Method and apparatus for air circulation and purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration units lack efficient air circulation, leading to suboptimal air purification in enclosed spaces, particularly in remediation, restoration, and construction environments where contaminants like dust, mold, and VOCs pose respiratory hazards and compromise indoor air quality.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, lightweight air circulation and filtration device with a conical housing design and multiple air output vents for 360-degree air expulsion, combined with HEPA filters and pre-filters, to enhance air circulation and filtration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is expelled in a single direction from current HEPA filtration units, then the device structure is simple, but air circulation efficiency is poor and filtered air does not efficiently return to the capture zone
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple functional sections: a top section with air intake, a middle section with filtration components, and a bottom conical section with multiple air output vents. This segmentation allows air to be processed and expelled in multiple directions, improving circulation efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The air output vents are positioned on the bottom conical section to expel air in multiple horizontal directions (360-degree circulation) rather than a single vertical direction. This dimensional change in air expulsion pattern transforms the airflow from one-dimensional to multi-dimensional, significantly improving air circulation efficiency throughout the enclosed space
2Productivity
If multiple air output vents are added to achieve 360-degree air expulsion, then air circulation is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air output vents are integrated into a unified conical housing structure at the bottom of the device. This merging approach allows multiple vents to function as a cohesive system rather than separate components, achieving 360-degree air expulsion while minimizing the increase in device complexity through unified structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The conical housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the device, houses the air output vents, and directs airflow in multiple directions simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, achieving enhanced air circulation without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Reliability
If HEPA filters are used to capture fine particulates, then air purification quality is high, but the device becomes heavier and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into multiple stages: pre-filters that capture larger particles and HEPA filters that capture fine particulates. This segmentation allows the device to maintain high air purification quality while distributing weight across different functional components, making the overall system more manageable and portable
4Weight of moving object
If a low-profile design is implemented to improve portability, then device weight and size are reduced, but internal space for filtration components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conical housing design utilizes curved surfaces that optimize internal space utilization. The conical shape allows for compact packaging of filtration components while maintaining adequate internal volume for effective air processing, achieving a low-profile design that does not sacrifice internal housing volume
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 device achieves faster and more efficient air purification by maximizing air circulation back to the capture zone, improving indoor air quality and compliance with OSHA regulations, while allowing for easy maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
A high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is designed to capture at least 99.97% of particulates down to 0.3 microns in size
Implementation Method 2
an activated carbon filter can adsorb organic vapors to help remove unwanted odors
Data Source
AI summary
An air circulation and/or purification device for recirculating air and/or removing contaminants from the air which includes a housing having a top with an opening for air intake and a bottom, a fan contained within the housing, and a plurality of air output vents contained within multiple sides of the housing near the bottom of the housing. The bottom of the housing may include a conical shaped portion extending inward from the bottom of the housing or other structures to assist in expelling air from the housing in at least two different directions. The device may also include one or more filters designed to capture and filter out different types of contaminants.