SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VENTILATION

Abstract

A system including a housing that at least partially defines a cavity therein. The housing includes one or more apertures to permit air to circulate between the cavity and an external volume that is outside the housing. The system includes one or more fans for circulating the air through the cavity via the apertures. The system may also include one or more disinfecting devices for at least partially disinfecting the air moving through the cavity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and a method for ventilating a room.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various systems for circulating air inside a building are known. For example, ventilation may be a function of a heating and cooling system, that ventilates the entire building. However, the air circulation achieved by the building's heating and cooling system may not be sufficient in any particular room. Also, the building's heating and cooling system typically does not take into account differences between the conditions in specific rooms.

There are also local ventilation devices, e.g., fans or space heaters, that may be used to heat or cool, and ventilate, a room or part of a room. These devices may be used to supplement the air circulation provided by the building's heating and cooling system in a particular area of the building. The local ventilation devices are usually temporary in nature, and may be inconvenient to set up and to remove. These devices usually also tend to consume relatively large amounts of energy, for the results they produce.

The known ventilation systems generally do not provide disinfection of the air that is circulated thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a ventilation system and method that overcomes or mitigates one of more of the defects or deficiencies of the prior art.

In its broad aspect, the invention provides a system including a housing at least partially defining a cavity therein. The housing has one or more apertures permitting air to circulate between the cavity and an external volume that is outside the housing. The system also includes one or more fans, for circulating the air through the cavity via the apertures.

In another of its aspects, the system of the invention may include one or more disinfecting devices, for at least partially disinfecting the air moved through the cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top view of an embodiment of a system of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a top view of another embodiment of the system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of another embodiment of the system of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a top view of another embodiment of the system of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a controller subsystem of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the system of the invention, mounted to a ceiling;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the system of the invention, mounted to a wall;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the system of the invention, mounted to a wall;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the system of the invention, mounted to a ceiling; and

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the system of the invention, mounted to a floor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the attached drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding elements throughout. Reference is first made to FIGS. 1A-1C to describe an embodiment of a system in accordance with the invention indicated generally by the numeral 20.

In one embodiment, the system 20 preferably includes a housing 22 that at least partially defines a cavity 24 therein (FIG. 1A). It is also preferred that the housing 22 includes one or more apertures 26, 28 permitting air to circulate between the cavity 24 and an external volume “V” that is outside the housing 22, as will be described.

As can be seen in FIG. 1A, it is also preferred that the system 20 includes one or more fans 32, for circulating the air through the cavity 24 via the apertures 26, 28. In another embodiment, and as can also be seen in FIG. 1A, the system 20 preferably includes a filter 34 for filtering the air moved through the cavity by the fan.

It will be understood that the air may be drawn into the cavity 24 via the aperture 26 by the fan 32, as indicated by arrow “A” (FIG. 1A). Preferably, the air passes through the filter 34 before entering the cavity 24. The filter 34 may be any suitable air filter, e.g., a dust filter, a HEPA filter, a carbon filter, or a graphene-based filter. The fan 32 also preferably directs the air out of the cavity 24 via the aperture 28.

It is believed that the indoor air quality can be substantially improved simply by operating the fan 32, as needed. Preferably, the airflow resulting from operation of the fan 32 is adequate for the room in which the system 20 is located. Those skilled in the art would be able to determine the number of air changes per hour that would be adequate. The fan 32 and the filter 34 may be any suitable fan and filter, and may be selected to achieve a suitable treatment of the air in the room.

In one embodiment, the housing 22 may be mounted to a ceiling “C” that partially defines a room “R” in which the external volume “V” is at least partially defined (FIG. 1B). As will be described, the housing 22 may be mounted in any suitable manner.

It will be understood that the system 20 may be included in a wide variety of articles, which may be located on walls or the ceiling or on a floor of the room “R”, as will also be described. For example, the system 20 may be included in any article that is customarily secured to the wall or ceiling of a room, such as a mirror or a framed painting or a framed photograph or a potlight. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that in these examples, the housing 22 preferably is formed to function the frame of the mirror, or the framed painting, or the framed photograph, or the potlight, as the case may be.

As can be seen in FIG. 1D, in one embodiment, the system 20 preferably also includes one or more light sources 30 that are mounted to the housing 22. Accordingly, the system 20 that includes the light sources 30 forms a light fixture “L” (FIG. 1D) that may have the overall appearance of a conventional light fixture, if desired. As will be described, the light sources 30 may be arranged in or on the housing 22 in any suitable manner.

In one embodiment, the system 20 preferably also includes one or more disinfecting devices 36, for at least partially disinfecting the air that is moved through the cavity 24 by the fan 32 (FIG. 2). It will be understood that the disinfecting device 36 may disinfect the air moving through the cavity 24 by any suitable means. For instance, the disinfecting device 36 may emit UVC light that is directed toward the air moving through the cavity 24, for at least partially disinfecting the air moving through the cavity 24.

The UVC light may be generated by any suitable UVC light source. For instance, the UVC light may be generated by a suitable fluorescent light, or by suitable LEDs.

Alternatively, the disinfecting device 36 may cause ionization of the air moving through the cavity 24, for at least partially disinfecting the air.

In one embodiment, as noted above, the system 20 may be mounted to the ceiling “C” of the room “R”. Where the system 20 includes the light sources 30, the light sources 30 may be positioned as desired, e.g., to provide any desired effects, aesthetic or otherwise.

For example, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the system 20 may include a number of first lights 30A, positioned to emit light therefrom downwardly into the room “R”, and away from the ceiling “C” (FIG. 7). Preferably, the system 20 also includes a number of second lights 30B, positioned to emit light therefrom upwardly, toward the ceiling “C” (FIG. 3A).

The system 20 may alternatively be mounted to a wall “W”, as illustrated in FIG. 5. It will be understood that the wall “W” partially defines the room “R”. When the system 20 is mounted to the wall “W” and the system 20 includes both first and second lights, the first lights 30A preferably are positioned to emit light therefrom away from the wall, into the room, and the second lights 30B are positioned to emit light toward the wall “W”.

Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the housing 22 may have any suitable shape. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the housing 22 preferably includes a linear portion 38 that may be directly secured to the wall “W”, and a curved portion 40 that curves away from the wall “W”, when the system 20 is mounted to the wall “W”. In this embodiment, the second lights 30B preferably are generally located in the curved portion 40, so that the light directed toward the wall “W” that is adjacent to the curved portion 40 can be seen.

In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8, the housing 22 preferably includes a pillar element 42 that is positioned on a floor “F” that partially defines the room “R” in which the external volume “V” is located. The light sources 30 preferably are positioned to emit light therefrom into the room “R”.

Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the article in which the housing 22 is included may have any suitable exterior appearance. For instance, where the system 20 includes the light sources 30, the article including the housing 22 preferably has any suitable finished appearance, including aesthetically pleasing indoor finishes, or advertising space. The article in which the housing 22 is included may also have an easily washable or cleanable exterior surface.

Preferably, the system 20 additionally includes a controller subsystem 44, for controlling certain elements of the system 20. In one embodiment, the controller subsystem 44 preferably includes switch devices 46, 47, for controlling energization of the light sources 30, and switch devices 48, 50 for respectively controlling energization of the fan 32 and the disinfecting device 36 (FIGS. 3A, 3B). The switch devices 46, 47 may also control various parameters if preferred, e.g., illumination power and color of the light produced by the light sources. The switch device 48 may control the fan speed, and the switch device 50 may control the amount of power consumed by the disinfecting device 36.

Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the switch devices may be any suitable switches or relays. If preferred, the switch devices 46, 47, 48, 50 may be hardwired to one or more switches or controls. In one embodiment, the controller subsystem 44 preferably includes a controller 52 for respectively operating the switch devices 46, 47, 48, 50.

Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the switch devices 46, 47, 48, 50 may be in electronic communication with the controller 52 via any suitable wireless communications means, in addition to, or instead of, wired communication to the controller 52. As is known in the art, where wireless communications are utilized, the controller 52 may be any suitable communications device, e.g., a smartphone or a computer. In one embodiment, the switch devices 46, 47, 48, and 50 preferably are mounted on a circuit board 51 that includes components to enable electronic communication with the controller 52 (i.e., wirelessly and/or otherwise), and also between the switch devices.

As noted above, the system 20 may include first and second lights 30A, 30B. Preferably, the switch devices 46, 47 are configured to control energization of the first and second light sources 30A, 30B respectively.

The housing 22 may be made of any suitable materials, e.g., steel or other suitable metals, wood, plastic, polymers, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the housing 22 is configured for relatively convenient installation, e.g., the housing 22 may be designed to be secured to the ceiling or the wall. Electrical power may be provided to the system 20 by any suitable means (not shown).

The housing 22 may have any suitable shape. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the housing 22 preferably includes a frame 54 and a cover 56 held by the frame. As can be seen in FIGS. 1B and 4, the cover 56 may be a sheet having any suitable finish to provide the system 20 with a suitable overall appearance.

The light sources 30 may be any suitable light sources. For example, the light sources may include one or more of LEDs (light-emitting diodes), incandescent light bulbs, or fluorescent light bulbs. The light sources 30 may be controlled in any suitable manner.

Those skilled in the art would appreciate that electronic components may be required to enable the LEDs and other components of the system to function. The electronic components required in this regard may be housed in an enclosure 58 located in the housing 22 (FIGS. 2, 3A).

As noted above, the disinfecting device 36 may utilize any suitable method for disinfecting the air that is moved through the cavity 24. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that, once the system 20 is installed (e.g., once the housing 22 is in place), the cavity 24 preferably is substantially enclosed, so that the air that enters via the inlet aperture 26 exits via the outlet aperture 28. In one embodiment, for example, the disinfecting device 36 may emit UVC light that is directed toward the air passing through the cavity 24. The UVC light may have a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm. In one embodiment, the UVC light preferably has a wavelength between 255 nm and 265 nm. Alternatively, the disinfecting device 36 may emit ions toward the air passing through the cavity 24, for ionization of the air. In another alternative arrangement, the disinfecting device may emit ultraviolet light other than UVC light, i.e., ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 280 nm and 400 nm.

In use, via the controller subsystem 44, a user (not shown) may cause the light sources 30 and/or the fan 32 and/or the disinfecting device 36 to be energized. As noted above, the light sources 30 may include two groups of light sources positioned to emit light therefrom in different directions, and the controller subsystem 44 preferably enables the user to selectively energize one or the other or both of the groups of light sources. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the controller may be configured to enable the user to change different parameters of the lighting, e.g., the brightness or intensity of the light emitted, and the color of the light that is emitted from the light sources 30.

The light sources 30 may be any suitable light sources, e.g., LEDs, incandescent lights, or fluorescent lights. As can be seen in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the light sources 30 may include a number of conventional pot lights mounted in the housing 22.

The user may cause the fan 32 to be energized, causing the air in the room to circulate through the cavity 24. As noted above, the external volume “V” and the cavity 24 preferably are in fluid communication via the apertures 26, 28. Preferably, the user may control the fan 32 so that the air changes per hour in the room are at a desired number. For example, the fan 32 may be configured to operate over a range of speeds, or the fan 32 may be constantly energized, in order to provide the desired air circulation.

Similarly, the user may control the extent to which air circulated through the cavity is disinfected by the disinfecting device 36. In one embodiment, the user may cause the disinfecting device 36 to be energized at the same time that the fan 32 is energized. Alternatively, the user may instead choose to energize the disinfecting device 36 intermittently, while the fan 32 is energized.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can take many forms, and that such forms are within the scope of the invention as claimed. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a housing at least partially defining a cavity therein, the housing comprising at least one aperture permitting air to circulate between the cavity and an external volume that is outside the housing; and

at least one fan, for circulating the air through the cavity via said at least one aperture.

2. The system according to claim 1 additionally comprising at least one filter, for filtering the air moved through the cavity by the fan.

3. The system according to claim 2 in which said at least one filter is selected from the group consisting of a dust filter, a HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and a graphene-based filter.

4. The system according to claim 1 comprising at least one light source mounted to the housing.

5. The system according to claim 1 additionally comprising at least one disinfecting device, for at least partially disinfecting the air moved through the cavity by the fan.

6. The system according to claim 5 in which said at least one disinfecting device emits UVC light that is directed toward the air moving through the cavity, for at least partially disinfecting the air moving through the cavity.

7. The system according to claim 5 in which said at least one disinfecting device causes ionization of the air moving through the cavity, for at least partially disinfecting the air moving through the cavity.

8. The system according to claim 4 in which:

the housing is mounted to a ceiling partially defining a room at least partially defining the external volume;

said at least one light source comprises: a plurality of first lights, positioned to emit light therefrom downwardly into the room, and away from the ceiling; and a plurality of second lights, positioned to emit light therefrom upwardly, toward the ceiling.

9. The system according to claim 4 in which:

the housing is mounted to a wall partially defining a room at least partially defining the external volume;

said at least one light source comprises: a plurality of first lights, positioned to emit light therefrom away from the wall; and a plurality of second lights, positioned to emit light therefrom toward the wall.

10. The system according to claim 4 in which:

the housing is positioned on a floor partially defining a room at least partially defining the external volume; and

said at least one light being positioned to emit light into the room.

11. The system according to claim 1 additionally comprising a controller subsystem comprising:

switch devices for respectively controlling energization of said at least one light source, said at least one fan, and said at least one disinfecting device; and

a controller configured for respectively operating the switch devices.

12. A method of at least partially ventilating a room, the method comprising:

(a) providing a housing at least partially defining a cavity therein, the housing comprising: at least one aperture permitting fluid communication between the cavity and an external volume external to the housing, the external volume being at least partially defined by an enclosure, wherein air is circulatable between the external volume and the cavity;

(b) providing at least one fan positioned to move the air through said at least one aperture; and

(c) with said at least one fan, moving the air into the cavity via said at least one aperture, and moving the air from the cavity into the enclosure volume via said at least one aperture.

13. The method according to claim 12 additionally comprising:

(d) with at least one filter, filtering the air moved through the cavity by said at least one fan.

14. The method according to claim 13 additionally comprising:

(e) providing at least one light source mounted to the housing.

15. The method according to claim 12 additionally comprising:

providing at least one disinfecting device, for at least partially disinfecting the air moving through the cavity.

16. The method according to claim 15 in which said at least one disinfecting device emits UVC light at the air moving through the cavity, to at least partially disinfect the air moving through the cavity.

17. The method according to claim 12 in which said at least one aperture comprises:

an inlet aperture, to permit the air to flow therethrough from the external volume into the cavity; and

an outlet aperture, to permit the air in the cavity to exit from the cavity through the outlet aperture.

18. The method according to claim 14 in which said at least one light source comprises a plurality of light sources and first selected ones of the light sources emit light therefrom in at least one first predetermined direction, and second selected ones of the light sources emit light therefrom in at least one second direction.

19. The method according to claim 12 additionally comprising:

switch devices for respectively controlling energization of said at least one light source, said at least one fan, and said at least one disinfecting device; and

a controller configured for respectively controlling the switch devices.