US-12618576-B2 - Air purifier

Abstract

Air purification devices are disclosed that cleanse air of germs and microbes through an oxidation process using an ultraviolet light source that causes a chemical reaction with a proximate catalyst-coated surface. The devices use a replaceable ionization cell folded into a core assembly and positioned around the ultraviolet light source. The ionization cell is coated with the reactive catalyst on at least an inner surface facing the light source and air is cleansed as it passes through the ionization cell. The devices provide safety mechanisms to protect against human exposure to the ultraviolet light.

Inventors

• Scott H. Wilson
• Gary H. Paulsen
• D. Matthew Puhalla

Assignees

• AIREA, LLC

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20230602

Claims (5)

1. 1 . An air purification unit comprising: an ultraviolet light source; an ionization cell having an inner surface coated with a catalyst, the inner surface forming a series of ridges and troughs wherein each trough has at least one foldable seam that allows the ionization cell to fold at least partially around the ultraviolet light source, the ionization cell further comprising a first edge and a second edge, and wherein, in an unfolded position of the ionization cell, the first edge is facing away from the second edge, while, in a folded position of the ionization cell, the first edge is facing toward the second edge; a rigid sleeve, wherein the ionization cell may be slid into the rigid sleeve only when the ionization cell is in the folded position, the rigid sleeve having an inner surface that forms a rib, and wherein the first edge and the second edge fit up against the rib when the ionization cell is slid into the rigid sleeve; and a fan assembly positioned to create an airflow along at least the inner surface of the ionization cell.
2. 2 . The air purification unit of claim 1 , wherein the ionization cell is configured to substantially surround a circular perimeter of the ultraviolet light source such that the ridges extend closer to the light source and the troughs extend further from the light source.
3. 3 . The air purification unit of claim 1 further comprising: a base structure that houses the fan assembly; and a substantially opaque removable cover configured to fit against the base structure; wherein, when the substantially opaque removable cover is in an installed position, the substantially opaque removable cover and the base structure collectively surround the ultraviolet light source and the ionization cell.
4. 4 . The air purification unit of claim 3 , wherein the substantially opaque outer cover comprises an open bottom end that allows air intake to the fan assembly and a top end with at least one opening to allow air to escape the air purification unit after passing through the ionization cell.
5. 5 . The air purification unit of claim 3 further comprising a switch that controls the flow of electric power to the ultraviolet light source, wherein the switch is configured to only direct electric power to the ultraviolet light source when the substantially opaque outer cover is in the installed position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to air purification systems, and more specifically, to air purification systems and devices that use ultraviolet light to induce oxidation to destroy germs, microbes and other small airborne pathogens. BACKGROUND Air purifiers are a known tool for not only removing odors but also for helping to sterilize and cleanse the air in a room. They have become more prevalent and in demand after the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and as there are more concerns over airborne pathogens. The simplest and traditional form of an air purifier is simply a fan and a filter captured within a housing. The fan draws air in, passes it through a filter to remove dust and other larger particles, and circulates the cleaner air back out into the room. Essentially all residential and commercial HVAC systems include serviceable/replaceable air filters that perform this air cleaning function. However, filters only catch larger particles and do nothing to halt the spread of smaller microbes, viruses, and bacteria. To cleanse the air of these smaller particles, a process of oxidation can be performed. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that combines a substance with oxygen to change its properties. This chemical reaction can be used to kill or render inert bacteria, mold, viruses and other small harmful products that may exist in residential or commercial room air. While oxidation occurs naturally in the presence of sunlight, air and water, it can be greatly accelerated in the confines of an air purification device using a process called photohydroionization or “PHI.” PHI is a rapid, forced oxidation process where broad spectrum ultraviolet light is cast upon a hydrophilic surface coated with a catalyzing agent that absorbs moisture from the surrounding air to produce hydrogen peroxide ions. These ions quickly break down into water and air, and in the process reduce air pollutants and neutralize viruses. An example of this process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,923 to Fink, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Though other agents can be used, Fink discloses use of a “quad metallic” catalyzing agent on the hydrophilic surface that includes titanium oxide (TiO2), copper, sulfur and rhodium combined with a hydrating agent such as silica gel. PHI has been harnessed and used in large, industrial air purification systems, and has proven effective at reducing or eliminating deadly viruses such as SARS-COV-1 (protein jacketed), H1N1 (Swine Flu), H5N1 (Bird flu), as well as to quickly and effectively remove odors in the air. However, it has not been harnessed in a suitable residential air purification device. This is, at least in part, because of the cost and maintenance requirements of traditional systems, as well as the hazards from the ultraviolet light source itself, which is very bright and can be harmful to the human eye and skin. What is needed is a practical design that brings this process of photohydroionization within reach of the common consumer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides for air purification systems and devices that provide photohydroionization in a consumer-friendly form that is capable of both protecting users from harmful UV light exposure and cleansing a large amount of room air with a compact device that is easily serviced. In some embodiments, the air purification system includes air purification unit with an ultraviolet light source and an ionization cell having an inner surface coated with a catalyst. The inner surface forms a series of ridges and valleys where each valley has at least one foldable seam that allows the ionization cell to fold at least partially around the ultraviolet light source. A fan assembly is positioned to create an airflow along the inner surface of the ionization cell. The ionization cell may be fitted within a rigid sleeve that fits into a housing to position it around the ultraviolet light source. The air purification unit may include a base structure for housing the fan and containing a motor and electric source for powering the fan. The base structure may be configured to allow air to flow in through the fan and through the ionization cell. An opaque removable cover may be placed over the ionization cell to block exposure to ultraviolet light. In other embodiments, the air purification system includes an air purification unit having an air inlet, an air outlet separated a distance from the air inlet, and an ultraviolet light source positioned along a length of the distance. The unit has a removable ionization cell with an inner surface coated with a catalyst and an outer surface, where the removable ionization cell has an unfolded position in which the outer surface is substantially flat and a folded position in which the inner surface is configured to substantially surround the ultraviolet light source. The unit may include a fan to move air along the ionization cell, and may include a switch to cont