Vehicle Vent Sterilization Unit for Parked Cabin Ozone Treatment

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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 level that does not interfere with travel, which limits the cleanliness of the passenger compartment.

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 for effective discharge of sterilization materials, along with a controller to manage the sterilization process, allowing for a stronger sterilization operation after passengers exit the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sterilization operation is performed while the vehicle travels, then the sterilization can be conducted without interrupting vehicle usage, but the sterilization effect is insufficient due to the need to maintain a level that does not interfere with traveling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectVSAvoidinterference with vehicle travel

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization apparatus performs sterilization operations after passengers exit the vehicle, utilizing the period when the vehicle is not in use. The controller detects when the vehicle is parked and passengers have exited, then automatically initiates the sterilization process through the vent system, achieving strong sterilization effect without interfering with vehicle travel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a strong sterilization level is maintained, then the cleanliness of the passenger compartment is improved, but it may interfere with vehicle travel and harm to the human body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanliness of passenger compartmentVSAvoidharm to human body during travel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization apparatus operates periodically based on vehicle usage patterns. The controller monitors vehicle status and activates sterilization only when the vehicle is parked and passengers have exited. This periodic operation allows strong sterilization levels to be achieved during idle periods while ensuring passenger safety during travel by preventing sterilization operation when passengers are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If sterilization operation is performed after passengers exit the vehicle, then a strong sterilization level can be achieved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for rotation mechanism and multiple sterilization parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidsterilization unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization unit incorporates a rotation mechanism that dynamically positions different sterilization parts (ozone generation part and sterilization solution storage part) to communicate with the vent. The rotator rotates the sterilization unit based on control signals, allowing a single apparatus to perform multiple sterilization functions sequentially, thereby improving sterilization effectiveness while managing structural complexity through dynamic reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 achieves a more effective sterilization of the passenger compartment by generating ozone and vaporizing a sterilization solution, ensuring a stronger sterilization level is maintained without interfering with vehicle travel, thereby improving cleanliness.

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 EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

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 4

a heat transfer body configured to accommodate a part of the nozzle and the heater therein, and transmit heat generated from the heater to the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230398249A1Sterilization apparatus for vehicle and sterilization system for vehicle including the same

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

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.