Transit HVAC Ion Emitter Layout for Shock-Resistant Air Purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Public transit vehicles face challenges in maintaining air quality due to poor performance of existing air purification methods, such as ion generating bulbs and UV lights, which are not effective in high shock environments and compact HVAC systems, and fail to remove particulate matter and dust effectively.

Innovation Solution

A high shock environment-resistant electronic air purification system is designed for public transit vehicles, featuring a central power box for voltage management and remote ion emitters that generate ions to attach to particulates and contaminants within the HVAC system, enhancing air quality without obstructing airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ion generating bulbs or tubes are used for air purification, then air quality can be improved, but the bulbs and tubes have a short lifespan and need frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair qualityVSAvoidlifespan of ion generating bulbs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical ion generating bulbs with an electronic air purification system that uses a power box with circuitry and electronic components to generate ions. This substitution eliminates the need for replaceable bulbs while maintaining air purification effectiveness, directly resolving the contradiction between air quality improvement and component lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If UV lights are used for air purification, then pathogens can be eliminated, but UV radiation cannot remove air particulate matter and dust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen eliminationVSAvoidability to remove particulate matter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional electronic air purification system that performs both pathogen elimination and particulate matter removal through ion generation. The power box generates ions that attach to both biological contaminants and particulate matter, enabling a single system to handle multiple air quality issues simultaneously, thus resolving the contradiction between pathogen elimination and particulate matter removal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If ion emitters are positioned within the HVAC system, then air purification can be enhanced, but the emitters may block or restrict airflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidHVAC airflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions ion emitters in specific locations within the HVAC system where they can effectively treat air without obstructing overall airflow. The emitters are placed in air ducts or plenums where ions can be dispersed into the air stream, allowing air purification to occur locally while maintaining system-wide airflow efficiency. This localized approach resolves the contradiction between air purification effectiveness and HVAC airflow productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 removes particulate pollutants, reduces airborne pathogens, and improves indoor air quality by distributing ions through the HVAC system, suppressing dust and contaminants, while conforming to regulatory ozone levels and electromagnetic compatibility standards.

Implementation Method 1

one or more air ionizers coupled to the ion emitter interior circuitry, extending through the ion emitter enclosure, and configured to generate ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon generation: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

the ions configured to be dispersed by the HVAC system within an interior space of the public transit vehicle and attach to particulates in the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon attachment to particulates: Electrostatic Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS20240359537A1Systems, methods and apparatuses for electronic air purification in public transit vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 CLIMATE COMFORT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A high shock environment resistant electronic air purification system positioned within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a public transit vehicle effective to remove particulate pollutants therefrom. The air purification system comprises a central power box affixed to at least the interior surface of the public transit vehicle and at least one ion emitter positioned remotely from the central power box. The at least one ion emitter is configured to disperse ions into the interior space of the public transit vehicle affixed at least one interior surface of at least at one of in a return air plenum, at an entrance to an evaporator blower motor, or within a passenger air duct of the HVAC system of the public transit vehicle without blocking or substantially restricting an airflow of the HVAC system.