quality is improved, but transmission of viruses through ventilation air itself is not addressed and may be spread to nearby locations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the air intake function to be located directly at each table rather than relying on centralized ventilation. Each localized unit draws air from its immediate vicinity, filters it, and delivers it directly to occupants, eliminating the pathway for virus-laden air to travel through central ventilation ducts to other locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The localized filtration unit acts as an intermediary between the external environment and table occupants. It intercepts and filters air at the table level, serving as a barrier that prevents both incoming viruses from reaching occupants and outgoing breath air from spreading to other areas, thus mediating air exchange safely.
3Ease of operation
If high partitions between tables are implemented to address draft issues, then air flow control is improved, but transmission of viruses between people around the same table is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by employing fans and ducts to actively move and control air flow. Each table unit creates a controlled air stream that delivers filtered air to occupants and captures breath air, replacing passive physical barriers with active fluid dynamics to achieve both air flow control and virus transmission prevention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If personalized air filtration devices are used to filter localized air, then ambient dust and odors are reduced, but virus transmission prevention between seated individuals is not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filtration of air before it reaches table occupants. By filtering air in advance at the table level and delivering it proactively to occupants, the system prevents virus exposure before transmission can occur, rather than relying on reactive measures after contamination happens.
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 effectively reduces the risk of virus transmission by delivering filtered air directly to individuals and capturing stray viruses, creating a safer environment without the need for partitions or expensive HVAC systems, while being cost-effective and compatible with quiet dining or working environments.
Implementation Method 1
A motorized fan system is provided within the unit body, which is configured to draw air from at least one inlet proximate the bottom of the unit body
Implementation Method 2
A filter is positioned in communication with the inlet and the fan system for filtering air drawn through the inlet. The filter is preferably a HEPA filter. For instance, the filter is preferably rated H13 or higher.
Implementation Method 3
The unit body has at least two ducted outlets disposed radially or axially for discharging filtered air toward the individuals
Data Source
AI summary
An air purification unit is provided for individuals seated at a table that has a unit body adapted to be mounted at a mounting height at or above the approximate head height of individuals seated at the table, and in a position between the individuals. A motorized fan system is provided within the unit body that is configured to draw air from at least one inlet proximate the bottom of the unit body. A filter is positioned in communication with the inlet and the fan system for filtering air drawn through the inlet. The unit body has at least two ducted outlets disposed radially or axially for discharging filtered air toward the individuals, while the unit prevents cross-flow of breath air between the individuals.