Airfield systems, devices, and methods

Various systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein relate to airfield systems are disclosed. Some embodiments relate to generating airfield barriers with purified air, devices for generating air fields, methods of using such devices, and methods for manufacturing such devices.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the field of airfield barriers. Specifically, the application relates to the field generating airfield barriers with purified air, devices for generating airfields, methods of using such devices, and methods for manufacturing such devices.

BACKGROUND

Infectious aerosols are generated by people who are infected with viruses or bacteria, including those having the common cold, influenza, and/or coronavirus infection. The aerosols from carriers of the infection may comprise a collection of pathogen-laden particles in air. These aerosol particles may deposit onto or be inhaled by others who are not infected causing new infections and for disease spread.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN ASPECTS

Several embodiments disclosed herein pertain to airfield generating devices (e.g., airfield generators), methods of using the same, and methods for manufacturing the same. In several embodiments, these devices are useful in inhibiting or preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, pollutants, allergens, odors, etc. The prevention and/or reduction of transmission of infection and/or disease-causing aerosols is especially important in today's society. For example, the COVID-19 (the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2) pandemic caused public activity to substantially halt in the United States and other countries around the world. The risks to health associated with SARS-CoV2 resulted in disruptions in normal daily life and caused a massive economic impact, resulting in mass layoffs and closures of businesses just a few weeks into the crisis. These shutdowns were especially detrimental to businesses where close interactions are the norm, such as restaurants, classrooms, libraries, etc. Several embodiments disclosed herein provide devices configured to address issues with the transmission of pathogens.

In several embodiments, the devices (e.g., airfield generators) disclosed herein generate an air barrier (e.g., an airfield) between subjects. In several embodiments, the air barrier comprises fast moving, clean air. In several embodiments, the air barrier separates one subject's air environment from a second subject's air environment. In several embodiments, the moving air in the generated air barrier captures and/or pushes contaminated aerosols from the first subject away from the second subject so that the second subject is not exposed to pathogens from the first subject. In several embodiments, the velocity of the air in the airfield is sufficiently high so as to substantially inhibit or prevent aerosols and/or pathogens from breath, sneezes, and/or coughs from passing through the airfield. In several embodiments, the velocity of the air in the airfield is sufficiently high so as to reduce to a safe and/or non-transmissible level aerosols and/or pathogens from breath, sneezes, and/or coughs from passing through the airfield. In several embodiments, the velocity of the air in the airfield is sufficiently high so as to reduce particulate levels in aerosols and/or pathogens from breath, sneezes, and/or coughs from passing through the airfield.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator may be supplied with clean air from an outside source of clean air (e.g., an air tank, etc.). Alternatively, in several embodiments, the airfield generator is adapted to generate clean air from contaminated air to generate the airfield and a clean air environment. For example, in several embodiments, the airfield generator may be equipped with one or more filters configured to remove pathogens from the air. These filters may be used to generate clean and/or pure air that is accelerated by the airfield generator to produce the airfield barrier. For example, the airfield generator may be configured to use recycled air from a room in which the airfield generator is located to generate the airfield. As will be appreciated, the airfield generator may also act as a whole room air purifier. As illustration, in several embodiments, the airfield generator may be configured to pull air from the room in which the airfield generator resides into an air intake of the airfield generator, to filter and/or purify the air, to accelerate the air to a velocity sufficient to provide an airfield, and to expel the air as an airfield through an outlet of the airfield generator. In several embodiments, the air of the airfield circulates back into the airfield generator for recycling, cleaning, and continued generation of the airfield. Alternatively or additionally, the airfield generator may be configured to work with an existing HVAC system for buildings or rooms. For example, the airfield generator may acquire air from a supply vent of an HVAC system in an existing room and may be configured to direct exhaust air (e.g., from the airfield) to an air intake vent for the HVAC system in the room.

In several embodiments, advantageously, the airfield generator is compact, modular, and/or portable. In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to be installed as part of a structure (and/or to be retrofitted to a structure) without effecting the normal use of the structure. In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to attach to and/or inhibit or prevent the transmission of pathogens across structures. In several embodiments, the structures may include tables, desks, cubbies, workstations, etc. In several embodiments, when adapted to be used with a particular structure (such as a desk, table, etc.), the airfield generator is compact enough to provide little or no interference with the space beneath the structure (e.g., the leg space under the desk or table).

Existing wind-generating units (e.g., motors, fans, etc.) that are sufficiently powerful to provide adequate velocity of air to be used as an airfield are unacceptably noisy. The noise level generated inhibits or prevents the use of such wind-generating units in situations where the use of airfield generator would be desired. For example, excessive noise in a restaurant or classroom is not desirable and inhibits or prevents subjects from engaging in conversations at normal volume levels (about 60-70 dB). In several embodiments, advantageously, the airfield generator comprises one or more sound dampening features that absorb sound generated from the wind-generating unit (e.g., motor and/or fan) of the airfield generator. In several embodiments, the dampening feature reduces the noise level of the wind generating unit by equal to or at least about: 10 dB, 20 dB, 30 dB, 40 dB, 50 dB, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator comprises a housing. In several embodiments, the airfield generator housing is configured to engage a filter system. In several embodiments, the airfield generator housing comprises a base. In several embodiments, the base comprises at least one air intake, an internal cavity providing an air passage through the base, and a filter system housing. In several embodiments, the filter system housing is provided within the air passage. In several embodiments, the airfield generator housing comprises or further comprises an outlet. In several embodiments, the outlet comprises an upwardly directed opening configured to generate an airfield. In several embodiments, the outlet is in fluid communication with the air passage of the base. In several embodiments, the airfield generator comprises a motor. In several embodiments, the motor is positioned at least partially within the internal cavity. In several embodiments, the motor is configured to generate an air flow from an ambient environment surrounding the airfield generator. In several embodiments, the motor generates airflow through the filter system and out of the airfield generator via the outlet of the housing thereby generating an airfield. In several embodiments, the airfield generated by the outlet provides a barrier (e.g., airfield) between a first side of the airfield and a second side of the airfield. In several embodiments, the airfield is configured to inhibit passage of aerosol particles through the airfield from the first side of the airfield to the second side of the airfield.

Any of the embodiments described above, or described elsewhere herein, can include one or more of the following features. No features are essential or critical.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator comprises the filter system while in other embodiments the filter system is separate from the airfield generator. In several embodiments, the filter system is configured to be engageable with the housing. In several embodiments, the filter system is configured to filter air passing into the airfield generator via the at least one air intake and through the airfield generator via the air passage.

In several embodiments, the outlet of the housing extends between a first side of the housing and a second side of the housing. In several embodiments, the outlet is a shape appropriate to generate first and second air environments that are substantially separated from one another by the airfield. In several embodiments, the outlet is a shape appropriate to generate air of sufficient velocity to provide the airfield. In several embodiments, the outlet has a dimension in one direction that is larger than its direction in a second direction. For example, in several embodiments, the outlet has a length measured in a direction proximal to one side of the housing and extending distally to a second side of the housing. In several embodiments, the outlet also has a width. In several embodiments, the length of the outlet is greater than its width. In several embodiments, the ratio of the length of the outlet to the width of the outlet is equal to or at least about: 30:1, 20:1, 15:1, 10:1, 15:2, 5:1, 5:2, and ratios between the aforementioned ratios. In several embodiments, the length of the outlet runs along a width of an object for which separate air environments are desired. For example, in several embodiments the length of the outlet is placed along the width of a table separating two equal or non-equal portions of the table along the length of the table. In several embodiments, when users are seated at the heads of the table, the airfield provides a separation between the air environment of the subjects. In several embodiments, the outlet may comprise one or more fins (e.g., adjustable or nonadjustable fins). In several embodiments, adjustable fins may allow a user to direct the air of the airfield in a particular direction (e.g., away from a particular user, toward a vent intake of the room, etc.).

In several embodiments, the filter system comprises a plurality of filters. In several embodiments, the plurality of filters comprises at least a first filter and a second filter. In several embodiments, the first filter has a first parameter and the second filter has a second parameter. In several embodiments, the first parameter is different than the second parameter. In several embodiments, the first parameter and the second parameter comprise at least one of a filter size, a filtering capacity, or a filter shape. In several embodiments, the air intake of the airfield generator comprises a first and a second air intake. In several embodiments, the first filter is configured to engage with a first filter housing of the airfield generator housing and is configured to filter a first portion of air traveling into the base through the first air intake. For example, the first filter may engage a first filter dock of the housing. In several embodiments, the second filter is configured to engage with a second filter housing of the base, the second filter being configured to filter a second portion of air traveling into the base through the second air intake.

In several embodiments, the internal cavity of the base extends widthwise between a first side of the housing (or a corresponding first side of the base) and a second side of the housing (or corresponding second side of the base) providing a width of the internal cavity. In several embodiments, the internal cavity has a length that extends through the base from an entrance to an exit of the internal cavity. In several embodiments, the first filter is proximal to the entrance of the internal cavity. In several embodiments, the second filter is proximal to the exit of the internal cavity.

In several embodiments, the length of the outlet of the housing spans (or substantially spans) the width of the internal cavity and/or air passage of the base. In several embodiments, the length of the outlet is greater than the width of the internal cavity. In several embodiments, the length of the outlet is approximately the same size as the width of the internal cavity. In several embodiments, the ratio of the length of the outlet to the width of the internal cavity is equal to or at least about: 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, 5:4, 6:5, 1:1, or ratios between the aforementioned ratios.

In several embodiments, the second filter is a polygonal filter having a filtering portion extending along a length of the second filter between a proximal end portion and a terminal end portion. In several embodiments, the proximal end portion and the terminal end portion are a corresponding polygonal shape visible when viewed along the length of the second filter (e.g., a triangular shape, square shape, pentagonal shape, hexagonal shape, etc.). In several embodiments, the length of the second air filter is sufficient to span the width of the internal cavity and/or air passage of the housing. In several embodiments, the second filter housing is polygonal in shape (e.g., having a triangular shape, a square shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, etc.). In several embodiments, the polygonal shape of the second filter housing corresponds to the polygonal shape of the polygonal filter. In several embodiments, the polygonal shape of the second filter housing is apparent when viewing the base from its side. In several embodiments, the second filter housing is configured to receive the second filter through a filter housing aperture. In several embodiments, the filter housing aperture is polygonal. In several embodiments, the second filter may be slide into the second filter housing through the width of the base. In several embodiments, when placed in the second filter housing, the second filter spans the internal cavity such that air traveling through the second air intake is forced through the second filter and into the internal cavity.

In several embodiments, the second filter comprises at least a first side, a second side, and a third side defined by vertices of the polygonal shape, wherein the first side defines a first filtering surface of the filtering portion of the second filter, and wherein the second side defines at least a second filtering surface of the filtering portion of the second filter. In several embodiments, as air passes through the second filter, the air flows through at least the first filtering surface and/or the second filtering surface of the second filter. In several embodiments, the second filter comprises a triangular pocket filter. In several embodiments, the filter system comprises a triangular pocket filter.

In several embodiments, the housing comprises a first engagement mechanism, wherein the filter system comprises a second engagement mechanism, and wherein the first engagement mechanism is configured to removably receive the second engagement mechanism to removably engage the filter system with the housing.

In several embodiments, the motor comprises an electric motor, such as an inductive motor. The motor can comprise a fixed or variable speed motor. In some embodiments, the motor operates on AC power and in other embodiments the motor operates on DC power. In several embodiments, the motor is configured to generate an air flow of at least 370 cubic feet per minute. In several embodiments, the motor is configured to generate an air flow of equal to or at least about: 100 cubic feet per minute, 250 cubic feet per minute, 350 cubic feet per minute, 400 cubic feet per minute, 450 cubic feet per minute, 500 cubic feet per minute, 650 cubic feet per minute, 750 cubic feet per minute, 1000 cubic feet per minute, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. For example, in several embodiments, the motor is configured to generate an air flow ranging from 100 cubic feet per minute to 1000 cubic feet per minute, from 350 cubic feet per minute to 400 cubic feet per minute, from 350 cubic feet per minute to 750 cubic feet per minute, etc.

In several embodiments, the upwardly directed opening is substantially vertical and/or is configured to direct air in a substantially vertical direction. In several embodiments, the outlet comprises a nozzle being configured to alter an air flow angle of the upwardly directed opening relative to a vertical direction. In several embodiments, the nozzle is configured to alter the air flow angle between 0 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction.

In several embodiments, the housing is configured to seal the internal cavity.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator further comprises a sterilization system (e.g., other than the filter system). In several embodiments, the sterilization system is configured to sterilize at least one of the housing, the motor, the filter system housing or the filter system.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator further comprises at least one noise attenuation element. In several embodiments, the noise attenuation element is configured to reduce noise produced by the airfield generator.

In several embodiments, the housing is positioned on a support structure, and wherein the airfield generator is configured to generate the airfield such that the upwardly directed opening is angled relative to a top surface of the support structure.

In several embodiments, the airfield is generated using air from at least one of the first side of the airfield, the second side of the airfield, or both.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to reduce transmission of particulates sized 0.3 to 1 micron in the air at an efficiency of at least 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or 99.9%. In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to transmission of reduce particulates sized greater than 1 micron in the air at an efficiency of at least 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or 99.9%. In several embodiments, the particle reduction efficiency is accomplished at a flow rate of 100 cubic feet per minute, 250 cubic feet per minute, 350 cubic feet per minute, 400 cubic feet per minute, 450 cubic feet per minute, 500 cubic feet per minute, 650 cubic feet per minute, 750 cubic feet per minute, 1000 cubic feet per minute, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. In several embodiments, the efficiency of reduction of particulate transmission may be measured across a given distance between a first point (where the particulate is generated) and a second point (where the amount of particulate is measured). To measure efficiency, the amount of particulate is measured at the second point in a system lacking an airfield generator. This amount of particulate is then compared to the amount of particulate measured at the second point in a second system having an airfield generator separating the first and second points. In several embodiments, the reduction in particle transmission includes particles generated from breath during respiration, talking, coughing, and/or sneezing.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to reduce incidences of infectious disease transfer, and wherein the infectious diseases is a common cold, influenza, and/or COVID.

Several embodiments pertain to an airfield generator comprising a housing comprising a base and an outlet. In several embodiments, the airfield generator comprises a first filter being configured to filter air passing through the first filter, the first filter comprises a first parameter. In several embodiments, the airfield generator comprises a second filter being configured to filter air passing through the second filter, the second filter comprising a second parameter, the second parameter being different than the first parameter. In several embodiments, the airfield generator comprises a motor being positioned at least partially within the housing. In several embodiments, the motor is configured to generate air flow from an ambient environment, through at least one of the first filter or the second filter, and through the outlet of the housing to generate an airfield, the airfield comprising air flow of filtered air traveling in an upward direction from the outlet of the housing.

In several embodiments, the first parameter and the second parameter comprise at least one of a filter size, a filtering capacity, or a filter shape. In several embodiments, the first filter is configured to engage with a first filter housing and is configured to filter air traveling into the base through a first air intake of the first filter housing. For example, the first filter may engage a first filter dock of the housing. In several embodiments, the second filter is configured to engage with a second filter housing of the base, the second filter being configured to filter air traveling into the base through a second air intake of the second filter housing.

In several embodiments, the second filter is a polygonal filter having a filtering portion extending along a length of the second filter between a proximal end portion and a terminal end portion. In several embodiments, the second filter comprises at least a first side, a second side, and a third side defined by vertices of the polygonal shape, wherein the first side defines a first filtering surface of the filtering portion of the second filter, and wherein the second side defines at least a second filtering surface of the filtering portion of the second filter. In several embodiments, as air passes from the base to the outlet through the second filter, the air flows through at least the first filtering surface and/or the second filtering surface of the second filter. In several embodiments, the second filter comprises a triangular pocket filter. In several embodiments, the filter system comprises a triangular pocket filter.

In several embodiments, the housing comprises a first engagement mechanism, wherein the filter system comprises a second engagement mechanism, and wherein the first engagement mechanism is configured to removably receive the second engagement mechanism to removably engage the filter system with the housing.

In several embodiments, the motor comprises an inductive motor. In several embodiments, the motor is configured to generate an air flow of at least 370 cubic feet per minute.

In several embodiments, the upwardly directed opening is substantially vertical and/or is configured to direct air in a substantially vertical direction. In several embodiments, the outlet comprises a nozzle being configured to alter an air flow angle of the upwardly directed opening relative to a vertical direction. In several embodiments, the nozzle is configured to alter the air flow angle between 0 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction.

In several embodiments, the housing is configured to seal the internal cavity.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator further comprises a sterilization system (e.g., other than the filter system). In several embodiments, the sterilization system is configured to sterilize at least one of the housing, the motor, the filter system housing or the filter system.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator further comprises at least one noise attenuation element. In several embodiments, the noise attenuation element is configured to reduce noise produced by the airfield generator.

In several embodiments, the housing is positioned on a support structure, and wherein the airfield generator is configured to generate the airfield such that the upwardly directed opening is angled relative to a top surface of the support structure.

In several embodiments, the airfield is generated using air from at least one of the first side of the airfield, the second side of the airfield, or both.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to reduce particulates sized 0.3 to 1 micron in the air at an efficiency of at least 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or 99.9%. In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to reduce particulates sized greater than 1 micron in the air at an efficiency of at least 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or 99.9%. In several embodiments, the particle reduction efficiency is accomplished at a flow rate of 100 cubic feet per minute, 500 cubic feet per minute, 650 cubic feet per minute, 1000 cubic feet per minute, 1500 cubic feet per minute, 2000 cubic feet per minute, 5000 cubic feet per minute, 7500 cubic feet per minute, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to reduce incidences of infectious disease transfer, and wherein the infectious diseases is a common cold, influenza, and/or COVID.

Several embodiments pertain to an airfield generator comprising airfield generator comprising a housing comprising a base and an outlet. In several embodiments, the airfield generator comprises a filter being configured to filter air passing through the filter. In several embodiments, the airfield generator comprises an inductive motor being positioned at least partially within the housing, the motor being configured to generate air flow from an ambient environment, through the filter, and through the outlet of the housing to generate an airfield, the airfield comprising an airflow of filtered air traveling in an upward direction from the outlet of the housing.

In several embodiments, the filter is one of a plurality of filters. In several embodiments, the filter is a first filter and the plurality of filters comprises at least a second filter, the first filter having a first parameter, the second filter having a second parameter, and wherein the first parameter is different than the second parameter.

In several embodiments, the first parameter and the second parameter comprise at least one of a filter size, a filtering capacity, or a filter shape. In several embodiments, the first filter is configured to engage with a first filter housing and is configured to filter air traveling into the base through a first air intake of the first filter housing. For example, the first filter may engage a first filter dock of the housing. In several embodiments, the second filter is configured to engage with a second filter housing of the base, the second filter being configured to filter air traveling through a second air intake of the second filter housing.

In several embodiments, the second filter is a polygonal filter having a filtering portion extending along a length of the second filter between a proximal end portion and a terminal end portion. In several embodiments, the second filter comprises at least a first side, a second side, and a third side defined by vertices of the polygonal shape, wherein the first side defines a first filtering surface of the filtering portion of the second filter, and wherein the second side defines at least a second filtering surface of the filtering portion of the second filter. In several embodiments, as air passes through the second filter, the air flows through at least the first filtering surface and/or the second filtering surface of the second filter. In several embodiments, the second filter comprises a triangular pocket filter. In several embodiments, the filter comprises a triangular pocket filter.

In several embodiments, the housing comprises a first engagement mechanism, wherein the filter comprises a second engagement mechanism, and wherein the first engagement mechanism is configured to removably receive the second engagement mechanism to removably engage the filter with the housing.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator further comprises a cooling system to cool the motor. In several embodiments, the motor is configured to generate an air flow of at least 370 cubic feet per minute. In several embodiments, the motor is configured to generate an air flow of equal to or at least about: 100 cubic feet per minute, 250 cubic feet per minute, 350 cubic feet per minute, 400 cubic feet per minute, 450 cubic feet per minute, 500 cubic feet per minute, 650 cubic feet per minute, 750 cubic feet per minute, 1000 cubic feet per minute, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values.

In several embodiments, the upward direction is substantially vertical.

In several embodiments, the upwardly directed opening is substantially vertical and/or is configured to direct air in a substantially vertical direction. In several embodiments, the outlet comprises a nozzle being configured to alter an air flow angle of the upwardly directed opening relative to a vertical direction. In several embodiments, the nozzle is configured to alter the air flow angle between 0 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction.

In several embodiments, the housing is configured to seal the internal cavity.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator further comprises a sterilization system (e.g., other than the filter system). In several embodiments, the sterilization system is configured to sterilize at least one of the housing, the motor, and the filter (e.g., the first or second filter). In several embodiments, the sterilizing system may comprise, for example, a UV light.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator further comprises at least one noise attenuation element. In several embodiments, the noise attenuation element is configured to reduce noise produced by the airfield generator.

In several embodiments, the housing is positioned on a support structure, and wherein the airfield generator is configured to generate the airfield such that the upwardly directed opening is angled relative to a top surface of the support structure.

In several embodiments, the airfield is generated using air from at least one of the first side of the airfield, the second side of the airfield, or both.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to reduce particulates sized 0.3 to 1 micron in the air at an efficiency of at least 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or 99.9%. In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to reduce particulates sized greater than 1 micron in the air at an efficiency of at least 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97.5%, 99%, or 99.9%. In several embodiments, the particle reduction efficiency is accomplished at a flow rate of 100 cubic feet per minute, 250 cubic feet per minute, 350 cubic feet per minute, 400 cubic feet per minute, 450 cubic feet per minute, 500 cubic feet per minute, 650 cubic feet per minute, 750 cubic feet per minute, 1000 cubic feet per minute, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values.

In several embodiments, the airfield generator is configured to reduce incidences of infectious disease transfer, and wherein the infectious diseases is a common cold, influenza, and/or COVID.

Several embodiments pertain to a method for reducing incidences of infectious disease transfer. In several embodiments, the method comprises obtaining an airfield generator. In several embodiments, the method comprises activating the airfield generator. In several embodiments, the method comprises causing the motor to generate an air flow from an ambient environment surrounding the airfield generator, through the filter system, and out the outlet of the housing, thereby generating an airfield. In several embodiments, the infectious disease is caused by one or more of a Rhinoviruses, Coronavirus, influenza virus types A, B, C, D,Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, other streptococci species, anaerobic bacteria, or gram negative bacteria.

Several embodiments pertain to a method for reducing symptoms of allergy. In several embodiments, the method comprises obtaining an airfield generator. In several embodiments, the method comprises activating the airfield generator. In several embodiments, the method comprises causing the motor to generate an air flow from an ambient environment surrounding the airfield generator, through the filter system, and out the outlet of the housing, thereby generating an airfield. In several embodiments, the allergy is a seasonal allergy or a food allergy.

Several embodiments pertain to a method for manufacturing an airfield generator. In several embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a housing. In several embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a filter system. In several embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a motor. In several embodiments, the method comprises assembling the housing with the motor. In several embodiments, the method comprises engaging the filter system with the housing. In several embodiments, the method comprises obtaining inserting the plurality of filters into the airfield generator.

Neither the preceding Summary nor the following Detailed Description purports to limit or define the scope of protection. The scope of protection is defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure describes various devices, systems, and methods for airfield systems and, in particular, airfield systems to generate separate zones of space using a filtered airfield. For example, the systems may filter an airfield using minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) filters.

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein can include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein.

Generally, airfield generators of the disclosure may produce an airfield traveling at a sufficient speed (e.g., approximately 650 feet per minute and/or as disclosed elsewhere herein) across a set distance such that the airfield generator is configured to effectively increase a social distance between the two interacting people (e.g., people who are conversing, laughing, etc.) when the generator is placed in between the individuals. For example, the airfield generator may be configured to redirect any aerosols present in a first individual's breath (e.g., during talking, sneezing, coughing) such that the aerosols are directed away from another individual. For instance, the breath aerosol may be raised into a HVAC intake zone, rather than in the face of other people. In some instances, the airfield can include a volume of air that has been filtered through an optional filter set up, which can be utilized in multiple configurations to address different use cases. Generally, the airfield generators of the disclosure may also assist in increase air changes per hour, ACH change over, to decrease transmission of unfiltered air patriciates, e.g., due to close proximity transmission.

In several embodiments, the social distance between individuals separated by the airfield generator (relative to those not separated by the airfield generator) is increased by a distance of equal to or at least about: 5 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, 20 feet, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. In several embodiments, the equivalent social distance is increased by a factor of equal to or at least about: 2 times (e.g., 2×), 3×, 4×, 5×, 10×, 15×, or 20×, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values.

A. Overview of Airfield Systems

FIGS.1A-1Gillustrate an exemplary airfield system100in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.FIGS.1A-1Gdepict different views of the airfield system100. As depicted inFIG.1A, airfield system100includes an airfield generator101and a structure102. The airfield generator101may generate an airfield106A from outlet104, as discussed below. For instance, airfield generator101may filter environmental air and output filtered air to generate the airfield106A.

The airfield generator101may be positioned so that airfield106A may separate distinct zones of space106B and106C, so that transmission of unfiltered air (and particulates therein) between the distinct zones of space106B and106C is reduced. For instance, the distinct zones of space106B and106C may be adjacent to the airfield generator101and separated by the airfield106A for at least a defined length (e.g., at least a length of the outlet104of the airfield generator101). The airfield106A may pull ambient air in the distinct zones of space106B and106C into the airfield106A increasing airflow and circulation in the distinct zones of space106B and106C creating an air dam.

As depicted inFIG.1A, the airfield106A may be generally directed in the z direction and extend along the x direction, to thereby separate the distinct zones106B and106C, for at least a portion along the x direction, in respective y directions. As used herein, the z direction may be a vertical direction (e.g., in a field of gravity), and the x direction and y direction may be lateral directions (referred to as front and back direction for the y direction, and left and right direction for the x direction). In some instances, the z direction may refer to a height of the airfield being generated at least partially in a direction of air flow, the x direction may refer to a length of the airfield being generated (e.g., along a major axis of the airfield), and the y direction may refer to a width or depth of the airfield (e.g., along a minor axis of the airfield).

Various embodiments of the airfield generator101as described herein may provide the benefits of producing a high-volume amount of compact air through the airfield106A with the use of a generator101that is compact in size. The airfield106A can be generated generally along the z direction in an upward direction.

The outlet104of the airfield generator101may be various shapes to output the airfield106A.FIGS.1A-1Gillustrate an outlet104with a generally elongated rectangular shape. However, it will be understood that the outlet104may be any size or shape suitable to generate an airfield. For example, the outlet104may comprise a generally curved shape. In some instances, the curve may be configured such that at least one of the individuals in one of the distinct zones106B,106C is located at a focal point of the curve. The outlet104may have a width103in they direction. In some embodiments, the outlet104may have a constant width103across the outlet104in the x direction. In other embodiments, the width103may be different across the outlet104in the x direction. For example, the width103may be larger at the middle of the outlet104than the width103at the ends of the outlet104so the air speed is constant across the outlet104in the x direction.

In some embodiments, the outlet104may be a nozzle with a continuous opening. However, the outlet104may instead have a non-continuous opening, such as with a grate or other structure to inhibit or prevent foreign objects to enter the outlet104, while still allowing a continuous airfield106A to be output therefrom.

The outlet104may be adjustable to change one or more features of the airfield106A (e.g., a direction, angle relative to the surface of the structure102, size, air speed, volume of air generated, etc.). For instance, the outlet104may be adjustable to change an angle of air flow relative to a z axis, such as from forward to backward or backward to forward within a defined range of angles. For instance, the range may be ±45° relative to the z axis. The range may be ±15°, ±25°, ±35°, ±45°, ±50°, ±60°, ±70°, ±80°, or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. As an example, the outlet104may be hinged to thereby adjust the angle from the z direction at which the airfield106A is projected into space, thereby adjusting the distinct zones of space106B and106C. In some embodiments, the outlet104may be adjustable manually or electronically via a controller216(described below with reference toFIG.2A). In some embodiments, the outlet104may automatically move from forward to backward and backward to forward within at least a portion of the defined range of angles at a predetermined angular velocity and/or at predetermined intervals. In the case of a structure102with a surface (such as a table), the outlet104may protrude through the surface to a fixed height in the z direction from the surface. For instance, the protrusion of the outlet104may enable the outlet104to be adjusted through the defined range of angle without interfering with the surface.

Generally, the structure102may include various different forms of supports. As depicted inFIGS.1A-1G, the structure102may be an item of furniture, such as a table. The structure102(e.g., table) may have a surface. The structure102may separate two or more groups of people in respective zones of space. However, one of skill in the art would recognize that the structure could alternatively be, for example, a counter (e.g., at a checkout/check-in of a business, at a bar, etc.), a mobile stand to support the airfield generator101, a wall fixture, a barrier (e.g., between office desks, cubicles, etc.), a portion of an HVAC system, a ceiling, a drop ceiling, a portion of a vehicle, etc. Therefore, generally, the structure102may be a physical object that may fix and hold the airfield generator101in place, so that the airfield generator101may generate the airfield106A and the distinct zones of space106B and106C. As an additional example,FIG.11depicts an alternative airfield system1100. Airfield system1100may include the airfield generator101with a different structure1102. The different structure1102may be an article of furniture, such as a podium (as depicted), or otherwise. In various embodiments, the structure102comprises, and/or the airfield generator101is comprised, in a desk, podium, counter, table, wall or pony wall, ceiling, floor, etc. In some embodiments, the structure102comprises, and/or the airfield generator101is comprised, in a vehicle, such as a car or airplane (e.g., to generate an airfield barrier between adjacent occupants or passengers).

While only one airfield generator101, one airfield106A, and two distinct zones of space106B and106C are depicted inFIG.1A, one of skill in the art would recognize that multiple (e.g., two or more) airfield generators101may be arranged to generate multiple (e.g., two or more) airfields106A to generate a plurality of zones of space106B and106C. Generally, the arrangement of airfield generators101(and their respective airfields106A) may define boundaries of the plurality of zones of space106B and106C. For instance, airfield generators101(and their respective airfields106A) may be orthogonal to each other, or arranged at an acute or obtuse angle with respect to each other and spaced a part to define the boundaries of the plurality of zones of space106B and106C.

FIGS.1B-1Cdepict features of various embodiments of the airfield generator101from below the surface of the structure102, from front and back views, respectively, of the airfield generator101. One of skill in the art would recognize that, when the structure102does not include a surface, the airfield generator101may have the same components, but the outlet104may be changed (e.g., shortened) as the protrusion through the surface may not be necessary. In particular,FIGS.1B-1Cdepict a base108, a fan109(also called a blower), and a main filter housing110of airfield generator101. The fan109can comprise, for example, a centrifugal fan, axial fan, or otherwise.FIGS.1D-1Edepict features of various embodiments of the airfield generator101from below the surface of the structure102, from a left and right views of the airfield generator101. In particular,FIGS.1B-1Cdepict a motor114and bypass inlets116of airfield generator101.FIGS.1F-1Gdepict features of various embodiments of the airfield generator101from below the surface of the structure102. In particular,FIGS.1F-1Hdepict various attachment systems120,122and124of airfield generator101.

The base108may have an interior volume to receive filtered air from a main filter (e.g., in the main filter housing110) and a rack filter802(e.g., via the bypass inlets116as illustrated inFIGS.8A-8D) into at least one cavity (e.g., as illustrated inFIGS.4A-4E) to pass the filtered air to the centrifugal fan109. The base108may also be configured to removably secure the centrifugal fan109and motor114to create a sealed interface therebetween during operation (e.g., from vibrations and attenuate noise). The base108may provide for a sealed interface to enclose and protect one or more components (e.g., the centrifugal fan109and the motor114) from the external environment. For example, the base108, when closed, may provide for an internal cavity that is water-proof (or at least water-resistant) to inhibit unintended fluid (e.g., liquids) from entering into the internal cavity of the base108.

As illustrated inFIGS.1F-1G, the attachment systems120and122may secure the base108to the structure102. For instance, attachment systems120and122may be a bracket, which may be discontinuous (such as attachment system120) or continuous along a length of the base108(such as attachment system122). The attachment systems120and122may use, e.g., fasteners to attach the base108to the structure102, but one of skill in the art would recognize that other approaches may be taken (e.g., adhesive, etc.).

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.1H, the attachment system124may secure the base108to the structure102via vibration dampeners126. The vibrations dampeners126may be straps, nylon straps, rubber, springs, wires, or any other vibration dampening connection. In some embodiments, the vibration dampeners126may be one or more pieces of rubber coupled to the base108and the structure108. In the embodiments, where the vibration dampeners126are straps or nylon straps, the vibration dampeners126may be secured to the base108via one or more connectors128. The connectors may be a metal plate screwed into the base108, or any other fastener for connecting the straps to the base108.

The vibration dampeners126may secure the base108to the structure102such that the base108is free floating. The vibration dampeners126may be coupled to the structure by connection system130. The connection system130may include a connecting portion132and an adjustment portion134. The connecting portion132may rotatably or movably couple the vibration dampeners126to the structure102such that when the base108moves or vibrates, the vibration dampeners126can move or vibrate relative to the structure102without transferring any movement or vibration to the structure102. In this way, when the motor114is powered and generating airfield106A, vibration or movement of the base108created by the motor114and the centrifugal fan109does not transfer, or is reduced from transferring, from the base108to the structure102.

The adjustment portion134may allow a user to change a length of the vibration dampeners126. The user may secure the base108to the structure102as shown inFIG.1Hso the outlet104is below the structure102, or the user may use the134to shorten a length of the vibration dampeners126so the outlet104may extend through an opening136above the structure102.

In some embodiments, the opening136in the structure102may be larger than the outlet104so that if the outlet104is above the structure102, when the base108vibrates or moves, the outlet104may vibrate or move without contacting the structure102.

In some embodiments, the structure102may be a ceiling or a drop ceiling, and the base108may be secured to a secondary structure so the base108can be hung (e.g., upside down) above the structure102. The secondary structure may be a surface above a drop ceiling, a portion of an HVAC system or a surface near the portion of the HVAC system, or any other structure above or near the structure102. The base108may be uncoupled to the structure102so the movement or vibration of the base108will not be transferred to the structure102. The vibration dampeners126may reduce or eliminate caused nose cause by movement or vibration that may be transferred from the base108to the secondary structure.

The vibration dampeners126may reduce or eliminate vibration or movement of the structure102and/or reduce or eliminate sound caused by the vibration or movement of the structure102.

In the embodiments where the structure102or the secondary structure are a portion of an HVAC system or a surface near the portion of the HVAC system, the airfield generator101may provide purification to the HVAC system, and the base108may be positioned so the airfield106A is directed into the HVAC system.

With reference toFIG.1B, the centrifugal fan109may receive filtered air from the at least one cavity, compress the filtered air to increase the airflow speed of the filtered air, output the compressed filtered air to the outlet104to thereby generate the airfield106A. The motor114may control operation of the centrifugal fan109by rotating impellers706(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.7) of the centrifugal fan109at fixed or various speeds via a shaft912(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.9J). For instance, the motor114may cause the impellers706of the centrifugal fan109to rotate at a fixed rotation per minute (RPM). Alternatively, the motor114may cause the impellers706to rotate at various RPMs, such as from a first RPM to a second RPM to increase airflow speed of the airfield106A from a first airflow speed to a second airflow speed.

Generally, the centrifugal fan109may extend axially along an axis of rotation of the impellers706, with a first opening in a shroud of the centrifugal fan109to receive the filtered air and a second opening in the shroud to output the compressed filtered air to the outlet104. The first and second openings may be substantially similar in length to each other and to the outlet104. The centrifugal fan109may be positioned along one end of the base108to be secured to the base108by, e.g., fasteners. For instance, the centrifugal fan109may be adjacent to, abut, or overlap an edge of the base108on a front or rear of the base108. The motor114may be attached to the centrifugal fan109.

In some instances, the motor114can comprise an inductive or alternating-current (AC) motor. The inductive motor can advantageously increase the durability and/or power of the motor114to improve the filtration capability of the airfield system100. For example, an increased power may permit the motor114to force an increased amount of air, relative to alternative motor designs, through higher quality filtration components. The higher quality filter components may include an increased number and/or rating of the filter. In some instances, the motor114may be configured to generate an airfield106A with air passing through at a rate of about 370 cubic feet per minute. The motor114, in some embodiments, may be configured to generate an airfield106A with air passing through at a rate of about 275 cubic feet per minute if the air is being filtered through two separate MERV 8 filters. An inductive motor may advantageously provide a steady, reliable movement of air relative to alternative designs that may result in variability of the rate of air flow throughout use.

The main filter housing110may be configured to removably receive a main filter (e.g., a one or more filters) to filter a first portion of environmental air112and pass the filtered air to the at least one cavity via a main inlet426(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.4D). Generally, the main filter housing110may be a cuboid shape that is generally rectangular with a height to receive the one or more filters in an ordered arrangement (e.g., as illustrated inFIG.6A-6C). Generally, the one the more filters of the main filter may include at least one of a pre-screen, a charcoal filter, or one or more MERV filters. Details of the one of more filters and the ordered arrangement thereof are discussed below with respect toFIGS.6A-6C.

The main inlet426may be positioned on an opposite end of the base108from the centrifugal fan109. The main inlet426may be positioned on a bottom of the base108so that the first portion of environmental air112is drawn into the at least one cavity via the main inlet426in a vertical direction through the one or more filters of the main filter housing110. The main inlet426may be formed in the bottom of the base108by walls412-416(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.4B), cover418(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.4C), and rack holder420(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.4D) creating a seal between the sealed interior volume of the base108and the main filter housing110.

The bypass inlets116may be openings in the walls412-416of the base108on respective lateral (e.g., left and right) sides. The bypass inlets116may receive a rack filter802(e.g., as illustrated inFIGS.8A-8D) in rack holder420to filter a second portion of environmental air118and pass the filtered air to the at least one cavity. For instance, the bypass inlets116may be positioned on an opposite end of the base108from the centrifugal fan109. As an example, the bypass inlets116may be generally triangular, so that generally triangular rack filters802may be inserted through the bypass inlets116. The generally triangular rack filters802can be configured to create an airtight or substantially airtight seal with the structure of the bypass inlets116. Moreover, the bypass inlets116may be positioned in a corner opposite the centrifugal fan109, as the centrifugal fan109may (in the case of no bypass inlets116and rack filter802) create a dead zone of filtered air in the at least one cavity due to vortices in the circular motion from the main inlet426to the first opening of the centrifugal fan109. In this manner, the bypass inlets116and the rack filter802may increase the volumetric flow rate of filtered air, while avoiding a dead zone of filtered air in the at least one cavity. The rack filter802may be a MERV 13 level triangulated pocket filter. In some embodiments, the bypass inlets116may also draw air over the motor114, thereby cooling the motor114.

In some embodiments, the main filter housing110may be omitted (e.g., as illustrated inFIG.4E), so that unfiltered air is received in the at least one cavity. In this case, the airfield106A may still operate to reduce transmission of particulates as the airfield106A may have an airspeed high enough to redirect unfiltered air from one zone of space to not enter another zone of space. For instance, this may reduce construction and operational cost of the airfield generator101, while still providing a reduction in transmission of particulates between each zone of space. For instance, as a result of filtering the environmental air using only the bypass inlets116with the rack filter802and generating an airfield106A, each zone of space may have reduced transmission of unfiltered air and reduce the effective social distance between different groups in each zone.

In some embodiments, the main filter housing110may be omitted for a polygonal filter502(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.5A). In this case, the environmental air may be filtered but not as thoroughly as if the main filter housing110was used. For instance, this may reduce construction and operational cost of the airfield generator101, while still providing filtered air to the at least one cavity. The airfield106A may have an airspeed high enough to redirect unfiltered air from one zone of space to not enter another zone of space. Therefore, in this case, the particulates may be both filtered out of the air to be used as the airfield106A (thereby reducing particulates in the environment) and redirected so as not interact with a different zone of space. For instance, as a result of filtering the environmental air using the polygonal filter502and the bypass inlets116with the rack filter802and generating an airfield106A, each zone of space may have reduced transmission of unfiltered air and reduce the effective social distance between different groups in each zone.

In some embodiments, the main filter housing110may be used to provide a higher level of filtration of the unfiltered air than using the polygonal filter502. While this may cost more to construct and operate than the previous two embodiments, the increase in filtration may enable indoor activities with reduced transmission of particles between the zones of space. For instance, as a result of filtering the environmental air using the main filter housing110and the bypass inlets116with the rack filter802and generating an airfield106A, each zone of space may have reduced transmission of unfiltered air and reduce the effective social distance between different groups in each zone.

In some embodiments, the main filter housing110and/or the polygonal filter502may be removably engaged with the base108, so that a user of the airfield generator101may remove the main filter housing110and/or the polygonal filter502. For instance, the main filter housing110and/or the polygonal filter502may be interchangeable to interface with the main inlet426, or omitted entirely. Each of the main filter housing110and the polygonal filter502may have engagement mechanisms that correspond to an engagement mechanism on the base108. For instance, the user may modify the configuration depending on application. Moreover, the one or more filters of the main filter housing110may be replaced with a same or different filters, depending on application. For example, for a first application if the user wants a high level of airflow or high air speed through the outlet104, and a high level of filtration of air is not important for the first application, the user may replace the one or more filters of the main filter housing110, the polygonal filter502, and/or the rack filter802with alternative one or more filters of the main filter housing110, the polygonal filter502, and/or the rack filter802with a lower MERV rating to increase the level of airflow or air speed of the airfield generator101. For a second application, if a high level of filtration is important, and the level of airflow or air speed through outlet104is not important for the second application, the user may replace the one or more filters of the main filter housing110, the polygonal filter502, and/or the rack filter802with alternative one or more filters of the main filter housing110, the polygonal filter502, and/or the rack filter802with a higher MERV rating to increase the level of filtration of the airfield generator101. Furthermore, the one or more filters of the main filter housing110, the polygonal filter502, and the rack filter802may be removable to clean the various filters to ensure proper filtration.

In some embodiments, the airfield generator may have a housing, a filter system, and a motor. The housing may include: a base comprising an air intake, an internal cavity providing an air passage through the base, and a filter housing, the filter housing being within the air passage; and an outlet. The outlet can comprise an opening (e.g., an upwardly directed opening) configured to generate an airfield, the outlet being in fluid communication with the air passage of the base. The outlet can extend between a first side of the housing and a second side of the housing. The filter system may be engageable with the housing. The filter system may be configured to filter air passing through the airfield generator via the air passage. The motor may be positioned at least partially within the internal cavity. The motor may be configured to generate an air flow from an ambient environment surrounding the airfield generator, through the filter system, and out of the airfield generator via the outlet of the housing thereby generating an airfield. The airfield generated by the outlet may provide a barrier between a first side of the airfield and a second side of the airfield. The airfield may be configured to inhibit passage of aerosol particles through the airfield from the first side of the airfield to the second side of the airfield. Moreover, the housing may include a first engagement mechanism. The filter system may include a second engagement mechanism. The first engagement mechanism may be configured to removably receive the second engagement mechanism to removably engage the filter system with the housing.

In some embodiments, the filter system may include a plurality of filters. At least one of the filters may be insertable into the filter housing to filter the air through the air intake and at least another filter may be insertable into the filter system to filter a separate portion of air. In some embodiments, the plurality of filters may include at least a first filter having a first parameter and at least a second filter having a second parameter. The first parameter may be different than the second parameter. The first parameter and the second parameter comprise at least one of a filter size, a filtering capacity, or a filter shape. A filter size may indicate a weight or volume of the filter (e.g., in standard sizes or as physical attributes). Filter capacity may indicate a property of the filter to remove a certain percentage of particulates at various cubic feet per minute. For example, a filter capacity may be a filter's ability to capture particles of various sizes, such as at least 0.3 microns, at least 1 microns, at least 3 micros, etc. For instance, filter capacity may be indicated by a MERV rating, such as MERV 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16. It will be understood that any component of any filter or filter system described herein may comprise any type of filter described herein or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the first filter may be configured to fit within the housing and may be configured to filter air traveling into the base through the air intake. In some embodiments, the second filter may be configured to fit within the filter housing of the base and be configured to filter air from the air passage prior expulsion through the outlet as the airfield.

In some embodiments, the first or second filter may be a polygonal filter having a filtering portion extending along a length of the first or second filter between a proximal end portion and a terminal end portion. The proximal end portion and the terminal end portion may be a corresponding polygonal shape visible when viewed along the length of the second filter. The first or second filter may comprise at least a first side, a second side, and a third side defined by vertices of the polygonal shape, where the first side defines a first filtering surface of the filtering portion of the first or second filter, and wherein the second side defines at least a second filtering surface of the filtering portion of the first or second filter. As air passes from the base to the outlet through the first or second filter, the air flows through at least the first filtering surface and the second filtering surface of the first or second filter. The first or second filter comprises a pocket filter with a polygonal shape, such as a triangular pocket filter. For example, the polygonal shape may comprise any one of a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or any of shape as desired.

FIG.2schematically illustrates a block diagram of an airfield generator200in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. For instance, the airfield generator200may be a part of the airfield system100, discussed above. As depicted inFIG.2, the airfield generator200may include one or more of a main filter204, a rack filter206, at least one cavity208, a fan210(also called a blower), an outlet212, a controller216, sensor(s)218, sanitation system220, or any combination thereof. The airfield generator200may take in environmental air202and output an airfield of filtered air214, so as to generate at least two zones of space separated by the airfield of filtered air214. In operation, respective portions of environmental air202may be received by and filtered by the main filter204and the rack filter206, respectively. The filtered air may be directed into the at least one cavity208to be gathered in a sealed interior and received by the fan210. Fan210may compress the received filtered air and output the compressed air to the outlet212. The outlet212may output the airfield of filtered air214, so as to generate at least two zones of space separated by the airfield of filtered air214.

The controller216may control the fan210, based on data from the sensor(s)218and/or user inputs. For instance, the controller216may cause the fan210of the airfield generator200to turn on or turn off in response to a user input or a signal from one of the sensor(s)218. For instance, a first sensor of the sensor(s)218may monitor a temperature of a motor of the fan210(such as motor114), a second sensor of the sensor(s)218may monitor a current or voltage draw of the motor, a third sensor of the sensor(s)218may monitor a volumetric flow rate of the filtered air or of airfield of filtered air214, and/or a fourth sensor of the sensor(s)218may monitor a filter status of the main filter204and/or the rack filter206. The controller216may receive data from the sensor(s)218and determine (based on arbitrarily complex conditions, generally referred to as “error conditions” indicating “errors”) to issue alerts (such as replace filter(s)) or turn on or off the fan210.

As shown inFIG.2B, the sensors218may be a kill switch and the outlet212may include a grate219. The grate219may have one or more portions that interact with the sensors218when the grate219is placed on the outlet212so the sensors218may detect whether the grate219is on the outlet212. In this way, when the sensors218do not detect the grate219is on the outlet212, the controller216may receive data from the sensors218indicating that there is no grate219on the outlet212and the controller216may turn off the fan210or cut off power to the fan210. When the sensors218detect the grate219is on the outlet212, the controller may receive data from the sensors218indicating that the grate is on the outlet212and the controller may turn on the fan210or send power to the fan210. During operation of the airfield generator200, removal of the grate can result in stoppage of the fan210, such as due to a hardwired electrical connection or a command from the controller216.

Moreover, the controller216may control the sanitization system220to perform additional air sanitization. For instance, the controller216may periodically (such as every set period of time) or continuously, cause the sanitization system220to perform air sanitization. The sanitization system220may be a UV sterilization system within a sealed enclosure of the airfield generator200. For instance, the sanitization system220may include one or more UV sterilization systems, and the one or more UV sterilization systems may be in the at least one cavity208, adjacent to the fan210, adjacent to the main filter204, and/or adjacent to the rack filter206to perform air sanitization in addition to the main filter and the rack filter. One of skill the art would recognize that the one or more UV sterilization systems may direct UV light to one or several of the at least one cavity208, the fan210, the main filter204, and the rack filter206at a same time, therefore reducing cost while ensuring filtered environmental air (or unfiltered portion of environment air when the main filter or polygonal filter is not included) is sanitized.

Generally, the controller216may have a user interface. The user interface may display information to users (e.g., status, data, etc.) of the airfield generator200and receive user inputs to control operations of the airfield generator200or multiple airfield generators200. One of skill in the art would recognize that the controller216may be a computer, micro-controller, etc. that executes software using a memory (storing data and instructions on a non-transitory compute readable medium) and a processor to execute the instructions to perform the various operations described herein.

B. Example Control Process

FIG.3depicts a flowchart illustrating a process300of controlling an airfield generator in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. For instance, the airfield generator may be a part of the airfield system100or200, discussed above. The operations of the process300may be performed by a controller, such as controller216. As depicted inFIG.3, the operations of the process300may start by receiving an instruction to turn on (Block302). For instance, the controller may receive a user input or sensor signal indicating an instruction to turn on.

The controller may then proceed to cause a motor of a fan to generate an airfield out of an outlet (Block304). For instance, the controller may transmit an instruction to the motor114to turn on and cause impellers706to rotate at an RPM to thereby draw environmental air112and118through various filters, such as the rack filter802and main filter of the main filter housing110, compress the filtered are, and output the airfield via the outlet104.

The controller may then proceed to monitor sensors and control a sanitization system (Block306). For instance, the controller may monitor the sensor(s)218to determine whether errors conditions are satisfied or not and control the UV sterilization systems to perform additional sterilization (on filtered or unfiltered air when the main filter or the triangular filter is not included).

The controller may then proceed to, if an error is detected, issue an alert and/or turn off (Block308). For instance, the controller may determine an error condition is satisfied based on sensor data and determine whether to issue an alert or turn off based on policies. For instance, if an error condition is not considered dangerous but preferred to be resolved (e.g., replace filters), the controller may issue an alert. On the other hand, if a motor temperature or an absence of the grate219(or some arbitrary complex conditional) indicates a dangerous circumstance, the controller may determine an instruction to turn off the motor.

The controller may then proceed to, responsive to an instruction to turn off, cause the motor of the fan to cease generating the airfield out of outlet (Block310). For instance, the controller may receive a user input to turn off or determine a dangerous condition (and thereby determine an instruction to turn off), and send an instruction to the motor to turn off.

FIGS.4A-4E,5A-5B,6A-6C,7,8A-8D, and9A-9Ddepict subsystems of airfield systems100,200, or300in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. For ease of reference, the following description will refer to features of airfield system100, but one of skill in the art would recognize that the features are applicable to airfield systems200or300as well.

FIG.4Adepicts the first portion of environmental air112, the second portion of environmental air118(on one lateral side), and the airfield106A of the airfield system100, without the structure102. Generally, the volumetric flow rate of the first portion of environmental air112and the second portion of environmental air118(from both lateral sides) may correspond to the volumetric flow rate of the airfield106A. Moreover, due to the relative differences in inlet areas of the bypass inlets116and the main inlet426, the volumetric flow rate of the first portion of environmental air112and the volumetric flow rate of the second portion of environmental air118(from both lateral sides) may not be substantively similar. Instead, the volumetric flow rate of the first portion of environmental air112may be a substantial proportion of the volumetric flow rate of the airfield106A. Therefore, the main filter may filter a substantial portion of the volumetric flow rate of the airfield106A. As the main filter can be composed of larger filters in both thickness and geometric shape (thereby, increasing surface area for filtering) and more filter layers (generally), the effective MERV level of the main filter may be higher, and in some embodiments substantially higher, than the rack filter. Therefore, the effective MERV level of the airfield system100may be greatly improved, with respect to the rack filter802alone, as a MERV level of system is based on (upstream versus downstream) rate of filtering at a specific volumetric flow rate. Therefore, in certain embodiments, certain versions of the main filter may be used to achieve a certain MERV level, while certain versions of the main filter, the polygonal filter502, or no main filter are used, based on circumstances to achieve different MERV levels.

FIG.4Bdepicts the base108without cover418(seeFIG.4C) and rack holder420(seeFIG.4D). In particular,FIG.4Billustrates the walls412-416, a first cavity406and a second cavity408, in relation to the centrifugal fan109to define the sealed interior volume of the base108. Generally, the walls412-416include a first and second side walls412and414, which may have the bypass inlets116, and an end wall416. The end wall416may be on an opposite end of the base108from the centrifugal fan109. The first and second side walls412and414and the end wall416may define the structure of the base108and ensure sealing to the centrifugal fan109, the cover418, and the rack holder420. The first and second side walls412and414may ensure sealing between the interior volume along an interface with the shroud of the centrifugal fan109and the first and second side walls412and414.

The second cavity408may generally correspond to the main inlet426and the bypass inlets116. For instance, the second cavity may accommodate the rack filter802and allow the first portion of environmental air112to mix with the second portion of environmental air118before they enter the first cavity406. The first cavity406may be provided to allow for filtered air to enter the first opening in the shroud of the centrifugal fan109. Therefore, the first cavity406may have a defined gap between the first opening in the shroud and the second cavity408.

FIG.4Cdepicts the cover418covering the first cavity406. The cover418may seal the interior volume along an interface with the shroud of the centrifugal fan109and the walls412-416, for instance the first and second side walls412and414. The cover418may extend from the centrifugal fan109to the main inlet426.

FIG.4Ddepicts the rack holder420. The rack holder420may include structure422and support rails424. The structure422may support the support rails424and ensure sealing around the bypass inlets116and the walls412-416. Generally, the structure422and the support rails424may define the bypass inlets116to accommodate the rack filter802and provide structural support to fix the rack filter802during operation of the airfield system100.

FIG.4Edepicts the main inlet426. In particular, the main inlet426may be formed in the structure422of the rack holder420. Notably, the main inlet426may be unblocked by the rack filter802within the interior volume. The rack filter802may be configured to reduce or avoid vortices in the circular motion from the main inlet426to the first opening of the centrifugal fan109, such as by the rack filter802having a triangular shape. Other shapes are contemplated too, such as rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. Moreover, the main inlet426may be spaced apart (in the z direction) from the rack filter802in accordance with a height of the walls412-416and the support rails424, so as to not interfere with the vortices in the circular motion from the main inlet426to the first opening of the centrifugal fan109.

FIG.5Adepicts the polygonal filter502covering the main inlet426. The polygonal filter502may be a triangulated pocket filter or other polygonal shape. The pocket filter may be configured (e.g., by having a triangulated shape) to allow the filter to expand through pockets thereof to increase surface area to increase filtering surface area, versus a fixed shape filter of similar dimensions. The polygonal filter502may consist of MERV 13 filter formed into a triangular shape that generally extends along an axial direction of impellers706, so that unfiltered air may pass through the filter into the second cavity408.

The polygonal filter502may include a structure502B and a triangular filter having axial filter portion(s)502A and an end filter portion502C. The structure502B may provide a rigid exterior portion of the polygonal filter502with one or more openings to accommodate the axial filter portion(s)502A and the end filter portion(s)502C, to thereby filter environmental air passing through the one or more openings. The structure502B may be made of cardboard, plastic, metal, or other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. The axial filter portion(s)502A and the end filter portion(s)502C may be unitary in construction (e.g., a filter formed into a triangular cylinder shape with proximal and terminal ends made of filter material), to seal each of the one or more openings of the polygonal filter502and to filter air moving therethrough. In this manner, construction of the filter may be easier (by avoiding internal adhesion for each filter portion to each opening and coordination thereof) but may be more costly as portions of filter not adjacent to the one or more openings may provide only partial filtering efficiency (e.g., as they are adjacent to the structure502B). Alternatively, the axial filter portion(s)502A and the end filter portion(s)502C may be separate pieces of filter fixed to the structure502B to seal each of the one or more openings of the polygonal filter502and to filter air moving therethrough. In this manner, less filter material may be used, but construction complexity may be increased.

In some embodiments, each axial filter portion502A may correspond to an axially extending opening on a surface of the structure502B of the polygonal filter502. The axial filter portion(s)502A (and the corresponding openings associated therewith) may form a filtering portion of each face of the polygonal filter502. The structure502B may form a non-filtering portion of each face of the polygonal filter502. Generally, the filtering portion of each face may be smaller, equal to, or larger than a non-filtering portion of each face of the polygonal filter502. In particular, a ratio of the filtering portion of each face to the non-filtering portion of each face is equal to or at least about: 30:1, 20:1, 15:1, 10:1, 15:2, 5:1, 5:2, ratios between the aforementioned ratios. As noted above, each axial filter portion502A may expand through (e.g., in a radially outward manner) or expand away (e.g., in a radially inward manner) from its respective axially extending opening on the surface of the structure502B of the polygonal filter502. In this manner, each axial filter portion502A may increase an effective filter surface area, to thereby increase filtering capacity polygonal filter502.

The end filter portion(s)502C may correspond to proximal and terminal open ends of the polygonal filter502. The end filter portion502C may provide additional filtering surface area for the polygonal filter502, as environmental air may pass through the end filter portion502C separately from the axial filter portion502A.

In some embodiments, the polygonal filter502may include a first side, a second side, and a third side defined by vertices of the polygonal shape, where the first side defines a first filtering surface using a first axial filter portion502A, and where the second side defines at least a second filtering surface using a second axial filter portion502A. The third side may or may not include additional filter portions and may be designed to face the main inlet426. In this manner, the first and second sides may provide at least a certain amount of filtering, while the third side may provide an outlet of the polygonal filter502to the main inlet426. In the case that the third side also has additional filter portions, the third side may filter the air filtered by the first and second sides before entering the main inlet426, thereby increasing an effective MERV rating of the polygonal filter502(but also increasing a pressure requirement on the motor114).

In some embodiments, the filter502may comprise a triangulated pocket filter. The triangulated pocket filter may advantageously provide for a higher efficiency filtration system relative to alternative designs (e.g., a pleated filter system). In some embodiments, the filter502may comprise any polygonal shape suitable. For example, the polygonal shape may comprise any one of a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or any of shape as desired. As a particular example, the filter502may be an isosceles triangle with the first and second sides having a same length, and the third side having a length corresponding to the main inlet426(e.g., to cover the main inlet426and provide for engagement mechanisms of filter502corresponding to the engagement mechanism on the base108).

FIG.5Bdepicts a main filter504covering the main inlet426to filter the first portion of environmental air112. The main filter504may correspond to the main filter housing110with one or more filters, discussed above. As depicted inFIG.5B, there are none of the one or more filters included therein, so the interior may be seen. Details of the main filter504are discussed below with respect toFIGS.6A-6C.

FIG.6Adepicts an outside of the main filter504. As depicted in600A, the main filter504includes an exterior grate604, a pre-screen606, and a door608with a hinge610.FIG.6Bdepicts the door608opened by the hinge610, to expose a support612for exterior grate604, a first support613, a first filter614, a second support615, and a second filter616.FIG.6Cdepicts an internal separator screen618.

The exterior grate604may retain the pre-screen606and provide a first structural interface with the environment so that pre-screen606and other filters are not dislodged. The exterior grate604may be metal or plastic and provide a large surface area for first portion of environmental air112to pass through the exterior grate604. The pre-screen606may be a charcoal filter to pre-filter unfiltered air. The pre-screen606may filter out larger particulates than the first filter614or second filter616.

The door608and the hinge610may operate together to hold the exterior grate604, the pre-screen606, the first filter614, and the second filter616, in place (when the door is closed), and provide access to the pre-screen606, the first filter614, and the second filter616to replace each of the pre-screen606, the first filter614, and the second filter616as operational use indicates necessary.

The support612for the exterior grate604may support the exterior grate604and define an opening of the door608when the hinge610opens the door608. The exterior grate604may be retained by structure (see, e.g., lip of main filter504above exterior grate604) and supported by the support612on at least one side.

The first support613and the second support615may define slots (of predetermined size) to support to first filter614and the second filter616. For instance, the first support613and the second support615may be spaced apart by a set distance, such as a standard size of filters for the first filter614and the second filter616. The first support613and the second support615may inform a user where to insert the first filter614and the second filter616and guide the insertion and removal of the first filter614and the second filter616. The first support613and the second support615may extend a length of first filter614and the second filter616from the opening of the door608to an opposite side of the main filter504, so as support or retain the first filter614and the second filter616.

The first filter614and the second filter616may be a same or different MERV levels. The first filter614and the second filter616may be a same or different thicknesses. The first filter614and the second filter616may be a same lateral size (e.g., a same cross-section), so that the unfiltered air passes through both. Similarly, the pre-screen606may be a same lateral size (e.g., a same cross-section), as the first filter614and the second filter616. For instance, the first filter614may be a MERV 8 filter and the second filter616may be a MERV 13 filter. One of skill in the art would recognize that various combinations of different MERV levels are possible, such as a MERV 8 and a MERV 8 filter, a MERV 13 and a MERV 13 filter, etc.

The internal separator grate618may be positioned behind support612for the exterior grate604to provide a zone of space for pre-filtered air to gather before passing through the first filter614and the second filter616. The internal separator grate618may be metal or plastic and provide a large surface area for first portion of environmental air112to pass through the internal separator grate618.

FIG.7depicts noise attenuation materials702and704of the at least one cavity in view of the impellers706of the first opening in the shroud of the centrifugal fan109. As discussed above, impellers706may compress the air (a mix of filtered and/or unfiltered, depending on configuration) to generate the airfield106A out of the outlet104. The noise attenuation materials702and704may line internal surface surfaces of the base108in the first cavity406and the second cavity408. The noise attenuation materials702and704may comprise rubber that is adhesively bound to portions of the first cavity406and the second cavity408.

FIGS.8A-8Ddepict various rack filters, including a rack filter802, a rack filter804, a rack filter806, and a rack filter808. The rack filter802may include a triangulated pocket filter to allow the filter to expand through pockets thereof to increase surface area to increase filtering surface area, versus a fixed shape filter of similar dimensions. The rack filter802may consist of MERV 13 filter (or other MERV level filter) formed into a triangular shape that generally extends along an axial direction of impellers706, so that unfiltered air may pass through the bypass inlets116and through the filter into the second cavity408.

The rack filter802may include a structure802B and a triangular filter having axial filter portion(s)802A filtering environmental air coming into the structure802B by end openings802C. The structure802B may provide a rigid exterior portion of the rack filter802with one or more openings to accommodate the axial filter portion(s)802A, to thereby filter environmental air passing through the end openings802C, through the axial filter portion(s)802A, through the one or more openings, and into the second cavity408. The structure802B may be made of cardboard, plastic, metal, or other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. The axial filter portion(s)802A may be unitary in construction (e.g., a filter formed into a triangular cylinder shape with proximal and terminal ends left open to form the end openings802C), to seal each of the one or more openings of the rack filter802and to filter air moving therethrough. In this manner, construction of the filter may be easier (by avoiding internal adhesion for each filter portion to each opening and coordination thereof) but may be more costly as portions of filter not adjacent to the one or more openings may provide only partial filtering efficiency (e.g., as they are adjacent to the structure802B). Alternatively, the axial filter portion(s)802A may be separate pieces of filter fixed to the structure802B to seal each of the one or more openings of the rack filter802and to filter air moving therethrough. In this manner, less filter material may be used, but construction complexity may be increased. In some embodiments, the axial filter portion(s)802A may include charcoal, activated charcoal and/or activated carbon.

In some embodiments, each axial filter portion802A may correspond to an axially extending opening on a surface of the structure802B of the rack filter802. The axial filter portion(s)802A (and the corresponding openings associated therewith) may form a filtering portion of each face of the rack filter802that has an opening (e.g., at least one face has an opening, but one, two, or three (or more when the polygonal shape is not a triangle) may also have openings). The structure802B may form a non-filtering portion of each face of the rack filter802that has an opening. The structure802B may also form non-filtering portions on any face that does not have an opening. Generally, the filtering portion of each face of the rack filter802may be smaller, equal to, or larger than a non-filtering portion of each face of the rack filter802. In particular, a ratio of the filtering portion of each face to the non-filtering portion of each face is equal to or at least about: 30:1, 20:1, 15:1, 10:1, 15:2, 5:1, 5:2, and ratios between the aforementioned ratios. As noted above, each axial filter portion802A may expand through (e.g., in a radially outward manner) or expand away (e.g., in a radially inward manner) from its respective axially extending opening on the surface of the structure802B of the rack filter802. In this manner, each axial filter portion802A may increase an effective filter surface area, to thereby increase filtering capacity rack filter802.

The end openings802C may correspond to proximal and terminal open ends of the rack filter802. The end openings802C may form a part of an air intake of the airfield generator in conjunction with the bypass inlets116, so environmental air may pass through the end openings802C and then through the axial filter portion(s)802A.

In some embodiments, the rack filter802may include a first side, a second side, and a third side defined by vertices of the polygonal shape. In some embodiments, the first side defines a first filtering surface using a first axial filter portion802A, where the second side defines at least a second filtering surface using a second axial filter portion802A, and where the third side defines at least a third filtering surface using a third axial filter portion802A. In this manner, the first, second, and third sides may provide respective amounts of filtering (based on airflow geometry). In some embodiments, the first side defines a first filtering surface using a first axial filter portion802A, where the second side defines at least a second filtering surface using a second axial filter portion802A, and the third side defines non-filtering surface (e.g., with no opening in structure802B). In this manner, the first and second sides may provide respective amounts of filtering (based on airflow geometry). In some embodiments, the first side defines a first filtering surface using a first axial filter portion802A, and the second side and the third side define non-filtering surfaces (e.g., with no opening in structure802B). In this manner, the first and second sides may provide respective amounts of filtering (based on airflow geometry).

In some embodiments, the rack filter802may comprise a triangulated pocket filter. The triangulated pocket filter may advantageously provide for a higher efficiency filtration system relative to alternative designs (e.g., a pleated filter system). In some embodiments, the rack filter802may comprise any polygonal shape suitable. For example, the polygonal shape may comprise any one of a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or any of shape as desired. As a particular example, the rack filter802may be a right triangle with the first and second sides facing walls412-416, and the third side forming a hypotenuses therebetween. Generally, as discussed herein, the rack filter802may be inserted into the bypass inlets116of airfield generator101and secured in place to the support rails424(e.g., by a foam sealing or other sealing material (not depicted) that surrounds the structure802B between the structure802B and the structure of the bypass inlets116, where the sealing inhibits or prevents air from flowing into the base108between the structure802B and the structure of the bypass inlets116and does not block the end openings802C).

The rack filter804, the rack filter806, and the rack filter808may be alternative embodiments of the rack filter802. For ease of reference, only differences between each will discussed, while similar structural and functional features are applicable to each.

The rack filter804may include a structure804B and a triangular filter having axial filter portion(s)804A filtering environmental air coming into the structure804B by end openings804C. In particular, the axial filter portion(s)804A may be more rigid than the axial filter portion(s)802A of rack filter802, so that each axial filter portion804A may expand through (e.g., in a radially outward manner) or expand away (e.g., in a radially inward manner) from its respective axially extending opening on the surface of the structure802B to a smaller degree than the axial filter portion(s)802A of the rack filter802. In this manner, wear and tear (due to movement of the axial filter portion(s)804A when pressure changes occur) may be reduced, but an increase in filtering surface may not be as large.

The rack filter806may include a structure806B and a triangular filter having axial filter portion(s)806A filtering environmental air coming into the structure806B by end openings806C. The rack filter808may include a structure808B and a triangular filter having axial filter portion(s)808A filtering environmental air coming into the structure808B by end openings808C. In particular, both the rack filter806and the rack filter808may have axial filter portions806A,808A and respective openings on two filtering surfaces, whereas the rack filters802,804may have axial filter portions802A,804A on a single surface thereof. Additionally, both the rack filter806and the rack filter808may have multiple (e.g., two or more) axial filter portions806A,808A on each filtering surface extending axially down the surface separated from each other by portions of structure806B,808B, whereas rack filter802,804may have continuous axial filter portions802A,804A.

Moreover, the rack filters806,808may differ in certain respects. For instance, the rack filter806and the rack filter808may have a same or different number of axial filter portions806A,808A and respective openings on two filtering surfaces. The sizes (e.g., length and width of openings of the number of axial filter portions806A,808A) may be a same width or different. The separation spacing between the openings of the number of axial filter portions806A,808A may be a same separation spacing or different.

FIGS.9A-9Jdepict components of a thermal control system, such as a cooling system902, for airfield generators. For instance, the airfield system100,200,300, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, may comprise the cooling system902to dissipate any heat being output from one or more components of the system and/or to reduce a temperature of one or more components. As described above the bypass inlets116may draw air over the motor114and/or draw hot air away from the motor114, thereby cooling the motor.

A schematic overview of the cooling system902is shown inFIG.9J. The system can include one or more heat exchanges (also called heat exchangers). In some instances, the cooling system902may comprise a first heat exchange904(as illustrated inFIG.9A-9C), a pump908(as illustrated in inFIGS.9E-9H), and a second heat exchange910(as illustrated inFIG.91). The first heat exchange904may be positioned at least partially around the motor114to function as a heat sink, so that heat from the motor114may be transferred to a coolant of the cooling system902. The pump908may cause coolant within the cooling system902to circulate between the first heat exchange904and the second heat exchange910. The second heat exchange910may be positioned, for example, in the first cavity406(as shown inFIG.9J) to transfer heat from the coolant of the cooling system902to filtered air as it enters the first opening in the shroud of the centrifugal fan109.

In some embodiments, the first heat exchange904may have a first inlet portion904A, a first outlet portion904B, and a first heat transfer portion904C connecting the first inlet portion904A and the first outlet portion904B. The first inlet portion904A may be connected to the pump908to receive accelerated coolant that was cooled by the second heat exchange910. The first outlet portion904B may be connected to the second heat exchange910to thereby provide heated coolant. The first heat transfer portion904C may be a coil wound around (in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) or a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise)) an outside surface of the motor114one or more times (e.g., a plurality of times successively along an axially direction of the motor114), so that heat from the motor114may be transferred to the coolant passing through the heat transfer portion904C.

As shown inFIGS.9B and9C, the first heat transfer portion904C may be separated from the outside surface of the motor114by a distance904D so the motor114can vibrate without contacting the first heat transfer portion904C. The distance904D can be an air gap and/or void. The first heat transfer portion904C may be coupled to the base108so the first heat transfer portion904C does not contact the outside surface of the motor114.

In some embodiments, the first heat transfer portion904C can include an interior screen904C-1, coil904C-2, a first cover904C-3, and a second cover904C-4. The interior screen904C-1may be a thin sheet of material between the motor114and the coil904C-2and may increase the heat transfer from the motor114to the coil904-C2. The interior screen904C-1may include copper, aluminum, and/or any other material suitable for heat exchange.

The coil904C-2may be connected to the first inlet portion904A and the first outlet portion904B and may be wound around the interior screen904C-2one or more times. The coil904C-2may be tubing and may transport coolant around the motor114from the first inlet portion904A to the first outlet portion904B. As the coolant passes through the coil904C-2the coolant may draw heat away from the motor114and transport the heat away from the motor114.

The first cover904C-3may be wrapped around the outside of the coil904C-2and may keep heat from the motor114near the coil904C-2and away from the motor114to increase or maximize an amount of heat the coolant can transport away from the motor114. The first cover904C-3may include aluminum, cooper, and/or any other material that may keep heat near the coil904C-2.

The second cover904C-4may be a thin sheet of material wrapped around the first cover904C-3. The second cover904C-4may be coupled to the first cover904C-3via a magnet or other securement mechanism. The magnet may be a magnet just strong enough to couple the second cover904C-4to the first cover904-C3such that the magnet does not affect the motor114. The second cover904-C4may be an insulator designed to keep heat from escaping outside of the first cover904-C3. The second cover904-C4may include Teflon or any other suitable insulating material.

The second heat exchange910may have a second inlet portion910A, a second outlet portion910B, and a second heat transfer portion910C connecting the second inlet portion910A and the second outlet portion910B. The second inlet portion910A may be connected to the first heat exchange904(e.g., the first outlet portion904B) to receive heated coolant that was heated by the first heat exchange904. The second outlet portion910B may be connected to the pump908to thereby provide cooled coolant to the pump. The second heat transfer portion910C may traverse the first cavity one or more times. For instance, the second heat transfer portion910C may traverse the first cavity one time, two times, three times, or generally, a plurality of times. In this manner, the second heat transfer portion910C may transfer heat from the coolant to filtered air as it enters the first opening in the shroud of the centrifugal fan109. In some embodiments, the second heat exchange910may also have a plurality of protrusions910C. The plurality of protrusions910C of may increase a surface area of the second heat exchange910, to increase heat transference from the coolant to the filter air. For instance, the plurality of protrusions910C may be fins to interact with the filtered air without substantially constricting airflow into the first opening in the shroud of the centrifugal fan109.

The pump908may have a third inlet portion908A, a third outlet portion908B, an impeller908C, and an actuator system908D. The third inlet portion908A may be connected to the second outlet portion910B of the second heat exchange910to receive cooled coolant from the second heat exchange910. The third outlet portion908B may be connected to the first inlet portion904A of the first heat exchange904to provide accelerated, cooled coolant to the first heat exchange904. The impeller908C may accelerate the coolant received by the third inlet portion908A in accordance with the actuator system908D.

The actuator system908D may cause the impeller908C to rotate to thereby accelerate the coolant. For instance, the actuator system908D may be an inductive coil (e.g., a 120 volt alternating current coil) that is placed adjacent (e.g., substantially aligned with and near to) a magnet908C-1of the pump908. The magnet908C-1may be attached by a spindle908C-2(e.g., made of plastic) to the impeller908C, to thereby cause the impeller908C to rotate in accordance with rotation of the magnet. The inductive coil may cause the magnet908C-1to rotate in accordance with electricity being applied to the inductive coil. In this manner, the coolant circuit (e.g., sequentially through each of the pump908, the first heat exchange904, the second heat exchange910, and back to the pump908) may be sealed from external actuation. The impeller908C may be located within a coolant housing908E within a path of the coolant.

In some embodiments, the coolant may be driven by a heat engine effect (e.g., thermodynamic gradient causing circulation). In various systems, the impeller908C and the actuator system908D may be omitted if the motor114is regulated to avoid outputting substantial heat.

Alternatively, the actuator system908D may be selectively activated to induce the motion of the impeller908C if the motor114is not currently outputting substantial heat. For instance, the controller216may monitor a temperature of the motor114(or an indication thereof, such as current drawn thereby) and control the actuator system908D to reduce circulation time, to thereby increase heat transference. Alternatively, the actuator system904D may be constantly activated (when the generator101is turned on), as the heat transference away the motor114may be necessary to regulate the temperature thereof. In this case, the controller216may be used to constantly activate the actuator system904D, or the actuator system904D may be directly hardwired to an electricity source of the generator101without the controller216controlling the actuator system904D.

In other embodiments, the first heat exchange904may instead have a different configuration. For instance, as illustrated inFIG.9D, the first heat exchange904instead be a third heat exchange906. The third heat exchange906may include a fourth inlet portion906A, a fourth outlet portion906B, and a third heat exchange portion906C. The fourth inlet portion906A may correspond to the first inlet portion904A of the first heat exchange904, as described above. The fourth outlet portion906B may correspond to the first outlet portion904B of the first heat exchange904, as described above. The third heat exchange portion906C may be a coil wound around an outside surface of the motor114, so that heat from the motor114may be transferred to the coolant passing through the heat transfer portion906C.

The third heat exchange portion906C may include a plurality radial portions906C-1, a plurality of axial portions906C-2, and a plurality of circumferential portions906C-3. Each axial portion906C-2may extend from a proximal end portion of the motor114to a terminal end portion of the motor114. Each radial portion906C-1may extend radially outward then extend radially inward while extending circumferentially about a circumference defined substantially by the outer surface of the motor114. Each circumferential portions906C-3may extend circumferentially about the circumference while extending in a first axial direction then in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction. For instance, each circumferential portions906C-3may connect two axial portions906C-2at the proximal end portion of the motor114, while each radial portion906C-1may connect two axial portions906C-2at the terminal end portion of the motor114.

The third heat exchange906may include a plurality of struts906D. Each strut906D may extend between adjacent portions of the third heat exchange906to increase heat transference between the motor114and the coolant. For instance, some struts906D may extend circumferentially about the circumference between two or more axial portions906C-2. Other struts906D may extend circumferentially about the circumference between end portions of a circumferential portion906C-3or a radial portion906C-1.

Generally, the coolant may be any suitable fluid to transfer heat. For instance, the coolant may be a non-hydrous fluid. The coolant may be non-toxic. The coolant may have a boiling point above temperatures the motor114may achieve. The first heat exchange904second heat exchange910and/or third heat exchange906may be any appropriate material, such as copper, aluminum, etc.

Therefore, the cooling system902may capture heat from the motor114(e.g., in an enclosed environment) and increase efficiency and safety of the airfield generator101. For instance, when the airfield generator101is placed in confined parameters (such as under counters or podiums), the heat from the motor114may be transferred to the filtered air (which is at ambient temperatures) and distributed away from the system in the airfield106A generated by the airfield generator101.

D. Air Flow Path

FIGS.10A and10Bdepict an air flow path of airfield systems of the disclosure. With reference toFIG.10A, a first portion of environmental air1012may be drawn into a main filter housing1010through a main inlet1026. The first portion of environmental air1012may be drawn through one or more filters614,616(shown inFIG.6B) to filter the first portion of environmental air1012to make a first portion of filtered air1014. The first portion of filtered air1014may be drawn through a main outlet1028out of the main filter housing1010.

With reference toFIG.10B, the first portion of filtered air1014from the main outlet1028may be drawn through a secondary inlet1030into a base1008. The base1008may include a rack filter1016. A second portion of environmental air1013may be drawn into the base1008through one or more bypass inlets116(shown inFIGS.1D and1E) and through a rack filter1016. The rack filter1016may be one or more of the rack filters802-808. The rack filter1016may filter the second portion of environmental air1013to make a second portion of filtered air1015. The second portion of filtered air1015may exit the rack filter1016through a first side1020, a second side1022, and a third side1024. The second portion of filtered air1015that exits the rack filter1016through the second side1022and the third side1024may be drawn through a back portion1019of the base1008. The second portion of filtered air1015that passes through the back portion1019may make an airflow of an airfield1006laminar. The second portion of filtered air1015and the first portion of filtered air1014may combine into a filtered air flow1026. The filtered air flow1026may be drawn into a fan housing1028and forced through an outlet1030by fan1029to make the airfield1006. The outlet may be generally vertical and/or upwardly facing (e.g., in a directional generally perpendicular to and/or away from the floor).

The first portion of environmental air1012, the second portion of environmental air1013from a first of the one or more bypass inlets116, and the second portion of environmental air1013from a second of the one or more bypass inlets116may each have different flow rates. The airfield1006may have a flow rate higher than the first portion of environmental air1012, the second portion of environmental air1013from the first of the one or more bypass inlets116, and/or the second portion of environmental air1013from the second of the one or more bypass inlets116. For example, the first portion of environmental air1012may have a flow rate of less than or equal to about 230 ft/min, the second portion of environmental air1013from the first of the one or more bypass inlets116may have a flow rate of less than or equal to about 630 ft/min, and the second portion of environmental air1013from the second of the one or more bypass inlets116may have a flow rate of less than or equal to about 550 ft/min and the airfield1006may have a flow rate of at least about 900 ft/min.

E. Further Aspects

Generally, airfield systems of the disclosure, including airfield systems100,200, or300, may be manufactured and/or assembled. For instance, a method to manufacture the airfield system100may include: obtaining a housing, a filter system, a motor of an airfield system, where the filter system is engageable with the housing; obtaining a plurality of filters; assembling the housing with the motor; engaging the filter system with the housing; and inserting the plurality of filters.

Moreover, airfield systems of the disclosure, including airfield systems100,200, or300, may reduce the incidences of infectious disease transfer. For instance, a method to reduce the incidences of infectious disease transfer may include: receiving an instruction to operate an airfield generator of airfield systems100,200, or300; and causing the motor to generate an air flow from an ambient environment surrounding the airfield generator, through the filter system, and out the outlet of the housing, thereby generating an airfield. The infectious diseases may be a common cold, influenza, and/or COVID. The infectious disease may be caused by one or more of a Rhinoviruses, Coronavirus, influenza virus types A, B, C, D,Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, other streptococci species, anaerobic bacteria, or gram negative bacteria.

Further, airfield systems of the disclosure, including airfield systems100,200, or300, may reduce symptoms of allergy. For instance, a method to reduce symptoms of allergy may include: receiving an instruction to operate an airfield generator of airfield systems100,200, or300; and causing the motor to generate an air flow from an ambient environment surrounding the airfield generator, through the filter system, and out the outlet of the housing, thereby generating an airfield. The allergy may be a seasonal allergy or a food allergy.

Airfield generators, of airfield systems100,200, or300, may generate the airfield using air from at least one of the first side of the airfield, the second side of the airfield, or both. The airfield generators may reduce particulates sized 0.3 to 1 micron in the air at an efficiency of at least 75%, and particulates sized greater than 1 micron in the air at an efficiency of at least 90%, at a specific cubic feet per minute. The airfield generators may reduce incidences of infectious disease transfer. For instance, the infectious diseases may be a common cold, influenza, and/or COVID.

It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can be achieved in accordance with any particular example of the examples disclosed herein. Thus, the examples disclosed herein can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations. The terms “up” and “down” (and related terms) are with reference to the pull of Earth's gravity.

Various embodiments and examples of airfield systems, devices, and methods have been disclosed. Although the systems, devices, and methods have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, and the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various examples, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the disclosed technology can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will be recognized, the embodiments described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.