A SPACE SERVICING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A space servicing assembly for a space within a building, the space servicing assembly comprising: a housing; at least one sensor within the housing for monitoring a value of air quality within the space; at least one space servicing device within the housing for altering the value of air quality within the space; and, a control means configured to receive the value from the at least one sensor and provide an output and/or control the space servicing device to alter the value, whereby, in use, the space servicing assembly is configured to compare a monitored value with one or more predetermined value, and to provide an output to alert a user and/or control the space servicing device to alter the monitored value to match the predetermined value.

Claims

1. A space servicing assembly for a space within a building, the space servicing assembly comprising: a housing; at least one sensor within the housing for monitoring a value of air quality within the space; at least one space servicing device within the housing for altering the value of air quality within the space; and, a control means configured to receive the monitored value from the at least one sensor and control the at least one space servicing device, whereby, the space service device comprises an air extraction means, such that, in use, the air extraction means is configured to create an air flow in the space by drawing air from the space, and supplying air from behind the ceiling into the space and the space servicing assembly is configured to compare a monitored value of air quality with one or more predetermined value, and to provide an output to alert a user of a change in monitored value, and to control the at least one space servicing device to alter the monitored value to match the predetermined value.

2. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more of the following: carbon dioxide sensor, proximity sensor, volatile organic compound sensor, light level sensor, noise level sensor, smoke detector, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, filter condition sensor.

3. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one space servicing device comprises one or more of the following: air filtration means, air treatment means, acoustic means, heating, cooling.

4. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the output comprises a visual alert and/or audible alert.

5. A space servicing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the output is wirelessly transmitted to an operating interface.

6. A space servicing assembly according to claim 5, wherein the operating interface comprises a smartphone or tablet.

7. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the operating interface is operable to change the predetermined value.

8. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a front panel.

9. A space servicing assembly according to claim 8, wherein the front panel incorporates one or more of the following: speaker, lighting means, ultraviolet lighting means, microphones.

10. A space servicing assembly according to claim 8, wherein the front panel incorporates the at least one sensors.

11. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of compartments.

12. A space servicing assembly according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of compartments is configured to house a specific space servicing device.

13. A space servicing assembly according to claim 11, wherein each of the compartments is operatively connected to power.

14. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing incorporates a plurality of perforations for air distribution.

15. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the space servicing assembly incorporates a rear cover for preventing the ingress of dust and/or detritus.

16. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the space servicing assembly is configured to continuously compare a monitored value with one or more predetermined value, and to provide a real-time output to alert a user, and/or control the space servicing device to alter the monitored value to match the predetermined value.

17. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the space servicing assembly is configured to intermittently compare a monitored value with one or more predetermined value, at predetermined times or at timed intervals.

18. A space servicing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the space servicing assembly is hingedly mounted to a ceiling frame assembly, such that one side of the housing can be rotatably lowered for access.

19. A space servicing assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description

[0035] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of space servicing assembly, showing a housing with a front panel, and one possible arrangement of outlets for space servicing devices within the panel;

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic view of the space servicing assembly of FIG. 1 installed within a suspended ceiling framework above a space to be serviced, showing laminar air flow generated by the space servicing assembly within the space;

[0038] FIG. 3A shows one arrangement of the interior of the housing of the space servicing assembly of FIG. 1 with cover removed;

[0039] FIG. 3B shows the arrangement of the interior of the housing of the space servicing assembly of FIG. 3A, showing one embodiment of air distribution layer;

[0040] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of rear cover for the space servicing assembly;

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the space servicing assembly of FIG. 1, shown from the underside and therefore the rear cover, showing one arrangement of compartments into which space servicing devices can be operatively connected;

[0042] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the space servicing assembly of FIG. 1, shown from the front panel side, showing the layers that support the space servicing devices;

[0043] FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic view of the air flow through the front panel and housing of the space servicing assembly, showing air being drawn in through a lighting recess, supplied from the ceiling space above, before being conditioned and forced out through perforations in the housing;

[0044] FIGS. 8A and 8B show one embodiment of air distribution layer, with FIG. 8B showing air flow through said air distribution layer;

[0045] FIG. 9 shows one arrangement of space servicing devices operatively connected within the housing;

[0046] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the space servicing devices of FIG. 9;

[0047] FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of frame assembly made up of frame elements for suspending the space servicing assembly in position above a space, showing a single element, an arrangement of four frame elements, the four frame elements when aligned with an existing head track, and one embodiment of hinged access means for accessing the space servicing devices within the space servicing assembly;

[0048] FIG. 12 shows the one embodiment of hinged access means in close up view, showing a user lowering the space servicing assembly for maintenance purposes; and,

[0049] FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of remote control for remote controlling the space servicing assembly, the remote control being wall-mounted.

[0050] In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.

[0051] It is to be understood that the various features that are described in the following and/or illustrated in the drawings are preferred but not essential. Combinations of features described and/or illustrated are not considered to be the only possible combinations. Unless stated to the contrary, individual features may be omitted, varied or combined in different combinations, where practical.

[0052] FIG. 1 shows one possible embodiment of space servicing assembly 1 comprising a housing 2. The housing 2 is made up of a frame and a front panel 10, where the front panel 10 faces into a space that is to be serviced by the space servicing assembly 1. The front panel 10 incorporates a lighting means 3. The front panel 10 may also comprise means to support one or more speakers 5 in position, for conveying audio to the space. The front panel 10 may incorporate one or more microphones 9 for picking up audio signals from within the space. The front panel 10 may also incorporate a plurality of sensors 6 for sensing various conditions within the space. In the embodiment shown, the space servicing assembly comprises air extraction means for drawing air from a space through a lighting recess of the lighting means 3. The frame or walls of the housing 2 incorporate a plurality of perforations 7 for air distribution means.

[0053] The front panel 10 may comprise an Interchangeable facing which allows for ease of replacement of typically the most worn element of the space servicing assembly 1. The front panel 10 may be made available in a number of different colours and materials to suit different environments. The material of the front panel 10 may have acoustic reverberation minimizing qualities as standard. Where the finish of the front panel 10 is a fabric material, any microphones or speakers may be inbuilt to sit behind this layer. The housing 2 will likely comprise shells of pressed steel or a steel casing. The housing 2 may ensure that the space servicing assembly 1 sits flush with a ceiling, or where embedded within a wall, with the surface of the wall, not shown.

[0054] The space servicing assembly 1 comprises a single unit that delivers a system of services for a space, where the space may comprise a room within a building, and in particular a commercial building such as a block of offices or suchlike. FIG. 2 shows the space servicing assembly 1 when configured within a suspended ceiling 11, mounted a short distance beneath an existing ceiling 14 of a room. The space servicing assembly 1 may also be incorporated within a wall 15 of a room or space, not shown. The space servicing assembly 1 creates an air flow 12, drawing air from a space 13, and supplying air into the space from behind the suspended ceiling 11 through ducting, pipework or similar, conditioning this air flow according to requirements and supplying this to the space, as and when required. The space servicing assembly 1 provides a single unit of services to cover all of the services that may be required by users of the space 13. The arrangement of the space servicing assembly 1 encourages laminar air flow 12 throughout the space 13, reducing areas of stale air and ensuring quality air that meets with user requirements throughout the space 13.

[0055] The space servicing assembly 1 provides a laminar air flow for hyper efficiency of cooling and air exchanges. This is provided by the plurality of perforations 7 that spread the air evenly. Laminar airflow is defined as air moving at the same speed and in the same direction, with no or minimal cross-over of air streams. Laminar airflow is initially used as a cooling method by removing warm air through extraction and by having 360-degree air supply which passes over a user giving a cooling effect. The remainder of the cooling demand, which is now lower, may be done mechanically. The space 13 may be flushed with air as and when required, such as between meetings or when the occupancy of the space changes.

[0056] FIGS. 3A and 3B show one embodiment of the housing 2 showing the internal structure created by the shell of the housing 2 for containing the various space servicing devices 20, not shown. FIG. 3B shows one embodiment of air distribution layer 16 for supporting the distribution of the air flow being drawn into, serviced, and forced out of the space servicing assembly 1.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows the space servicing assembly 1 provided with a rear cover 17 for wholly containing the space servicing devices 20 that make up the space servicing assembly 1 and preventing dust and other detritus from gaining access.

[0058] FIGS. 5 and 6 show exploded views of the space servicing assembly 1, with FIG. 5 being from the direction of the rear cover 17, and FIG. 6 being from the direction of the front panel 10. The space servicing assembly 1 in one embodiment comprises a modular arrangement of layers, into which a plurality of space servicing devices 20 can be plugged. The same housing 2 can therefore house any number of these space servicing devices 20 in designated compartments 18. The space servicing devices 20 can effectively plug and play within these compartments 18. The compartments 18 ensure that the space servicing devices 20 are operatively connected to power and to any facilities that they need to function. The arrangement of compartments 18 also ensures an optimum layout of space servicing devices 20. The space servicing devices 20 may include, but are not limited to, lighting means, air treatment means, air extraction means, air moving means, air filtration means. The rear cover 17 may incorporate one or more air inlets, not shown.

[0059] Alongside the air distribution layer 16 sits the compartmentalised layer, which comprises electrical insulation 19 where required, and houses the space servicing devices 20, whilst also incorporating one or more fans 21 for driving the air flow 12. FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the air flow 12 being drawn up through a lighting recess 24 of the lighting means 3, to be extracted as waste through ducting, pipework or otherwise, and air being supplied to the space through ducting or pipework entering the space servicing assembly 1, via at least one filter, where it can be treated according to predetermined requirements, then redistributed out through the perforations 7 of the housing 2. FIGS. 8A and 8B show a detailed view of the air distribution layer 16 with air circulating and accelerating within the layer prior to being forced out through the perforations 7 or outlet vents, not shown.

[0060] FIGS. 9 and 10 show one embodiment of space servicing devices 20 configured within compartments 18 that make up a mechanical and electrical layer. The space servicing devices 20 that are added to this layer or plugged into the designated compartments 18 are decided upon according to the requirements of the space 13 that the space servicing assembly 1 is servicing. The space servicing devices 20 may therefore include one or more from a list of options, and one or more of the same option. These options include various filters 25 for filtering air fed into the space 13. They may also include heating means 26, for heating the air passing therethrough, or cooling means 27 for cooling the air passing therethrough. The mechanical and electrical layer will likely comprise compartments 18 formed from pressed steel, which provides sufficient strength and fire compartmentalisation, whilst allowing the space servicing devices 20 to be easily replaced as and when required.

[0061] The space servicing assembly 1 may incorporate carbon dioxide sensing means as one of a plurality of sensors 6. The sensor 6 would detect when the level of carbon dioxide within a space has exceeded a predetermined level and alert a user accordingly. Further sensors 6 may include one or more of the following: proximity sensor, volatile organic compound sensor (VOC), light level sensor, noise level sensor, smoke detector, temperature sensor, humidity sensor.

[0062] The operation of the space servicing devices 20 may be by remote control or may be intuitive and in response to a reading from one of a plurality of different sensing means or sensors 6 built into the space servicing assembly 1. FIG. 10 shows a central chamber 29 for air circulation means, and air extraction means 8 provided with a mesh cover 30. Also shown is one embodiment of control means 31 or means for receiving a signal wirelessly from a remote control means, that sits alongside a server 32 for data handling and machine learning. There is also a power pack or power 34 for operatively connecting to all space servicing devices 20 that require power, and air treatment means 35 for providing additives to treat the air flow. A PCB 38 provides the required circuitry to drive the components that make up this layer of the space servicing assembly 1.

[0063] Air is drawn into this layer through an air inlet 36, circulated within the chamber 16, filtered by one or more filters 25, provided with additives by the air treatment means 35, prior to being ejected through the air outlet 37. The air treatment means 35 may comprise a fragrance and be injected into the air flow by injectable aerosols. The space servicing assembly 1 may be programmed to release specific fragrance aerosols at specific times, or in response to specific conditions being sensed. The air treatment means 35 may comprise an antibacterial additive, in particle form, that can be sprayed onto all surfaces in the space 13 for pathogen cleaning of the air within that space 13. All pathogens and bacteria within the space 13 can be removed through a combination of air treatment means 35, such as through air filtration means 4 comprising one or more filters 25, ultraviolet lighting as part of any lighting means 3, and through the addition of pathogen killing additives.

[0064] FIG. 11 shows one arrangement of frame assembly 40 to support the space servicing assembly 1 as a suspended ceiling 11 in a room or above a space 13. This embodiment of frame assembly 40 is made up of four identical frame elements 39, configured to span from a corner of the room, to leave a square space therebetween for supporting the space servicing assembly 1. The frame assembly 40 may span from an existing head track 41, or a head track 41 may be installed for supporting the frame assembly 40. The space servicing assembly 1 may be provided with convenient means for dropping one side into the room below, comprising a hinge 43, so that a user or maintenance personnel can gain access to the space servicing devices 20 contained therein. This may be to change a filter 25, service a device, or check that the system is running efficiently. Filter change warnings may be sent to the user through the software and replacements may be automatically sent out from a manufacturer. The drop-down feature for the space servicing assembly 1 eliminates ladder use and the dangers of working at heights. The hinge 43 may allow a rotation of an access door, or the space servicing assembly 1, through any angle as required for convenient access. This hinge 43 may support the device at an angle of 45 degrees for the user, or alternatively at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the ceiling for installation or engineer's maintenance without the need for ladder access.

[0065] FIG. 12 shows this drop-down arrangement in more detail, where the frame assembly 40, and/or housing 2 is provided with a catch or locking means 42 for unlocking to lower for access. In one embodiment the frame assembly 40 has been designed for structural support of the ceiling infill or suspended ceiling 11. The frame assembly 40 of the space servicing assembly 1 and its extension and locking means 42 allows the frame assembly 40 to lock onto the majority of existing partition system frameworks.

[0066] FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of wall-mounted control means 44 that provides remote control for the space servicing assembly 1. The control means 44 can be conveniently located on a wall 15 for users to be able to easily alter the settings to make the space more comfortable for their use. The control means 44 may incorporate a display 45 for feedback information such as room temperature, a dial 46 for accessing and making changes to various settings, and wireless connectivity 47 to talk to the space servicing assembly 1. The control means 44 may comprise one or more circular disks or dials 46 that rotate independently to adjust 3 parameters such as lighting level, volume and room temperature. The double-digit display 45 in the middle will display a reading for the specific parameter currently being adjusted. The control means 44 could rotate 360 degrees but could also only rotate say 45 degrees in any direction to prompt the adjustment of the setting. The control means 44 may generate its own power through kinetic movement or rotation of the dials 47.

[0067] Control of the lighting level, and therefore of the lighting means 3, is stated in building regulations and guidelines to an extent, but the quality of the lighting or colour is not covered. Many standards suggest ideal lighting types and colour for best human performance as well as their circadian rhythm. The space servicing assembly 1 may automatically mimic daylight and change settings gradually to mimic evening light levels and nightime light levels to allow the user's circadian cycle to remain steady for better work, sleep and mood. The key to human wellbeing for any user operating within the space and making use of the space servicing assembly 1 is thought to be to maintain the lighting quality between the range of 90 to 100 Colour Render Index (CRI). The space servicing assembly 1 can be programmed to maintain the quality of lighting within this range.

[0068] The control means 44 may also be through a smartphone or tablet device, not shown. A downloadable Application or App for the smartphone or tablet will allow for complete control of the space servicing assembly 1, whilst also allowing for real-time and historical data to be accessed as and when required.

[0069] The software which runs the space servicing assembly 1 will be based on user behaviour and machine learning to optimise performance against the design criteria from current industry guidelines and standards. The software will obtain and store data from the various sensors 6. Data collection on performance and human health will be used and analysed, and reports generated for the user. The user may also be provided with health improvement tips for a healthy work-life balance.

[0070] The sensors 6 may generate a reading for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). If the IAQ drops below a predetermined level, alerts will be sent to the user or maintenance professional to notify them that there could be external issues that need to be addressed. In the meantime, the space servicing assembly 1 may automatically adjust its performance to return the air quality to the desired, or pre-programmed, level.

[0071] The software may incorporate pre-sets for a new user to provide guidance on settings and operation of the space servicing assembly 1. For an example, if the space 13 is to be used by a single occupant and the occupant is female, then research currently suggests that females prefer a space 13 to be 2 C. higher than males. The pre-set for a female occupant would therefore incorporate this.

[0072] The software through the App or similar may incorporate personalised operation, data collection and interpretation, and carbon data offsetting. The software calculates carbon usage, educates as to how to improve and lessen the impact, and obtains data for future analysis.

[0073] The space servicing assembly 1 is configured to purify or clean the air, but is also configured to provide all necessary services a user may need within a closed environment such as an office, hotel room or other closed room.

[0074] The space servicing assembly 1 provides advanced air processing services that may include, but are not limited to, carbon filtering and air born germ removal, whilst also providing additional services such as air enhancement through ionisation, security such as door and/or window locking, fire alarm activation, lighting and ways of wireless communication to the outside world via the user's smart phone or other devices. The space servicing assembly 1 effectively services the space, providing all the different services required within that space. The space servicing assembly 1 combines all the services into one compact space. air processing volume that both meets and exceeds building regulations which means it can ensure air within the room eventually reaches the desired state at which time the space servicing assembly 1 can slow down, stop the external filtered air incoming by closing the damper, and only re-circulating the air within the room.

[0075] The space servicing assembly 1 may be configured to provide dehumidification functionality to dehumidify the air within a space. A dehumidifier module, not shown, may be connected into the layers of the space servicing assembly 1, and provided with power to drive said device and service the space by removing any humidity or moisture within the air, thus helping user comfort.

[0076] The space servicing assembly 1 may incorporate a flush mode where any fans can be accelerated to full speed to enable the fan to flush the air within the air space as quickly and as conveniently as possible. The space servicing assembly may also comprise an emergency cut off means for stopping any fans or delivery of optimised air to an air space that, in the event of a fire, will prevent the device from providing fuel for the fire in the form of fresh air. A smoke detector may provide the trigger to activate this emergency cut-off means, not shown in the figures.

[0077] Additionally, in event of a fire or smoke being detected, alerts may be sent automatically to any users within the building or to a nominated emergency contact to alert to the presence of the fire and ensure that any personnel within the space are alerted that they need to evacuate.

[0078] The space servicing assembly 1 may incorporate a function where the device has the ability to switch the supply of air from only within the room to only from outside of the space.

[0079] The space servicing assembly 1 is proficient at changing the air within an air space. In one embodiment the air contained within any ductwork that has been processed by the space servicing assembly 1 is pressurised. This pressurisation occurs by passing the air through a plurality of smaller holes relative to the volume of air contained within the ductwork. This ensures that the processed air travels to fill the entire space. The accelerated air can reach further into the space that the space servicing assembly 1 is servicing.

[0080] In this specification, the verb comprise has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word comprise (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word preferable (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.

[0081] All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0082] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0083] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.