US20180073751A1

US20180073751A1 - Portable personal ice air conditioner with helmet and jacket enclosure

Info

Publication number: US20180073751A1
Application number: US15/554,017
Authority: US
Inventors: Vijayabhasker Venkatesan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-24
Filing date: 2016-03-03
Publication date: 2018-03-15
Also published as: WO2016151421A1; CN107614982A

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable device for air conditioning using ice for delivering cold air to a person includes ice cabinet, heatsink, ambient air inlet, cabinet fan, blower fan, melted-water outlet, water reservoir, ON/OFF switch, battery, cool air towards person and air for recirculation. The ice cabinet is filled with ice or dry ice for cooling purpose. The heatsink is preferably made of aluminum or copper alloy to produce cooling effect by using the thermal energy of ice. The cold air is distributed by the cabinet fan and blown out through the blower fan toward the person. The person can switch ON the cabinet fan and blower fan which allows the air to circulate uniformly to the person's helmet. Optionally, using optimum clothing arrangement the same cold air can be circulated to the person's entire body including their legs. Optionally, through the closed mechanism in the device, the air passes through the person can again come for recirculation. This arrangement makes the air conditioning device deliver cool air to the person for longer duration with less energy utilization.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The embodiments herein generally relate to cooling systems. More specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to a portable device for air conditioning using regular ice (solid form of water) or dry ice (solid form of carbon-di-oxide) or any other suitable liquid or solid cooled down to a low temperature. Particularly, relates to portable ice air conditioned helmet with jacket or armor enclosure delivering cool and dry air using the thermal energy of ice to a person's face, head, neck and torso for longer duration. Optionally, using optimum clothing arrangement the same cold air can be circulated to the person's entire body including their legs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The human body regulates temperature by keeping a tight balance between heat gain and heat loss. Human beings face many problems at the time of exposing to hot weather. Specifically, motorcycle riders, walkers, construction workers and other people exposed to hot weather faces sweating as one of the main issue. Helmets are proven to be an effective protector especially for motorcycle riders. The helmets are made of non-porous shell made of plastic or any other suitable material which tends to protect the entire head. Person's head emits heat and results to sweat dripping causing discomfort to the person wearing the helmet.
So, helmets are manufactured with air intake openings in the front portion to eradicate the corresponding problem. With an arrangement of providing vents helps the person to intake the oncoming air flow while driving. But if the vehicle stops moving or moves slowly through traffic, there is no air flow through the vents, so the person feels considerably hot and sweaty. Then, there comes the existence of air conditioning device with ventilating systems connected with helmet. But, those designs may not provide optimal cooling to the person.
The current air conditioning solution to the person exposing to hot weather are bulkier and not portable. Further, the air conditioning solution cannot provide cold air for longer duration. Furthermore, the current air conditioning systems uses large amount of Electricity, which requires continuous A.C (alternating current) power or huge batteries rendering continuous D.C (Direct current) power, both are impractical on a small vehicle such as a motor cycle.
Therefore, there is a need for a portable device for air conditioning using ice and using less Battery power, in order to overcome the problem associated with the prior art. Further, there is a need for an ice air conditioned device to deliver cold air using thermal energy of ice for longer duration. Further there is a need for the air conditioning device to deliver cool and dry air without any added moisture. Still, there is a need for a portable device for air conditioning using ice which shall be suitable to wear as a back pack or as an external device, such as a side box for a motorcycle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:
A main object of the present invention is to provide a portable device for air conditioning using thermal energy of ice producing dry cold air with no added moisture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an ice air conditioned device to deliver cold air repeatedly for longer period of duration.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a heatsink made of aluminum or copper alloy or can be made of any other suitable materials to produce cooling effect by using thermal energy of ice. The heatsink is a solid piece of metal with no moving parts or moving fluids. One side of the heatsink is flat, the other side contains a number of fins.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a heatsink to utilize ambient air from the atmosphere and cool it down to lower temperature.
Another object of the present invention is to distribute the cold air which is in contact with the heatsink to other parts of the air cabinet using a cabinet fan.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the air flow from the air cabinet to a blower fan.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a blower fan for moving cooled air towards the person and then optionally, the air which passes through the person can again be recirculated using hose pipes for enhanced cooling effect.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning device which can be used as a backpack air conditioner or as an external article for anyone exposed to hot weather, such as motor cycle drivers.
The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a portable device for air conditioning using ice or dry ice. According to an embodiment, the portable personal air conditioning device using ice, which is delivering cold air to person's torso and head includes ice cabinet, heatsink, ambient air inlet, cabinet fan, blower fan, melted-water outlet, water reservoir, ON/OFF switch, battery, cool air towards person and air for recirculation.
The ice cabinet consists of ice and heatsink. The heatsink is made of aluminum or copper alloy or can be made of any other suitable materials to produce cooling effect by using the thermal energy of ice. The heatsink is a solid piece of metal with no moving parts or moving fluids. One side of the heatsink is flat, the other side contains a number of fins. The top surface of the heatsink, which has smooth and flat surface, forms the bottom of the ice cabinet.
The air cabinet consists of an ambient air inlet, cabinet fan, blower fan, heatsink and cold air outlet. The bottom surface of the heatsink together with it fins forms the top portion of the air cabinet. The cabinet fan is placed close to the fins of the heatsink; wherein the cabinet fan distributes the cold air to all parts of the air cabinet. Hence, the cold air reduces the temperature of all the air trapped inside the air cabinet. The blower fan is a device which sucks in, the cold air from the air cabinet and then blows the air towards the person's face, head, neck and torso through a pipe like connection.
According to an embodiment, the ice cabinet is loaded with ice or dry ice. The top surface of the heatsink comes in contact with ice. As a result, the entire surface of the heatsink including the fins gets colder. The ambient air, which comes in contact with the cold fins of the heatsink, is cooled down to a lower temperature. When the person turns ON the ON/OFF switch, the battery provides power to the cabinet fan and blower fan. The cabinet fan distributes cold air throughout the air cabinet. The blower fan sucks the cold air from the air chamber and blows it to the helmet through the cold air hose. Therefore, cold air circulates around the person's face, head, neck and torso. After touching the person, the cold air can either be left out to the atmosphere or it can be recirculated again to the cooling device through hose pipes. This arrangement makes the air conditioning device to deliver cool air to the person for longer period of duration with less energy utilization. The process continues to provide personal air conditioning to the person with low cost. The ice loaded in the ice cabinet eventually melts to form water. The melted-water outlet collects the melted-water from the ice cabinet and stores in the water reservoir or just drops it to the ground. The whole arrangement except air hose and helmet can be worn by the person as a backpack or fixed to a vehicle such as a motor cycle, as a side box.
These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures the use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram exemplifying a portable personal air conditioner using ice for delivering cold air to person's face, head, neck and torso. according to an embodiment therein;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary model of a portable personal air conditioner using ice for delivering cold air to the person's face, head, neck and torso. according to an embodiment therein; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view along AA′ of the exemplary model of a portable personal air conditioner using ice for delivering cold air to the person's face, head, neck and torso. According to an embodiment therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
As mentioned above, there remains a need for a portable device for air conditioning using ice. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing an ice air conditioned device delivering cold air using thermal energy of ice repeatedly for longer period of duration. According to an example embodiment, the air conditioning device cannot be limited to helmet or backpack and further, it can be extended to any type of external article which can include but not limited to jacket, cap and garments etc.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram exemplifying a portable personal air conditioning device 100 using ice delivering cold air to the person, according to an embodiment. The portable personal air conditioning using ice delivering cold air includes ice cabinet 101, Ice or Dry Ice 102, heatsink 103, melted-water outlet 104, air cabinet 105, ambient air inlet 106, cabinet fan 107, blower fan 108, cool air hose towards person 109, ON/OFF switch 110, battery 111, recirculation air hose 112, and water reservoir 113.
According to an embodiment, the ice cabinet 101 is filled with ice or dry Ice 102 for cooling purpose. Heatsink 103 forms the bottom of this ice cabinet. The heatsink is preferably made of aluminum or copper alloy or can be made of any other suitable material to produce cooling effect by using the thermal energy of ice. The top surface of the heatsink is smooth and flat enabling a large ice or dry ice block to be placed on top of it. The melted-water outlet 104 is provided at a bottom corner of the Ice cabinet. This enables the melted water to be drained out of the ice cabinet 101.
According to an embodiment, the air cabinet contains ambient air inlet 106, cabinet fan 107, and a blower fan 108. The ambient air from the atmosphere is allowed to enter the air cabinet through the ambient air inlet 106. The Cabinet fan 107 is placed close to the fins of the heatsink. The cold air is distributed to all parts of the air cabinet by the cabinet fan 107. Hence the cold air reduces the temperature of all the air trapped inside the air cabinet. The blower fan 108 is a device, which sucks air from one side and then blows out the air towards the other side. The air from the blower fan travels through the cool air hose 109 to reach the person.
An ON/OFF switch 110 is preferably placed on the outer walls of the device, thus making it easier for the person to use it. This switch controls the power supply to the cabinet fan 107 and blower fan 108. The battery 111 provides power to the cabinet fan 107 and blower fan 108 through the switch 110. The battery is preferably placed outside the device. Optionally, power supply can be taken from the vehicle's battery as well. The recirculation air hose 112 is used to redirect the used air after touching the person, towards the air cabinet once again for cooling. The recirculated air further enhances the cooling effect. The recirculation air hose is an optional feature. The water reservoir 113 stores the melted water coming through the melted water outlet 104. The water reservoir 113 is an optional feature, in absence of which the melted water can be left to the ground.
In a preferred embodiment, the ice cabinet 101 is loaded with ice, then the person can turn ON the ON/OFF switch 110. The ON/OFF switch triggers the process of ambient air being sucked in through the air inlet 106 by turning on the blower fan 108. Upon touching the cold fins of the heatsink 103, the temperature of ambient air is lowered. Then the cabinet fan 107 blows the cold air towards all areas of the air cabinet 105, thus lowering the temperature of all the air that is trapped inside the air cabinet. The blower fan 108 sucks the cold air and blows it through the cool air hose 109. The cold air which is blown out is circulated around the person's face, head, neck and torso thus helping the person to feel colder. With this arrangement, the person can comfortably use the device in motor cycle or can be carried as a back pack. In an embodiment, the melted-water from the ice cabinet is collected from the melted-water outlet 104 and can be stored in the water reservoir 113 which is preferably placed at the bottom of the air cabinet. The water reservoir is optional, as the melted water can also be left to the ground.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary model of a portable personal air conditioner 200 using ice for delivering cold air to the person's face, head, neck and torso according to the embodiment. The exemplary model of the portable personal air conditioner using ice or dry ice includes helmet 201, cold air that enters the helmet 202, jacket or armor enclosure 203, ice cabinet 101, Ice or Dry Ice 102, heatsink 103, melted-water outlet 104, air cabinet 105, ambient air inlet 106, cabinet fan 107, blower fan 108, cool air hose towards person 109, ON/OFF switch 110, battery 111, recirculation air hose 112 (optional), and water reservoir 113 (optional)
In the embodiment the exemplary model of a portable personal air conditioner 200 using ice or dry ice generates cold air from the ice cabinet 101 by means of cabinet fan 107 and blower fan 108 through the cool air hose 109. Further, to turn ON the cabinet fan 107 and blower fan 108, the ON/OFF switch 110 is provided. The cabinet fan 107 circulates cold air throughout the space inside the air cabinet. The blower fan 108 utilizes the ambient air from the atmosphere through the ambient air inlet 106 to provide fresh air inside the helmet 201. The cold air 202 from the cool air hose 109 enters and circulates inside the helmet 201. Optionally the same air can be circulated throughout the jacket or armor enclosure 203 in order to further cool the neck and torso regions of the person. The melted water from the ice cabinet 101 is drained out through the melted-water outlet 104. The whole setup except air hose 109, helmet 201 and jacket or armor enclosure 203 can be worn by the person as a backpack or placed as a side box in a motorcycle. Furthermore the cold air delivery can be extended for the person's neck, torso and any other part of the person's body including their legs.
FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view along AA′ of the exemplary model of a portable personal air conditioner 300 using ice for delivering cold air to the person's head, according to an embodiment. The sectional view along AA′ of the exemplary model of a portable personal air conditioner using ice clearly shows the components assembled inside the portable personal air conditioner. The device comprises of an ice cabinet lid 301, an insulating foaming 302, the outer plastic shell 303, the heatsink 103, cabinet fan 107 and the blower fan 108.
In the embodiment, the ice cabinet lid 301 covers the ice cabinet 101 without any thermal leakage. The ice cabinet lid 301 allows the person to add ice cubes or ice blocks inside the ice cabinet 101. Further, the insulating foam 302 is provided around the entire outside surface of the air conditioning device 100 to prevent heat exchange between atmosphere and the device through radiation, convection and conduction. The insulating foam 302 is further covered by the outer plastic shell 303 to enhance heat insulation and aesthetic looks of the device. The heatsink 103 is provided on top of the cabinet fan 107 and blower fan 108 to circulate cold air using the thermal energy of ice.
According to an embodiment, the air conditioning device 100 can also be used as a backpack air conditioner for anyone exposed to hot weather. Since Ice is never in direct contact with air, the air conditioning device 100 produces dry cold air with very no added moisture.
According to an embodiment, the air conditioning device 100 delivers cold air to the person in every situation. The increased comfort proposed by the air conditioning device has the potential to extend the comfort of the person substantially with portable weight, low cost and with less energy utilization.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable device for air conditioning using ice delivering cold dry air without any added moisture, to a person's face, head, neck and torso comprises:

at least one ice cabinet, one heatsink, at least one cabinet fan, at least one blower fan, at least one ON/OFF switch, at least one ambient air inlet, at least one cold air outlet, at least one melted-water outlet, at least one water reservoir, at least one air hose and at least one insulating foaming;

wherein the ice cabinet includes regular ice (solid form of water) or dry ice (solid form of carbon-di-oxide) or any other coolant which reduces the temperature of ambient air with a help of heatsink, blower fan and cabinet fan assembly; and

further the cold air that is generated from the air cabinet, blows forcibly through the cold air outlet via the air hose to the helmet of the person and not limited to the helmet. Using optimum clothing arrangement the same cold air can be circulated to the person's entire body including their legs.

2. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the ice cabinet includes an ice cabinet lid to add ice cubes inside the ice cabinet and to seal the ice cabinet from external heat exchange.

3. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the heatsink has a smooth and flat top portion which is fixed in such a way that to make contact with the ice or dry ice.

4. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the heatsink has fins at one portion which is fixed inside the air cabinet to form the top of the air cabinet.

5. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 4, wherein the fins of the heatsink transfers the thermal cooling energy of the Ice or dry Ice to cool the entire ambient air that is being sucked in to the Air cabinet thereby making the air cool and dry, wherein the Ice is never in direct contact with the air being cooled, thereby no added moisture content in the air, which is being delivered to the person.

6. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the heatsink is preferably made of aluminum or copper alloy or can be made of any other suitable material with good thermal conductivity.

7. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the cabinet fan is preferably placed close to the fins of the heatsink to lower the temperature of the trapped air inside the air cabinet.

8. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the cabinet fan and blower fan are turned ON by the ON/OFF switch and that is powered either by an external battery or from the vehicle's battery.

9. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 8, wherein the blower fan sucks in the ambient air all the way through the air cabinet and blows the air forcibly through the cold air outlet.

10. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the cold air outlet allows the cool air towards the person's helmet through the air hose and then optionally, the air shall be recirculated towards the air cabinet, after heat exchange takes place at the helmet.

11. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 2, wherein the ice cubes is melted due to heat exchange and the resultant melted water is drained out via the melted-water outlet and stored in a water reservoir or left to the ground.

12. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the ice cabinet is enclosed by a insulating foaming to prevent heat exchange between ice cabinet and surrounding atmosphere by means of radiation, convection, and conduction.

13. The portable device for air conditioning of claim 1, wherein the insulating foam is further covered by an outer plastic shell to enhance heat insulation and aesthetic looks of the device.