Personal ventilation device and method for delivering sanitized air to personal breathing space
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to prevent the spread of pathogens between passengers in enclosed spaces like aircraft cabins during flights without causing discomfort or interfering with conversation, as traditional masks can be uncomfortable and hinder communication.
Innovation Solution
A personal ventilation device with duct segments and nozzles mounted on a support structure, directing sanitized airflow across the face to create a control volume that blocks aerosols and provides filtered air, allowing for unidirectional flow and mobility without covering the full face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional masks are worn to prevent pathogen spread, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but comfort and conversation ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the protective function into segments: a support structure worn on the body, duct segments that channel air, and nozzles positioned near the face. This segmentation allows protection without requiring full-face coverage, maintaining comfort and conversation ability while preventing pathogen transmission through directed airflow.
2Reliability
If HEPA filters are installed in air conditioning systems, then air sanitization is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the air sanitization function from the central air conditioning system and implements it locally at the personal level. Instead of requiring HEPA filters in the building's HVAC system, each user wears a portable device with its own filtration and airflow generation, simplifying overall system requirements while maintaining effective air sanitization.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between the ambient air and the user's breathing zone. It introduces sanitized air directly into the personal breathing space through nozzles, mediating the protection function without requiring modification of the central air conditioning infrastructure.
3Reliability
If masks are worn for extended periods, then pathogen protection is maintained, but comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the protective system into wearable components (support structure, ducts, nozzles) that distribute airflow locally, the device enables extended wear without the discomfort associated with traditional masks. The segmented design allows air to be delivered precisely where needed without covering the entire face or restricting movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical barrier of traditional masks with a fluid dynamic system that uses directed airflow to protect the breathing zone. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints and discomfort of mask wear while maintaining pathogen protection through the created control volume and airflow patterns.
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
Effectively reduces the transmission of pathogens by blocking aerosols and providing sanitized air, ensuring the wearer's safety while being comfortable and not interfering with communication or mobility, suitable for use in various environments including aircraft, buildings, and outdoor spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the first nozzle directs airflow from the first duct segment across the face of the wearer to form a control volume for a breathing space of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
The HEPA filters receive and sanitize air exiting the cabin or about to enter the cabin
Data Source
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AI summary
A personal ventilation device and method include a first duct segment and a second duct segment both held by a support structure that is configured to be mounted on a wearer of the personal ventilation device. The personal ventilation device also includes a first nozzle mounted to the first duct segment and a second nozzle mounted to the second duct segment. The first and second nozzles are configured to be disposed proximate to opposite sides of a face of the wearer and the first nozzle directs airflow from the first duct segment across the face of the wearer to form a control volume for a breathing space of the wearer.