Transit vehicle HVAC system with sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transit vehicles face challenges in effectively sanitizing the air to prevent the spread of communicable diseases like COVID-19, as existing HVAC systems primarily rely on surface cleaning and do not adequately address airborne pathogens.
Innovation Solution
The integration of additional sanitization measures in HVAC systems for transit vehicles, including filters with anti-pathogen materials, pre-filters, treatment dispensers, and modified airflow patterns to reduce pathogen levels and improve air quality, with a focus on prioritizing the driver section for safer air distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sanitization measures (pre-filters, anti-pathogen materials, treatment dispensers) are added to the HVAC system, then pathogen removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested filtration by placing a pre-filter upstream of the main filter within the HVAC system. The pre-filter captures larger particles and pathogens first, then the main filter handles finer particulate matter. This nested arrangement improves pathogen removal capability while managing system complexity through hierarchical organization of filtration components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-filter performs preliminary sanitization by removing larger pathogens and particles before air reaches the main filter. Treatment dispensers also apply anti-pathogen materials in advance as air passes through the system. This preliminary action approach enhances pathogen removal capability by addressing contaminants at multiple stages, while the modular preliminary components allow for manageable system complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If airflow direction is modified to prioritize driver section, then driver safety is improved, but airflow distribution uniformity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing sanitized air preferentially to the driver section through dedicated airflow pathways and adjustable vents. The driver area receives a higher proportion of freshly sanitized air compared to other vehicle sections. This localized approach improves driver safety by reducing their pathogen exposure, while the overall system maintains acceptable airflow distribution through targeted rather than uniform 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
This solution enhances the removal and deactivation of pathogens within the air, providing a safer environment for passengers and drivers by reducing the risk of airborne disease transmission through improved filtration and treatment of air within the HVAC system.
Implementation Method 1
a filter configured to remove particulate matter from air passing through the filter
Implementation Method 2
at least one sanitizer configured to remove pathogens from air passing through the airflow distribution system
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger disposed along a path taken by the air passing through the airflow distribution system
Implementation Method 4
a heater configured to heat air passing through the airflow distribution system
Data Source
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AI summary
An airflow distribution system (200) of an HVAC system for a transit vehicle, including one or more of: a pre-filter (210) including an anti-pathogen material and being installed upstream of a filter (215), a filter (215) including or coated with an anti-pathogen material, and a treatment dispenser (220) providing a treatment to the air, including an anti-pathogen material, to remove pathogens from the air.