Vehicle Vent Sterilization Using Ozone and Mist Before Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle sterilization apparatuses perform sterilization operations while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in an insufficient sterilization effect due to the need to maintain a harmless level that does not interfere with traveling, leading to a need for a stronger sterilization method to improve passenger compartment cleanliness.

Innovation Solution

A sterilization apparatus for vehicles that includes a housing connected to the vehicle vent, a sterilization unit generating ozone and a sterilization solution, and a drive source to rotate the unit, allowing for the discharge of sterilization materials into the vehicle compartment, enhancing the sterilization effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sterilization operation is performed while the vehicle travels, then the sterilization can be done during normal use, but the sterilization level must be kept low to ensure safety, resulting in insufficient sterilization effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during sterilizationVSAvoidsterilization effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization operation is performed in advance before passengers enter the vehicle, rather than during travel. The control unit determines that sterilization should be executed when the vehicle is stationary and the door is closed, allowing high-concentration sterilization without affecting passenger safety during travel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sterilization operation is conducted periodically when specific conditions are met (vehicle stationary, door closed), rather than continuously during travel. This periodic execution allows for high-intensity sterilization cycles that achieve better disinfection效果 while maintaining safety during passenger occupancy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If high-concentration sterilization material is discharged, then the sterilization effect is strengthened, but it may interfere with vehicle operation and passenger safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization effectVSAvoidimpact on vehicle operation and passenger safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization material is discharged locally through the connection part and vent into the passenger compartment, concentrating the sterilization effect where needed while controlling the distribution to avoid affecting vehicle systems and passenger safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sterilization material is discharged through a controlled path (connection part → vent → passenger compartment) that replicates the normal air flow pattern, allowing high-concentration discharge without interfering with vehicle operation or passenger safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 apparatus provides a stronger sterilization level within the passenger compartment after passengers exit, improving cleanliness and reducing the risk of skin and bronchial diseases by effectively disinfecting the interior.

Implementation Method 1

a first sterilization part configured to generate ozone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Implementation Method 2

a heater wound around the nozzle, and configured to heat the sterilization solution that moves inside the nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a vaporization part configured to generate mist by vaporizing the sterilization solution stored in the storage part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4289448A1Sterilization apparatus for vehicle and sterilization system for vehicle including the same
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
  • EP4289448A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4289448A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4289448A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sterilization apparatus for a vehicle and a sterilization system for a vehicle including the same. The sterilization apparatus for a vehicle includes a housing in which a connection part is formed to be connected to a vehicle vent, a sterilization unit disposed inside the housing, and configured to generate a sterilization material to discharge the sterilization material toward the vent, and a drive source configured to drive the sterilization unit so that the sterilization unit communicates with the connection part to enable the sterilization material to be discharged.