Ventilation systems and methods for internal cabins of vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system to prevent or minimize the spread of pathogens between passengers in a vehicle cabin without causing discomfort, as wearing masks during long flights can be uncomfortable and HEPA filters alone may not be sufficient.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system with a seat assembly that includes a seat duct fluidly coupled to an air delivery manifold below the floor, which delivers treated air to air outlets in the seat, and return air is drawn into the ceiling grills, using UV disinfection and air conditioning to purify the air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If masks are worn by passengers, then pathogen spread risk is reduced, but passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary air filtration and purification before air reaches the passenger's breathing zone. By pre-filtering air through HEPA filters and positioning outlets close to the passenger, the system proactively creates a protected air environment, eliminating the need for passive protective measures like masks that compromise comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The air delivery manifold and air outlets serve as intermediaries between the external air supply and the passenger's breathing zone. This intermediary system actively manages air quality and delivery, replacing the need for passengers to use masks as a passive protective barrier.
2Productivity
If separate ventilation components are integrated into each seat assembly, then air delivery effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air delivery manifold is designed as a universal component that integrates multiple functions: air distribution, structural support, and connection to the seat assembly. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate complex components into a single integrated unit, maintaining air delivery effectiveness while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation components (air delivery manifold, air outlets, and seat assembly) are merged into an integrated unit. Rather than separate ventilators mounted on each seat, the system combines air delivery functionality with the seat structure itself, reducing the number of discrete components while maintaining effective localized air delivery.
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 pathogen spread by purifying air and directing it to the breathing zone, while minimizing the need for separate components in the seat assembly, reducing weight and cost, and enhancing fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection sub-system disposed on or within the supply duct upstream from the air delivery manifold. The UV disinfection sub-system includes one or more UV light emitters configured to emit UV light into the air.
Implementation Method 2
an air conditioning sub-system disposed on or within the supply duct upstream from the air delivery manifold. For example, the air conditioning sub-system includes one or more heaters, one or more filters, or one or more humidifiers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method include a seat assembly including a seat duct fluidly coupled to one or more air outlets. An air delivery manifold is underneath the seat assembly. The air delivery manifold includes a first outlet port. The seat duct is fluidly coupled to the first outlet port. Air is delivered to the one or more air outlets via the air delivery manifold.