Vehicle Air Purification Controller for Parking Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air purification systems in vehicles are ineffective in reducing particulate matter when the vehicle is parked, as they only operate during engine operation and lack efficient electricity sourcing for continuous filtration.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle ambient air purification arrangement that includes a controller to activate an air conveying apparatus and filters when the engine is off but electricity is supplied, utilizing various electricity sources like the power grid, hybrid batteries, solar, and wind energy for continuous air filtration, and includes regeneration means and a separate particle separator for efficient particulate collection and filter maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the air purification system only operates during engine operation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of particulate collection is insufficient because vehicles are parked more than they are driven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate collection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs air purification in advance during parking periods when electricity is available, rather than waiting for engine operation. The controller activates the air conveying apparatus and filters to collect particulates from ambient air before the vehicle is driven, maximizing collection opportunities during otherwise idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If the air conveying apparatus is activated when the engine is inoperative, then continuous air purification is achieved, but additional electricity supply infrastructure is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurification operation durationVSAvoidelectricity supply requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to accept multiple electricity supply sources including the vehicle's own battery, external power grids, and renewable energy sources. This multi-functionality allows the air purification system to operate continuously regardless of the specific power source available, making the system adaptable to various operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If multiple electricity sources are integrated for continuous operation, then the duration of purification action is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurification operation durationVSAvoidelectricity source integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically manages the integration of multiple electricity sources without requiring manual intervention. It monitors the availability of power from the vehicle battery, external power grids, and renewable energy sources, and autonomously selects and switches between sources to maintain continuous operation of the air conveying apparatus and filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If ambient air is conveyed through filters during parking, then particulate collection is enhanced, but energy consumption increases when the vehicle is not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate collection amountVSAvoidenergy consumption during parking

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous particulate collection by operating the air conveying apparatus and filters during parking periods when electricity is available from the vehicle battery or external sources. This continuous operation maximizes the total amount of particulates collected over time, taking advantage of periods when the vehicle would otherwise be idle and not consuming fuel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enables continuous air purification when the vehicle is parked, significantly reducing particulate levels and enhancing environmental benefits by utilizing renewable energy sources, while maintaining air quality in the vehicle compartment.

Implementation Method 1

convey ambient air through the ducts and filters of the ventilation system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow through ducts:

Implementation Method 2

one or more filters therein for purification of ambient air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10682895B2Vehicle ambient air purification arrangement and method, and a vehicle and vehicle fleet comprising such arrangement

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 VOLVO CAR CORP

AI summary

A vehicle ambient air purification arrangement, a vehicle, a vehicle fleet and a method for purifying air ambient to a vehicle are provided. The arrangement comprises an air conveying apparatus and a controller. The controller is arranged to control the air conveying apparatus to convey ambient air through ducts and filters of a ventilation system in response to a determination that an engine is inoperative and that a voltage supplied to the arrangement from an electricity supply source exceeds a threshold voltage.