Overhead air filtration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification systems do not effectively target airborne pathogens like viruses and bacteria when placed above occupants, and they often rely on passive air circulation or plant-based filtration methods, lacking the efficiency of forced air filtration.
Innovation Solution
A portable air handling system with ductwork and forced air circulation that positions filters above occupants, using HEPA or microbial filters to capture pathogens, and includes a fan to create a vacuum for air flow through multiple filter stages before re-releasing the air, ensuring effective removal of harmful particles without interfering with existing HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If forced air circulation is used to improve pathogen removal efficiency, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air circulation fan, HEPA filter, and microbial filter into a single integrated overhead air handler unit. This merging of components achieves effective forced air circulation for pathogen removal while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices working in coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The air handler unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it circulates air through forced convection, filters particulates via HEPA filtration, and captures pathogens through microbial filtration. This multi-functionality improves air purification effectiveness without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
2Productivity
If multiple filter stages are used to improve pathogen removal, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into two distinct stages: a HEPA filter for capturing particulates and a microbial filter for capturing pathogens. This segmentation allows each filter type to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a single overhead unit, improving overall effectiveness without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The HEPA filter and microbial filter are nested within the same air handler housing, with air passing sequentially through both filtration stages. This nested arrangement achieves multi-stage filtration in a compact configuration, improving pathogen removal effectiveness while maintaining space efficiency and manageable device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the system is placed overhead above occupants to be unobtrusive, then ease of operation is improved, but air flow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing air intakes at the bottom and discharges at the top (conventional orientation), the system inverts this arrangement with overhead intakes facing downward toward occupants and side-mounted discharges. This inverted configuration maintains unobtrusive overhead placement while optimizing air flow efficiency by drawing air directly from the occupied zone and expelling it laterally away from occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The air discharge is oriented laterally from the sides of the unit rather than vertically upward or downward. This dimensional change in discharge direction allows the system to maintain its overhead placement for unobtrusive operation while improving air flow efficiency by delivering purified air at the occupant level without direct downward flow onto occupants.
4Ease of operation
If the system is designed as portable to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of composition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates caster wheels for easy relocation and height-adjustable legs for adaptive positioning. These dynamic features enable the unit to be moved and configured as needed, improving ease of operation while the overall integrated design maintains system stability and functional integrity during relocation.
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 efficiently removes airborne pathogens like bacteria and viruses from the air, maintaining air quality without disrupting temperature or humidity control, and is designed for energy efficiency and quiet operation, allowing for flexible configuration and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A small vacuum will be created in the duct work and force the air through the ductwork and into the air handler unit
Implementation Method 2
The system will operate using forced air through the system. There will be a fan which will circulate air throughout the system
Implementation Method 3
A variety of types of filters may be used including High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or filters that use microbes may be used
Implementation Method 4
The purpose of the filters is to remove harmful pathogens form the air inside a space
Data Source
AI summary
It is advisable to remove harmful pathogens by filtering the air in a space using a set of filters over intakes. As the air travels through ductwork for that purpose the filters remove harmful pathogens. Harmful pathogens may include viruses or bacteria to name a few. Other pathogens may also be removed depending on the filtration media. This device is designed to be portable and caster wheels that can be locked have been placed on the air handler of the device.