GB2627753A

GB2627753A - Wearable air purification apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2627753A
Application number: GB2302911.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tennison Reilly Philip; Mackey Nelson James
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-28
Filing date: 2023-02-28
Publication date: 2024-09-04
Also published as: GB202302911D0; WO2024180400A1

Abstract

A wearable air purifier 100 comprising a fan assembly (122, 133, Fig 5) operable to generate a filtered airflow, a port 124, 134 configured for attachment of a visor 200 to direct the filtered airflow to a wearer of the air purification apparatus, and a detector 159 configured to detect attachment of the visor to the port and to transmit a detection signal upon detection of attachment of the visor. A memory (156, Fig 5) is also provided, for storing information which associates each of a plurality of visor types with at least one respective fan speed setting. There is also a controller (158, Fig 5) configured to receive the detection signal, and select, based on the detection signal, at least one respective fan speed setting associated with a visor type from the information stored in the memory. The controller is further configured to operate the fan assembly using the at least one respective fan speed setting selected from the information stored in the memory.

Description

WEARABLE AIR PURIFICATION APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wearable air purification apparatus.

Background

Air pollution is an increasing problem, and a variety of air pollutants have known or suspected harmful effects on human health. The adverse effects that can be caused by air pollution depend upon the pollutant type and concentration, and the length of exposure to the polluted air. For example, high air pollution levels can cause immediate health problems such as aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness, whereas long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects, such as loss of lung capacity and decreased lung function, and the development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and cancer. An approach to reducing a person's exposure to air pollution is to use a wearable air purifier to filter airflow supplied to a wearer's nose and/or mouth.

The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a wearable air purification apparatus comprising: a fan assembly operable to generate a filtered airflow; a port configured for attachment of a visor to direct the filtered airflow to a wearer of the air purification apparatus; a detector configured to detect attachment of the visor to the port and to transmit a detection signal upon detection of attachment of the visor; a memory configured to store information which associates each of a plurality of visor types with at least one respective fan speed setting; and a controller configured to: receive the detection signal, select, based on the detection signal, at least one respective fan speed setting associated with a visor type from the information stored in the memory, and operate the fan assembly using the at least one respective fan speed setting selected from the information stored in the memory.

In some circumstances, it may be considered beneficial to replace a currently attached visor with another visor of a different type. This might be to attach a visor of a visor type which is more efficient, e.g. providing the same efficacy performance at a lower primary airflow, improved runtime or reduced operating noise. This might be to attach a visor of a visor type which is higher performing, e.g. for worse environmental conditions. This might be to attach a visor of a visor type which is physically slimmer. However, replacing one visor of a first visor type with another visor of a second visor type may require adjustment of fan speed setting in order to achieve optimised performance with the different visor type. If the apparatus cannot distinguish one visor from another, it would be necessary to manually push an update to the apparatus to inform the apparatus that a visor with different visor type was to be used and to overwrite the operating settings. Moreover, such an update may be necessary every time the currently attached visor is replaced with a visor of a different visor type. The apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured to select the respective fan speed setting based on the detection signal generated by the detector upon detection of attachment of the visor. Thus, the apparatus may provide a seamless automatic transition of optimised performance for the user depending on what visor they are using.

In examples, the information stored in the memory is a lookup table (which associates each of a plurality of visor types with at least one respective fan speed setting).

In examples, the information stored in the memory associates each of the plurality of visor types with a plurality of respective fan speed settings.

Where the apparatus is configured to operate at different fan speed settings for a given visor given, e.g. low, medium, high modes for providing corresponding filtered airflow, these different fan speed settings may be included in the information stored in the memory. Thus, multiple fan speed settings may be adjusted upon detection of the visor type.

In examples, the information stored in the memory associates each of the plurality of visor types with a common fan speed setting.

Where the apparatus is configured to operate at different fan speed settings for a given visor given, e.g. low, medium, high modes, it may be desirable to maintain a common fan speed setting across multiple visor types. For example, the common fan speed setting may be a lowest fan speed. By maintaining the lowest fan speed across all visor types, a minimum supply of filtered airflow may be ensured.

In examples, the wearable air purification apparatus further comprises a first speaker assembly arranged to be worn over a first ear of a wearer and a second speaker assembly arranged to be worn over a second ear of the wearer; and wherein the first speaker assembly comprises the fan assembly.

In examples, the detector includes a sensor configured to detect a physical property associated with the visor. In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure a distance to a reference portion of the visor.

In examples, the detector includes a reader configured to detect a machine readable code comprised by the visor. In some examples, the machine readable code is provided as a barcode, a QR code or an RFID tag. In some examples, the reader is an NFC reader arranged to read an RFID tag of the visor.

In examples, the detector includes a light sensor and configured to detect an optical property of the visor, optionally colour or reflectance. In some examples, the light sensor is provided as an RGB colour sensor.

In examples, the detector includes a sensor configured to detect an orientation or position of the visor relative to the wearable air purification apparatus. In some examples, the sensor is provided as a 3-axis magnetometer configured to detect a magnetic orientation or positioning of the visor relative to the wearable air purification apparatus.

In examples, the detector includes a hall effect sensor configured to detect a magnet of the visor.

A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a wearable air purification system including the air purification apparatus; and a visor for attachment to the port of the air purification apparatus and arranged to direct filtered airflow to a wearer of the air purification apparatus.

In examples, the wearable air purification system includes an air quality sensor; wherein the wearable air purification system is configured to prompt the wearer of the air purification system to change the visor attached to the port according to an output of the air quality sensor.

By prompting the wearer of the system to change the visor attached to the apparatus dependent on air quality, it may be ensured that the visor in use matches air quality.

In examples, the wearable air purification system includes a plurality of visors; wherein each visor of the plurality of visors is interchangeably attachable to the port of the wearable air purification apparatus.

The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

Summary of the Figures

Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 shows an air purification system including an air purification apparatus and a visor attached to the apparatus.

Figure 2 shows the air purification system of Figure 1 wherein the visor is detached from the apparatus. Figure 3 shows another visor attachable to the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 with the other visor of Figure 4 attached.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of onboard components of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 6 illustrates a first method of operation relating to the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 7 illustrates a second method of operation relating to the apparatus of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figure 1 illustrates a wearable air purification system 10 embodying aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable air purification system 10 is configured to be worn on a wearer's head and deliver a filtered airflow towards a lower nasal and mouth region of a wearer's face. Consequently, the wearer's exposure to ambient air pollution may desirably be reduced.

The wearable air purification system 10 comprises a wearable air purification apparatus 100 (or 'headgear') for mounting on a wearer's head and generating filtered airflows, and a visor 200 (or 'nozzle'). The visor 200, which in this example is a non-contact visor, provides a structure for directing the filtered airflows from the apparatus 100 to the wearer. In use, the visor 200 directs the airflows from the apparatus 100 towards the lower nasal and mouth region of the wearer's face.

The wearable air purification apparatus 100 has the form of "over-the-ear" headphones, and comprises a headband 110 and left and right housings 120, 130 connected to respective ends of the headband 110.

The headband 110 is generally elongate and arcuate in form and configured to overlie a top and sides of the wearer's head in use. The headband 110 is formed to resiliently hold the housings 120, 130 against opposite sides of the wearer's head, to thereby firmly retain the apparatus 100 mounted on the wearer's head.

The left and right housings 110, 120 are arranged to house components, such as loudspeaker assemblies 121, 131 for generating sound, and fan assemblies 122, 132 for generating filtered airflows.

Suitably each fan assembly 122, 132 comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, a filter and a fan driven by a motor to draw in ambient air through the air inlet and to discharge filtered airflow from the air outlet. Such arrangements of fan assemblies are known and detailed description thereof is therefore omitted. The visor 200 directs the filtered airflows from the fan assemblies 120, 130 towards the lower nasal and mouth region of the wearer's face.

Figure 2 shows the visor 200 detached from the wearable air purification apparatus 100. The visor 200 is removably couplable at left and rights ports 124, 134 to a respective one of the housings 120, 130 of the apparatus 100. In examples, the visor 200 is mechanically coupled to the ports 124, 134. For example, visor 200 be releasably coupled to the apparatus 100 by releasable catches or clips, or by hook and loop fasteners. In further examples, other releasably couplings could be employed for releasably coupling the visor 200 to apparatus 100.

When coupled to the apparatus 100, the visor 200 is configured to extend between the left pod 134 and the right port 124. In use, the visor 200 extends width-wise across the wearer's face, approximately directly in front of the lower nasal and mouth region. The apparatus 100 thereby supports the visor 200 in front of the wearer's face in a non-contact arrangement.

The releasable coupling of the visor 200 to the apparatus 100 allows the wearer to conveniently detach the visor 200 from the apparatus 100. This may enable easier cleaning of the visor 200 separately from the apparatus 100. This may enable more dimensionally compact stowage of the apparatus 100 and visor 200. This may allow easier mounting of the system 10 to the wearer's head, as the wearer may firstly mount the apparatus 100 to their head, and subsequently couple the visor 200 to the pre-mounted apparatus 100. Moreover, the wearer may conveniently attach another visor of a different visor type instead of re-attaching the visor 200.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate another visor 300 attachable to the wearable air purification apparatus 100.

Figure 3 shows the other visor 300. Following detachment of the visor 200, as shown in Figure 2, the other visor 300 is attachable to the wearable air purification apparatus 100, shown in Figure 4. In particular, the other visor 300 is attachable to the ports 124, 134.

The visor 200 and the other visor 300 are examples of different visor types. Different visor types may be distinguished according to physical differences, performance parameters or a combination of both. In this example, the other visor 300 is physically slimmer and intended for applications where air quality is generally better, whereas the visor 200 is physically larger and intended for applications where air quality is generally worse.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates onboard components of the apparatus 100, including a detector 152, an air quality sensor 154, a memory 156, and a controller 158. In this example, the onboard components are housed within the housings 120, 130, i.e. are provided as internal components.

The detector 152 is configured to detect the visor 200, 300 that is currently attached to the apparatus 100 and to transmit a detection signal upon detection of the visor 200, 300. Activation of the detector 152 is activated by any suitable trigger event. In some examples, attachment of the visor 200, 300 causes the detector 152 to be activated. In further examples, manual user input causes the detector 152 to be activated. In yet further examples, the detector 152 is activated automatically at regular intervals.

In some examples, the detector 152 includes a sensor located at each port 124, 134. In other examples, the detector 152 includes a sensor located at one of the ports 124, 134. Further suitable arrangements of at least one sensor are also possible.

In this example, the detector 152 includes an RGB light sensor 159 configured to detect a colour of the visor 200, 300 that is attached to the apparatus 100. The detection signal transmitted by the detector 152 contains information indicative of the colour of each visor 200, 300 and therefore allows identification of the particular sensor type attached to the apparatus 100 as a result of their different colours. In other words, the detection signal generated by the detector 152 is dependent on the visor type of the visor 200, 300 and so enables the controller 158 to distinguish the visors 200, 300 with reference to information stored in the memory 156.

The air quality sensor 154 is configured to monitor ambient air and to transmit an air quality signal indicative of the monitored air quality. In this example, the air quality sensor 154 is a PM2.5 sensor configured to detect particulates with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less. The air quality signal transmitted by the air quality sensor 154 is indicative of the number of particulates in the ambient air and, therefore, indicative of an air quality characteristic. The air quality characteristic is a suitable measure or categorisation of the air quality. Suitably, a plurality of air quality characteristics is defined and the measured air quality categorised accordingly. In this example, a threshold value is specified and concentrations of particulates above said threshold value are categorised as "high pollution", whereas concentrations below said threshold value are categorised as "low pollution". Thus, the air quality signal generated by the air quality sensor 154 is dependent on the air quality and enables the controller 158 to identify the current air quality characteristic with reference to information stored in the memory 156.

The memory 156 is configured to store information which associates each of the plurality of visor types, as represented by the visors 200, 300, with at least one respective fan speed setting and an air quality characteristic. This information is stored using any suitable data structure. In this example, the information stored in the memory 156 is a lookup table.

The information stored by the memory 156 categorises the visors 200, 300 according to visor type. Here, the visor type is indicated in the information stored by the memory 156 as by the value that would be detector 152 and transmitted in the detection signal. That is to say, the detection signal transmitted by the detector 152 contains a value which the controller 158 uses to identify a particular subset of the information stored in the memory 156. This subset of information is associated with the particular visor type. In this example, the information is provided as a lookup table such that identification of the visor type corresponds to looking up the colour detected by the detector 152 by means of the RGB sensor 159.

The information stored in the memory 156 associates each of the plurality of visor types with a plurality of respective fan speed settings.

In this example, multiple fan speeds are associated with each of the visor types. A low' RPM fan speed is associated with both visor types, where RPM stands for revolutions per minute. The low' RPM fan speed is therefore a setting common to all visors 200, 300 and ensures a minimum airflow generated by the system 10 irrespective of the particular visor 200, 300 attached. A 'medium' RPM fan speed and a 'high' RPM fan speed are associated with each visor type. In this example, the 'medium' RPM fan speed and the 'high' RPM fan speed are different for the different visor types.

The information stored by the memory 156 further categorises the visors 200, 300 according to an associated air quality characteristic. Here, the visor 200 is of a higher-performing visor type for generally worse conditions and associated with the 'high pollution' air quality characteristic, whereas the visor 300 is intended for generally better conditions and associated with the 'low pollution' air quality characteristic. Thus, based on the air quality signal it is possible to access the information stored by the memory 156 to identify an entry corresponding to a particular visor type corresponding to the air quality characteristic.

The controller 158 is configured to receive the signals from the detector 152 and the air quality sensor 154, access the memory 156 and to operate the apparatus 100 and, in particular, the fan assemblies 122, 132, based on the information stored in the memory 156. Operation of the apparatus 100 is described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first method of operation relating to the apparatus 100. The first method of operation is concerned with selection of suitable fan speed settings based on the visor 200, 300 attached to the apparatus 100.

In a first step S110, the controller 158 receives the detection signal from the detector 152.

The controller 158 accesses the information stored by the memory 156 using the detection signal to retrieve information that is associated with the particular visor type of the visor 200, 300 attached to the apparatus 100. As set out above, the detection signal is used for identifying a corresponding entry of the

lookup table.

In a second step 5120, the controller 158 selects at least one respective fan speed setting from the information stored in the memory 156.

In this example, multiple fan speed settings are associated with each visor type. The controller 158 retrieves these fan speed settings and enables operation of the fan assemblies 122, 132 based on each one of the fan speed settings.

In a third step 8130, the controller 158 operates the fan assemblies 122, 132.

In some examples, the controller 158 operates the fan assemblies 122, 132 at a default fan speed automatically, for example the 'low' RPM fan speed. In other examples, the controller 158 operates the fan assemblies 122, 132 according to user input, such as an earlier fan speed selection for the previously attached visor type.

Hence, the system 10 enables having multiple different types of visor and the apparatus 100 is able to recognise the type of visor attached so that performance can be updated automatically without user intervention. This may provide a seamless automatic transition of optimised performance for the wearer depending on what visor type they are using and a user-centred way of adjusting the performance.

Figure 7 is another flowchart illustrating a second method of operation relating to the apparatus 100. This second method of operation is concerned with informing the wearer of the apparatus 100 whether the visor type of the currently attached visor 200, 300 is suitable for the detected air quality.

In a first step S210, the controller 158 receives the detection signal from the detector 152.

lookup table.

In a second step S220, the controller 158 receives the air quality signal from the air quality sensor 154.

The controller 158 accesses the information stored by the memory 156 using the air quality signal. In this example, the air quality signal is used for identifying a corresponding entry of the lookup table.

In a third step S230, the controller 158 determines whether the visor type of the currently attached visor matches the current air quality characteristic.

The controller 158 determines that the visor type of the visor 200, 300 does not match the air quality where the entries of the lookup table as identified based on the detection signal and the air quality signal differ. Similarly, the controller 158 determines that the visor type and the air quality match where the same entry of the lookup table is identified based on the detection signal and the air quality signal.

Following determination that the visor type of the visor 200, 300 currently attached to the apparatus 100 does not match the air quality, the controller 158 notifies the wearer. This may be done, for example, using the loudspeaker assemblies 121, 131 and a suitable audible prompt to notify the wearer to change to the other visor 200, 300 of the different visor type.

Hence, the apparatus 100 measures the hyper-local air quality with on-board sensing and notifies the wearer when they should change the visor 200, 300 they are using due to a change in local air quality.

The wearable air purification apparatus 100 described above generates two filtered airflows. A first filtered airflow is generated by the left housing 130 and a second filtered airflow is generated by the right housing 120. In other examples, a different number of filtered airflows is generated, such as a single airflow or a different plurality of airflows.

The onboard components of the apparatus 100 described above are housed within the housings 120, 130. In other examples, some or all of these onboard components may be located externally. For example, the air quality sensor 156 may be located externally, partially or entirely.

The detector 152 as described above is arranged to detect attachment of the visor 200, 300 to the apparatus 100 at the left port 134 by means of the RGB sensor 159. In some examples, the detector 152 is configured to detect the visor 200, 300 at both ports 124, 134. In further examples, the detector 152 is arranged to detect the visor 200, 300 at a different number of different locations.

The apparatus 100 described above includes the air quality sensor 156, but according to other examples no air quality sensor is provided. In particular, the methods of Figures 7 and 8 are independent of each other and in other examples the wearable air purification apparatus is configured to carry out either method, but need not be configured to carry out both methods.

The detector 152 as above includes the optical detector 159 arranged to detect a colour of the currently attached visor. In other examples, a different optical property of the visor may be detected, e.g. reflectance. In yet further examples, the detector 152 may include other sensors. In some examples, the detector includes a sensor configured to detect a physical property associated with the visor, e.g. to measure a distance to a reference portion of the visor. In some examples, the detector includes a reader configured to detect a machine-readable code comprised by the visor, e.g. a barcode or a QR code or an RFID tag. The reader may be an NFC reader arranged to read an RFID tag of the visor. In some examples, the detector includes a sensor configured to detect an orientation or position of the visor relative to the wearable air purification apparatus; e.g. a 3-axis magnetometer configured to detect a magnetic orientation or positioning of the visor relative to the wearable air purification apparatus. In some examples, the detector 152 includes a hall effect sensor configured to detect a magnet of the visor.

The first method of Figure 6 and the second method of Figure 7 are independent methods, and an apparatus need not be configured to carry out both methods. In this example, the apparatus 100 is configured to perform both methods and is provided with the corresponding onboard components. In other examples, an air purification apparatus may be configured to perform just one of the two methods and, accordingly, need not contain all components. For example, an air purification apparatus configured to perform the method of Figure 6 need not contain the air quality sensor 154.

As described above, the first step S210 and the second step S220 of the method described with reference to Figure 7 are set out sequentially but need not be performed as sequential steps. That is to say, these steps can be performed in any order and may also be performed simultaneously.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/-10%.

Claims

Claims: 1. A wearable air purification apparatus comprising: a fan assembly operable to generate a filtered airflow; a port configured for attachment of a visor to direct the filtered airflow to a wearer of the air purification apparatus; a detector configured to detect the visor and to transmit a detection signal upon detection of the visor; a memory configured to store information which associates each of a plurality of visor types with at least one respective fan speed setting; and a controller configured to: receive the detection signal, select, based on the detection signal, at least one respective fan speed setting associated with a visor type from the information stored in the memory, and operate the fan assembly using the at least one respective fan speed setting selected from the information stored in the memory.
2. The wearable air purification apparatus, wherein the information stored in the memory is a lookup table.
3. The wearable air purification apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the information stored in the memory associates each of the plurality of visor types with a plurality of respective fan speed settings.
4. The wearable air purification apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: the information stored in the memory associates each of the plurality of visor types with a common fan speed setting.
5. The wearable air purification apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the common fan speed setting corresponds to a lowest fan speed.
6. The wearable air purification apparatus according to any previous claim, further comprising a first speaker assembly arranged to be worn over a first ear of a wearer and a second speaker assembly arranged to be worn over a second ear of the wearer; and wherein the first speaker assembly comprises the fan assembly and the port.
7. The wearable air purification apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein: the detector includes a sensor configured to detect a physical property associated with the visor.
8. The wearable air purification apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein: the detector includes a reader configured to detect a machine-readable code comprised by the visor.
9. The wearable air purification apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein: the detector includes a light sensor and is configured to detect an optical property of the visor, optionally colour or reflectance.
10. The wearable air purification apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein: the detector includes a sensor configured to detect an orientation or position of the visor relative to the wearable air purification apparatus.
11. The wearable air purification apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein: the detector includes a hall effect sensor configured to detect a magnet of the visor.
12. A wearable air purification system comprising: an air purification apparatus according to any preceding claim; and a visor for attachment to the port of the air purification apparatus and arranged to direct filtered airflow to a wearer of the air purification apparatus.
13. The wearable air purification system according to claim 12, further comprising an air quality sensor; wherein the wearable air purification system is configured to prompt the wearer of the air purification system to change the visor attached to the port according to an output of the air quality sensor.
14. The wearable air purification system according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a plurality of visors; wherein each visor of the plurality of visors is interchangeably attachable to the port of the wearable air purification apparatus.