DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PURIFYING A VEHICLE CABIN

Abstract

A device and method for purifying a vehicle cabin is provided. The device comprises a housing, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) modules each containing an LED, wherein the LED modules are positioned at least partially within the housing, a catalytic target structure, wherein the structure is located below at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules, a plurality of reflectors, wherein the reflectors are located below at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules, a plurality of fans, wherein the fans are located at least partially within the housing, a plurality of photocatalyst filters positioned at least partially within the housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of photocatalyst filters is in parallel with at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules, and a control unit located at least partially within the housing, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the plurality of LED modules.

Claims

1. A device for purifying a vehicle cabin, the device comprising: a housing; a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) modules each containing an LED, wherein the LED modules are positioned at least partially within the housing; a catalytic target structure, wherein the structure is located below at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules; a plurality of reflectors, wherein the reflectors are located below at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules; a plurality of fans, wherein the fans are located at least partially within the housing; a plurality of photocatalyst filters positioned at least partially within the housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of photocatalyst filters is in parallel with at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules; and a control unit located at least partially within the housing, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the plurality of LED modules.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of LED modules comprises: a first LED module positioned at least partially within the housing, wherein the first LED module emits ultraviolet light at a first wavelength; a second LED module positioned at least partially within the housing, wherein the second LED module emits ultraviolet light at a second wavelength; a third LED module positioned at least partially within the housing, wherein the third LED module emits ultraviolet light at a third wavelength.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first LED module and the third LED module emit ultraviolet light at a wavelength between 300 and 400 nm and the second LED module emits ultraviolet light at a wavelength between 200 and 300 nm.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the first LED module and the third LED module emit ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 365 nm and the second LED module emits ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 265-275 nm.

5. The according to claim 2, wherein the catalytic target structure is located below the second LED module.

6. The according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of reflectors comprises: a first reflector located above the second LED module; and a second reflector located below the second LED module.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of reflectors is a flat surface comprising a highly UV reflective material.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the reflective material is selected from a group consisting of aluminum, aluminum foil, stainless steel, and polytetrafluoroethylene.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the first reflector is located above the second LED module, the catalytic target structure is located below the second LED module and the second reflector is located below the catalytic target structure.

10. The device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of photocatalyst filters comprises a first photocatalyst filter and a second photocatalyst filter, wherein the first LED module is in parallel with the first photocatalyst filter and the second LED module is in parallel with the second photocatalyst filter.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control at least one of the plurality of LED modules. the fan series, and the catalytic target structure.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to control ambient conditions within the housing.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the ambient conditions are selected from a group consisting of humidity, temperature, selective gases, noise level, and air quality.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fans are positioned in a series.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device emits zero to near zero ozone.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that the device generates 10-70 parts per billion of ROS compounds in the vehicle cabin the device is purifying.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of photocatalyst filters is in a honeycomb configuration.

18. The device o according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of photocatalyst filters is composed of a material selected from a group consisting of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, and titanium oxide.

19. A method for purifying a vehicle cabin, the method comprising: supplying an air product; receiving the air product within a purification device; processing the air product within the purification device by means of a photocatalytic configuration which initiates a chemical reaction utilizing airborne oxygen and water producing a plurality of reactive oxygen species, wherein the reactive oxygen species chemically react with gases, particles, and surface contaminants within the vehicle cabin; and outputting the processed air product into a vehicle cabin.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the reactive oxygen species is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyls, hydroperoxyls, and singlet oxygen.

21. A system for purifying a vehicle cabin, the system comprising: an air supply that supplies an air product; a purification device configured to receive the air product and output processed air, the device comprising: a housing; a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) modules each containing an LED, wherein the LED modules are positioned at least partially within the housing; a catalytic target structure, wherein the structure is located below at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules; a plurality of reflectors, wherein the reflectors are located below at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules; a plurality of fans, wherein the fans are located at least partially within the housing; a plurality of photocatalyst filters positioned at least partially within the housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of photocatalyst filters is in parallel with at least one of the LED modules in the plurality of LED modules; and a control unit located at least partially within the housing, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the plurality of LED modules; and a vehicle cabin that receives the processed air output from the purification device.

22. The system according to claim 22, wherein the purification device is disposed in at least one of a vehicle air conditioning system, a vehicle pillar, and a vehicle cabin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a first perspective, cross-sectional view of a purification device according to some embodiments

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a second perspective, cross-sectional view of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a first circuit board of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a lower case shell of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an upper case shell of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a lower case door of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates an LED case bottom cover of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an LED case top cover of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of a fan series of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a first view of an LED strip module of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates a second view of an LED strip module of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates a third view of an LED strip module of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth view of an LED strip module of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 14 illustrates a catalyst of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 15 illustrates a reflector of a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 16 illustrates a catalytic target structure in the shape of a grill for a purification device according to some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 17 illustrates various locations where a purification device could be installed in a vehicle cabin according to some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 18 illustrates a purification device for installation in a vehicle cabin cup holder according to some embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 19 illustrates a purification device for installation in a vehicle cabin air duct according to some embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 20 illustrates a purification device for installation in a vehicle cabin vent according to some embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 21 illustrates a purification device for installation in an interior space within a vehicle cabin according to some embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating a method for purifying a vehicle cabin according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] While aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be embodied in a variety of forms, the following description and accompanying drawings are merely intended to disclose some of these forms as specific examples of the subject matter. Accordingly, the subject matter of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the forms or embodiments so described and illustrated.

[0049] Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and other technical terms or terminology used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications, and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] Unless otherwise indicated or the context suggests otherwise, as used herein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0051] This description may use relative spatial and/or orientation terms in describing the position and/or orientation of a component, apparatus, location, feature, or a portion thereof. Unless specifically stated, or otherwise dictated by the context of the description, such terms, including, without limitation, top, bottom, above, below, under, on top of, upper, lower, left of, right of, in front of, behind, next to, adjacent, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal, transverse, radial, axial, etc., are used for convenience in referring to such component, apparatus, location, feature, or a portion thereof in the drawings and are not intended to be limiting.

[0052] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any specific dimensions mentioned in this description are merely representative of an exemplary implementation of a device embodying aspects of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantial” refer to a considerable degree or extent. When used in conjunction with, for example, an event, circumstance, characteristic, or property, the terms can refer to instances in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or property occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or property occurs to a close approximation, such as accounting for typical tolerance levels or variability of the embodiments described herein.

[0054] Embodiments of the devices and methods for purifying environments disclosed herein can be implemented and used within any vehicle and disposed, for example, in a vehicle's air conditioning system, in a pillar within the vehicle cabin, under a seat in the vehicle cabin, or within any available space within the vehicle cabin. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments are described with reference to an automobile, it should be understood that the devices and methods disclosed herein may be beneficial and applicable to other types of vehicles, including trucks, buses, railed vehicles (trains, trams), watercraft (ships, boats), amphibious vehicles (screw-propelled vehicle, hovercraft), aircraft (airplanes, helicopters, aerostat) and spacecraft.

[0055] Embodiments of the devices and methods for purifying environments disclosed herein can be implemented and controlled either by the vehicles integrated control circuits, thereby allowing selective control of the device during any conceivable control mode, or their inputs and outputs, using either standard installed or available installed vehicle sensors, e.g., computer system control modules, air quality sensors, (including but not limited to temperature, humidity, particle, O2, CO2, and CO gas sensors), and the like. Or standalone control modes controlled by either semi-automatic (e.g., vehicle occupancy sensors, window position sensors), or completely manually by electric control circuits operated by standalone in cabin manually activated switches.

[0056] Embodiments of the devices and methods for purifying environments disclosed herein can use both integrated fans, of any type suitable for the designated install location and condition (axial, linear, AC/DC, PWM controlled, etc.). Either controlled by the vehicle's computer or any secondary control and input circuits. Or, in other embodiments, have no integrated fans. Whereby the unit is installed within a vehicle's modified or unmodified existing HVAC duct system (in dash, under floor, in ceiling, etc.) and uses the fans of the HVAC system to also move air through the AOP air purifying device to be treated and then dispersed into the cabin.

[0057] Any two or more embodiments described in this disclosure may be combined in any way with each other. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0058] The purification devices and methods disclosed herein may be used for purifying a vehicle cabin using ultraviolet LEDs and catalytic target structures configured in an arrangement that generates advanced oxidation products that react with and neutralize compounds in the air and on surfaces in the vehicle cabin, including microbes, such as bacteria, viruses and mold, odor causing chemicals, and other organic and inorganic chemicals.

[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device 100 for purifying an environment and, more specifically, a vehicle cabin. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, air may inlet through one side of the device 100 and exit through the other side of the device 100. In at least this way, the device 100 may purify the air in an environment, such as a vehicle cabin. It will be understood that the device 100 may be installed in a variety of locations in a vehicle 200 (see, e.g., FIG. 17), including in a vehicle's air conditioning system, in a pillar within the vehicle cabin, under a seat in the vehicle cabin, or within any available space within the vehicle cabin. The device 100 may use integrated fans 120 sized per the installed location, or utilize the existing vehicle HVAC fans and ducting as the motive force to move and disperse the treated air.

[0060] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a housing 120. In some embodiments, the housing 120 may have several surfaces, including a lower housing shell 121, an upper housing shell 122, a lower housing door 124, an LED housing bottom 126, and an LED housing top 128. It will be understood that the various components of the housing 120 may fit together in several ways. For example, in some embodiments the components of the housing 120 may be snap-fit together.

[0061] In some embodiments, the housing 120 may house one, some, or all of the components of the device 100 described herein. It will be understood that the components of the device 100 may fit into the housing 120 in a variety of ways. For example, and without being limiting, the components of the device 100 may be snap-fit into the housing 120. In some embodiments, the components of the device 100 may be fixed to the housing 120 by means of, for example, screws.

[0062] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a circuit board 110. The circuit board 110 in some embodiments may operate as a control unit for the device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the circuit board 110 may include a plurality of inputs 112. The circuit board 110 may have fixed electrical components soldered to it, as well as provide electrical connections and controlled open circuits. In some embodiments, the circuit board 110 may be operatively connected to various components of the system 100. For example, the circuit board 110 may be operatively connected to the fan series 130 and control, for example, the speed of the fan series 130. By way of further example, the circuit board 110 may be operatively connected to plurality of LED modules 140.

[0063] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that multiple components of the device 100 may be powered by the circuit board 110 simultaneously. It will be further understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inputs 112 of the circuit board 110 may vary according to the needs of the device 100.

[0064] In some embodiments, the circuit board 110 may also control various aspects of the device 100. For example, the circuit board 110 may have control features that turn off the system 100 as a response to a high humidity environment or to high temperature. It will be understood that the circuit board 110 may control a variety of ambient conditions within the system 100 by means of controlling, for example, the plurality of fans 130 and/or the LED modules 140. In at least this way, it will be understood, the circuit board 110 may control ambient conditions such as temperature, humidity, noise level, and air quality in the device 100.

[0065] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a fan series 130. As shown in FIG. 9, the fan series 130 may include a plurality of fans 132. The fans 132 may in some embodiments include a plurality of 12 volt, quiet, long-life fans. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the fan series 130 may be operatively connected to the circuit board 110.

[0066] In some embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art that the plurality of fans 132 may vary in number based on the design of the system 100. For example, in some embodiments, a greater number of fans 132 may be used for increased air flow and cooling through the device 100. It will be understood that the number of fans 132 may be constrained by the size of the device 100.

[0067] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) modules 140 as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 10-13. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 13, the LED modules 140 include an LED 142. The LED 140 may be adapted to emit ultraviolet (UV) light. In some embodiments, the LED 140 may be adapted to emit UV light having a wavelength of 10-400 nm, 100-400 nm, 200-400 nm, 300-400 nm, 200-300 nm, approximately 365 nm, or approximately 265 to 275 nm. It will be understood that this range of frequencies is not exhaustive and the LEDs 140 may be configured to emit UV light at a wide range of wavelengths.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the LED modules 140 may have a channel 144.

[0069] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the LED modules 140 may include a heat vent 146 on one side of the module 140. The heat vent 146 may include recesses 148 that reduce the material thickness of the module 140. In some embodiments, the vent 146 increase the surface area of the body through which heat generated by the LED 142 may be dissipated. The recesses 148 may extend along the length of the module 140.

[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10-13, the LED modules 140 may include a connector 149 that may connect to the inputs 112 of the circuit board 110. In at least this way, the circuit board 110 may be operatively connected to and control the LED modules 140.

[0071] It will be understood that the device 100 may use a variety of different wavelengths for its LED modules 140, and that the wavelengths may vary between modules 140. It will be understood that the use of different wavelengths of UV light by different LED modules 140 in the system 100 will lead to greater efficiencies of purification for the device 100.

[0072] In some embodiments, two LED modules 140 may have LEDs emitting a wavelength of 365 nm and a third LED module 140 may have LEDs emitting a wavelength of 275 or 265 nm. Considering FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, with air in-letting on the right side of the device 100 and air exiting on the left side of the device 100, the first LED module 140 may emit a wavelength of 365 nm, the second LED module 140 may emit a wavelength of 265-275 nm, and the third LED module 140 may emit a wavelength of 265-275 nm. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the wavelengths emitted by the LED modules 140 are not limited to these wavelengths.

[0073] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a series of photocatalyst filters 150. In some embodiments, the filters 150 may be ceramic. The filters 150 may have a “honeycomb” design with square holes 152 in the filter 150, as shown in FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the filters 150 may be rectangular.

[0074] In some embodiments, the photocatalyst filters 150 may be composed of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, and titanium oxide. In some embodiments, the filters 150 may be 40-50% aluminum oxide, 35-45% silicon dioxide, 2-9% magnesium dioxide, and 10-15% titanium dioxide. It will be understood that the filters 150 may be composed of a variety of materials, however.

[0075] In some embodiments, the filters 150 may be free of chemicals and toxins, and the filters 150 may not rely on short-lasting filters (such as activated carbons). In some embodiments, the filters 150 may: have high removal efficiency for volatile organic compounds, be designed for stable immobilizing of titanium oxide, may be reusable by dipping in boiling water, may be free of toxic residue, and may be free of restrictive hazardous substances.

[0076] In some embodiments, the photocatalyst filters 150 may be a commercially available product, such as the T1 Photocatalyst Filter produced by Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that there a variety of commercially available photocatalyst filters that may be used.

[0077] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a plurality of reflectors 160. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the reflectors may be in parallel with an LED module 140 and the PHI grill 180. As shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, a reflector may be a flat surface with a reflective surface 162.

[0078] In some embodiments, the reflectors 160 reflect ultraviolet light to assisted in purifying the environment and improving purification efficiencies. It will be further understood that the reflectors 160 may be configured in a variety of different geometries such that the reflectors 160 optimally distribute ultraviolet light throughout the device 100. The use of a plurality of reflectors 160 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 further enhance the efficiencies of the device 100, enabling more ultraviolet light to be reflected within the device 100 to purify the air passing through the device 100. In some embodiments, the reflectors 160 of the device 100 may reflect up to 90% of UV light wavelengths.

[0079] In some embodiments, the reflective surface 162 receives ultraviolet light from the LED module 140. In some embodiments, the reflective surface 162 may be composed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to aluminum, aluminum foil, stainless steel, and polytetrafluoroethylene. It will be understood that the reflective surface 162 may be composed of a mixture of materials in some embodiments.

[0080] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a catalytic target structure 180. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 16, the target structure 180 may take the form of a grill 180.

[0081] In some embodiments, the structure 180 is also a hydrophilic structure that absorbs water molecules. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the structure 180 includes holes or gaps 182 in the structure 180 that allow the passage of gases such as air flowing through the device 100. It will be understood that the structure 180 can be shaped to allow for maximum surface area for receiving the ultraviolet light from the LED modules 140.

[0082] In some embodiments, the structure is approximately 50% active catalytic surface with the remaining area being open area, such as the holes 182, to allow the ultraviolet light to pass through the target structure 180. It will be understood that, depending on the requirements of the system 100, the target structure 180 can vary from 0% open area (holes 182) to 95% open area (holes 182).

[0083] In some embodiments, the LED modules 140 may be parallel to the structure 180 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The structure 180 may also be located below the LED module 140. It will be understood that the catalytic target structure in some embodiments may conform to the overall shape of the LED module 140 to allow for maximum catalytic target 180 exposure to the ultraviolet light from the LED module 140. However, it will be further understood that, in some embodiments, the structure 180 may be positioned differently in relation to the LED module 140, depending on the requirements of the device 100.

[0084] In some embodiments, the catalytic target structure 180 may be composed of a plurality of compounds particularly at the surface of the catalytic target structure 110. Preferably the catalytic target structure 180 may be composed of five compounds: four metallic compounds and a hydrating agent. These compounds preferably include titanium dioxide (TiO2), copper metal (Cu), silver metal (Ag), Rhodium (Rh), and a hydrating agent (such as Silica Gel (tetraalkoxysilanes TMOS, tetramethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane TEOS)). The hydrating agent may also comprise any suitable compound or combination of compounds that have an affinity to attract or absorb ambient water (i.e., a hydrophilic and hydrating agent).

[0085] Some embodiments may use super hydrophilic compounds integrated with TiO2. The catalytic target structure 180 may comprise a base material including a hydrophilic material, a catalytic material, and a ceramic matrix. The base material may be full of tiny channels and connected pores equating to a huge internal surface area, in excess of 750 m.sup.2 per gram. The higher the porosity of the base material, the more effective the hydraulic attraction (water absorption), and the more surface area available for photocatalytic reactions to occur.

[0086] The catalytic target structure 180 may be provided in several different forms configured, for example, to contain hydrophilic granules. The granules may have a diameter in the range of 0.05 mm to 2.5 mm, or a diameter that is greater than or equal to than 2.5 mm.

[0087] The hydrophilic material of the catalytic target structure 180 may be formulated to have the unique ability to absorb high quantities of water vapor (i.e. to be extremely hydrophilic). Notably, the hydrophilic material is formulated to also re-release the vast majority of this absorbed water back into the air. It is preferred that the hydrophilic material comprises anhydrous magnesium carbonate. Additionally, it is preferred that the magnesium carbonate is amorphous. In testing performed by the inventors, it was found that the magnesium carbonate can be formulated to re-release up to 95% of the absorbed water, in exemplary embodiments of the instant invention.

[0088] The catalytic material in the catalytic target structure 180 may play a key role in catalyzing the formation of advanced oxidation products within and at the surface of the structure. The catalytic material is preferably titanium dioxide. At least a portion of the titanium dioxide is in anatase crystal form. In exemplary embodiments, almost all of the titanium dioxide is in anatase crystal form, i.e. at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the titanium dioxide is in anatase crystal form. In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the titanium dioxide is in the form of nanoparticles.

[0089] The ceramic matrix provides structural support, and allows for production of a more rigid final material. Preferably, the ceramic matrix comprises cerium oxide and aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3). The cerium oxide acts as a binder with the Al.sub.2O.sub.3. Additionally, the cerium oxide has inherent hydration properties, i.e. it is hydrophilic, and thus further enhances the effect of the MgCO.sub.3 described above. The cerium oxide also has inherent catalytic properties.

[0090] In addition, one or more known catalytic enhancers or dopants can optionally be added during the process of forming the wick structure, such that the catalytic enhancer(s) or dopant(s) are integrated into the final wick structure. Known catalytic enhancers and dopants appropriate for inclusion in the catalytic target structure 180 may include, but are not limited to, rhodium, silver, copper, zinc, platinum, nickel, erbium, yttrium, fluorine, sodium, ytterbium, boron, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, thulium, silicon, niobium, sulfur, chromium, cobalt, vanadium, iron, manganese, tungsten, ruthenium, gold, palladium, cadmium, and bismuth, and combinations thereof.

[0091] The above-described device and method offers several distinct advantages. In some embodiments, the device incorporates a photocatalytic configuration which initiates a chemical reaction utilizing airborne oxygen and water producing reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyls, hydroperoxyls, singlet oxygen and others as gases. With the exception of hydrogen peroxide these can be short lived compounds which chemically react with gases and particles, as well as surface contaminants.

[0092] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include sensors that receive inputs from the environment. These inputs may be used when needed to control the device 100 and subsequently improve the lifetime operation of the device 100 by optimizing the device's 100 functions to the environment.

[0093] In some embodiments, the device 100 has reflectors 150 that are positioned perpendicular to the air flow (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2), and parallel to the UV sources 140 and PHI catalytic structure 180. This enables an effective UV output increase to occur, by UV photons being reflected or “pumped” repeatedly within the cell reactor (similar to how a laser diode pump is used to increase laser output). In some embodiments, this can be used to create a much more UV intense field, to both treat the air itself with a higher delivered dose/intensity of germicidal UV (256-275 nm), but also to increase the reactivity and effectiveness of the PHI (photocatalytic reaction surfaces), as higher delivered UV doses to are achieved on the surface, vs. a non-reflector optimized system).

[0094] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the air purification device 100 may be integrated into a vehicle cabin 200. In some embodiments, the device 100 may be housed within the vehicle cabin's 200 cup holder, forming a cup holder system 300. In some embodiments, the device 100 may be housed within the vehicle cabin's 200 duct, forming a duct system 400. In other embodiments, the device 100 may be housed within a vehicle cabin's 200 air conditioning unit, forming an air-conditioning system 500. Further, in some embodiments, the device 100 may be housed within an independent unit in the vehicle cabin 200, forming an independent system 600. It will be understood that the device 100 may not be housed in only these locations in a vehicle cabin 200. It will further be understood that the device 100 may contain all of the components previously described and shown in FIGS. 1-16. However, it will also be understood that the device 100 may be modified in some embodiments to fit within the vehicle cabin 200.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the device 100 is located within a vehicle cabin's 200 cup holder, forming a cup holder purification system 300. In some embodiments, the cup holder system 300 has a fan 302, a UVC-UVA LED ring 304, a catalyst 306, and a filter 308. In some embodiments, the catalyst 308 may be a PHI catalyst as previously disclosed. The system 300 is contained in a case 310. In some embodiments, the filter 308 may be a filter as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 14. In some embodiments, the fan 302 may be a fan as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 14. In some embodiments, the UVC-UVA LED ring 304 may be an LED module as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10-13. The UVC-UVA LED ring 304 can utilize dual or multi-wavelength UV LEDs.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 19, in some embodiments, the device 100 is located within a vehicle cabin's 200 air ducts 402, forming a duct purification system 400. In some embodiments, the system 400 contains a LED Ring Board 404, a catalyst 406, a filter 408, a plurality of LED modules 410, and a reflector 412. In some embodiments, the LED Ring Board 404 may be a 365 nm LED Ring Board. The LED Ring Board 404 in some embodiments may be an LED module as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10-13. Further, the LED Ring Board 404 may utilize multiple wavelengths. In some embodiments, the catalyst 408 may be a PHI catalyst as previously disclosed. It will be understood in some embodiments that the filter 408 may be the filters as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 14. In other embodiments, the LED modules 410 may range from 265 to 275 nm LED modules. In some embodiments, the reflector 412 may be a PHI reflector. It will additionally be understood that, in some embodiments, the reflector 412 may be the reflector as previously disclosed and shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and FIG. 15. In some embodiments, the reflector 412 may line the circumference of the duct 402; that is, the reflector 412 in some embodiments may be located around the entire inner portion of the duct 402 and below the LED Ring Board 404.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the device 100 is located within a vehicle cabin's 200 air-conditioning vent, forming an air conditioning purification system 500. In some embodiments, the system 500 includes a first LED module 502, a plurality of second LED modules 504, reflectors 506, a catalyst 508, a filter 510, and a series of fans 512. In some embodiments, the first LED module 502 is a 365 nm LED strip, and the plurality of second LED modules 504 may be 265-275 nm LED modules. In some embodiments, the catalyst 508 may be a PHI catalyst as previously disclosed. Further, in some embodiments, the catalyst 508 may be a PHI catalyst. It will additionally be understood that, in some embodiments, the reflectors 506 may be the reflectors as previously disclosed and shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 15. It will be understood in some embodiments that the filters 510 may be the filters as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 14. It will further be understood that the fans 512 may be the fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the device 100 is configured for installation in an interior space within the vehicle cabin 200, forming an independent system 600. In some embodiments, the system 600 includes a plurality of filters 602, a plurality of reflectors 604, a first plurality of LED strips 606, a catalyst 608, a second LED strip 610, and a plurality of fans 612. It will be understood in some embodiments that the filters 602 may be the filters as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 14. It will additionally be understood that, in some embodiments, the reflectors 604 may be the reflectors as previously disclosed and shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 15. In some embodiments, the catalyst 608 may be a PHI catalyst as previously disclosed. It will further be understood that the fans 612 may be the fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9.

[0099] FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating a method for purifying a vehicle cabin according to some embodiments. Method 2200 may begin with step s2202.

[0100] Step s2202 comprises supplying an air product.

[0101] Step s2204 comprises receiving the air product within a purification device.

[0102] Step s2206 comprises processing the air product within the purification device by means of a photocatalytic configuration which initiates a chemical reaction utilizing airborne oxygen and water producing a plurality of reactive oxygen species, wherein the reactive oxygen species chemically react with gases, particles, and surface contaminants within the vehicle cabin.

[0103] Step s2208 comprises outputting the processed air product into a vehicle cabin.

[0104] While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described and shown in considerable detail with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, including various combinations and sub-combinations of features, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments and variations and modifications thereof as encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the descriptions of such embodiments, combinations, and sub-combinations is not intended to convey that the disclosed subject matter requires features or combinations of features other than those expressly recited in the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is intended to include all modifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following appended embodiments.

[0105] Embodiments of the present invention have been fully described above with reference to the drawing figures. Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions could be made to the described embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention.