Systems, methods and articles for enhancing wellness associated with habitable environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current habitable environments lack effective systems to dynamically control various environmental factors such as lighting, temperature, humidity, and air quality, which can impact occupants' health and well-being, particularly in terms of circadian rhythm regulation and exposure to adverse external light and noise.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control subsystem with processors, illumination, and actuator components that adjust lighting and air handling to mimic natural circadian patterns, incorporate sensors for real-time data, and include features like electrochromatic glass and acoustic damping to minimize external light and noise, along with air filtration and scent management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If environmental control systems are implemented to regulate lighting, temperature, and air quality, then occupant health and well-being are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control subsystem integrates multiple environmental control functions (lighting control, temperature regulation, air quality management, humidity control) into a single unified system that can dynamically adjust various parameters based on circadian patterns and real-time sensor data, thereby enhancing occupant well-being while managing system complexity through consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions (light levels, temperature, air quality, humidity) and feed this data back to the control subsystem, which automatically adjusts environmental parameters to maintain optimal conditions for occupant health, creating a self-regulating system that reduces the need for manual intervention
2Reliability
If dynamic control of lighting and environmental factors is implemented, then circadian rhythm regulation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination subsystem dynamically adjusts lighting intensity and color temperature in periodic cycles that mimic natural circadian patterns, providing high-intensity light during daytime hours to support alertness and lower-intensity light during evening hours to promote relaxation and sleep preparation, thereby regulating circadian rhythms while optimizing energy consumption through time-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static lighting and environmental control to dynamic control that continuously adapts lighting intensity, color temperature, and environmental parameters based on the time of day, circadian phase, and real-time sensor feedback, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption while maintaining effective circadian rhythm regulation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrochromatic glass and acoustic damping features are added to minimize external light and noise, then exposure to adverse environmental factors is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates electrochromatic glass that can dynamically transition from transparent to opaque state to block harmful external light exposure, and acoustic damping materials to reduce noise intrusion, thereby converting the potential harm from external environmental factors into beneficial protection while integrating these features into the overall environmental control system
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 enhances occupant health and well-being by regulating circadian rhythms, reducing exposure to adverse environmental factors, and creating a comfortable and restorative environment through dynamic control of lighting, temperature, and air quality.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromatic glass
Implementation Method 2
acoustic damping
Data Source
AI summary
Environmental characteristics or scenes of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or residences, or other spaces or sub-spaces) are controlled to facilitate certain activities of a user in the environment by increasing focus, preparing for sleep, directing movement, masking ambient noise, and improving air quality, among others. Controllable characteristics include, for example, lighting, CO2/O2 levels, humidity levels, sound, aroma, and air temperature. Controls are provided for the occupant and/or facility personnel to select activities or scenes, or sensors detect the activity and implement an appropriate scene.