Personal Ventilation Nozzle Design for Pathogen-Free Breathing Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system and method to reduce the spread of pathogens between passengers in enclosed spaces, such as aircraft cabins, without causing discomfort or interfering with conversation, as traditional masks can be uncomfortable and hinder communication during extended periods.
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 mobility and use in various environments without covering the full face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional masks are worn to reduce pathogen spread, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but comfort and conversation ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the protective function into segments: instead of covering the entire face with a mask, it uses multiple nozzles positioned at different locations (e.g., near nose, mouth, cheeks) to deliver sanitized air to specific breathing zones. This segmented approach provides pathogen protection while leaving the face mostly exposed for comfort and communication
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies localized protection by directing sanitized airflow only to the immediate breathing space around the nose and mouth, rather than covering the entire face. The nozzles create localized zones of protected air that reduce pathogen exposure while maintaining overall facial exposure for comfort and social interaction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If HEPA filters are used in air conditioning systems, then pathogen filtration is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of pathogen filtration from complex HEPA filter systems and implements it through simpler nozzles that deliver pre-sanitized air. The complexity of HEPA filtration is handled by the vehicle's existing air conditioning system, while this device only needs to distribute the sanitized air locally through simple nozzle structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the vehicle's existing air conditioning system with HEPA filters as an intermediary to sanitize the air, then distributes this pre-sanitized air through simple nozzles. This intermediary approach allows the device to achieve pathogen protection without needing to incorporate complex filtration systems itself
3Reliability
If masks are worn for extended periods, then pathogen protection is maintained, but comfort and mobility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented into multiple localized airflow zones from different nozzles, allowing protection without the need for continuous full-face coverage. This enables extended wear comfort while maintaining reliable pathogen protection through distributed sanitized air delivery
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of blocking pathogens with a physical mask covering the face, the invention inverts the approach by actively delivering sanitized air to the breathing zones. This inverted strategy provides protection while maintaining facial exposure for comfort and mobility during extended periods
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 creating a sanitized air barrier around the breathing space, enhancing safety and comfort while allowing for unhindered movement and communication.
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
Data Source
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.