US20220307708A1

US20220307708A1 - Desiccant air purification device

Info

Publication number: US20220307708A1
Application number: US17/694,318
Authority: US
Inventors: Chang Yul Cha; Suk-Bae Cha; George Crandell; Craig Henricksen; William Walden
Original assignee: Kayo Labs Inc
Current assignee: Kayo Labs Inc
Priority date: 2021-03-25
Filing date: 2022-03-14
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Also published as: TW202242327A; WO2022204319A1

Abstract

An air purification device includes a housing configured to house a desiccant material filter and a fan coupled to the housing and configured to cause airflow to pass through the desiccant material filter. Moisture is to be collected from the airflow by the desiccant material filter. The moisture is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave energy.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/166,033, filed Mar. 25, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to air purification devices, and in particular to desiccant air purification devices.

BACKGROUND

Air can include contaminants. Contaminants can include particulate matter, ground-level ozone, carbon, monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. Other contaminants include microorganisms (e.g., living and non-living) and agents that cause infectious diseases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

FIGS. 1A-B are block diagrams illustrating air purification devices, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate air purification devices, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate air purification devices, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of using an air purification device, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described herein are related to desiccant air purification devices.
Safe breathable air is a basic human need. The safety of indoor air is now one of the most important issues facing governments, business operators, and consumers worldwide. Even before the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (e.g., coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), novel coronavirus) crisis began, indoor air quality was recognized as an emerging global health issue. The World Health Organization has estimated that one in every eight people die due to factors attributable to poor indoor air. However, since most of these deaths occur in developing countries, indoor air safety has not been a focus of global attention until the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air can include many contaminants including particulate matter (e.g., particles), ground-level ozone, carbon, monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, microorganisms (e.g., living and non-living organisms), viruses, allergens, and agents. Contaminants in the air can harm human health, harm the environment, and cause property damage.
Contaminants in the air can include microorganisms and pathogens. Microorganisms (e.g., microscopic organisms) live in almost every habitat around the world. Pathogens (e.g., infectious agent, something that causes a disease, living and non-living organisms, etc.) include infectious microorganisms and agents, such as virus (e.g., non-enveloped virus, enveloped virus), bacterium, protozoan, prion, viroid, and fungus. For example, some pathogenic bacteria cause diseases such as plague, tuberculosis, and anthrax. In another example, some protozoan parasites cause diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness, dysentery, and toxoplasmosis. In another example, some fungi cause diseases such as ring worm, candidiasis, or histoplasmosis. Some pathogenic viruses cause influenza virus (e.g., the flu), yellow fever, COVID-19, and the like. COVID-19 and other diseases such as influenza and the common cold have been shown to be readily transmitted by airborne pathogens.
Contaminants (e.g., pathogens) can be spread via moisture droplets. Moisture droplets (e.g., respiratory droplets) can be produced (e.g., exhaled) by talking, singling, breathing, coughing, sneezing, etc. The moisture droplets travel through the air and some contaminate surfaces. People can become infected by coming into contact with the moisture droplets in the air or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, and/or mouth). In some instances, pathogens may be spread by an infected person before and while showing symptoms.
Some pathogens (e.g., the influenza virus) spread around the world in periodical outbreaks, resulting in millions of cases of severe illness and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Some pathogens have vaccines or specific antiviral treatments, while others do not. Pandemics (e.g., COVID-19) are spread by a pathogen causing a disease across a large region, affecting a substantial number of people within a short period of time.
Conventionally, to avoid spreading disease caused by contaminants carried by moisture droplets, normal guidelines are for people to cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing, stay home when sick, and wash their hands often. While this may reduce some spread of disease, not everyone follows these guidelines, moisture droplets containing contaminants can still spread via talking and breathing, and contaminants (e.g., pathogens) can be spread by an infected person before showing symptoms.
Conventionally, filters may be used (e.g., in building ventilation systems, in vehicle ventilation systems, etc.) to improve air quality. Conventional approaches are only partial solutions. Conventional filters capture but do not destroy contaminants (e.g., so that the contaminants no longer pose a threat) and require frequent replacement adding cost and creating a disposal hazard. Conventional filters are unable to capture small particles (e.g., smaller than 30 nm in size). Viruses like COVID-19 are small in size (e.g., significantly smaller than 30 nm) and are often found in droplets and particles also small in size (e.g., smaller than 30 nm in size) and can escape even the most robust conventional filtration systems. Further, as trapped moisture droplets dry and break-up, fragments can escape the filter and pose a significant additional infection risk. Some conventional filtration systems are fundamentally slow, often requiring hours to clean a room-size space after a single contamination. As a result, conventional approaches are unsuited for real-world applications. Because there is no effective means of neutralizing airborne COVID-19 available today, governments worldwide have been forced to implement policies to mitigate the spread of the disease, causing devastating economic damage and leaving businesses and consumers frantically searching for solutions. As such, there is an immediate and unmet need for air purifying products that can effectively destroy airborne contaminants like COVID-19.
The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide an air purification device (e.g., desiccant air purification device, air purification system). The air purification device includes a housing configured to house a desiccant material filter (e.g., that includes silica gel, a polyacrylate, etc.). In some embodiments, the air purification device includes a fan coupled to the housing and configured to cause airflow to pass thorough the desiccant material filter. The desiccant material collects moisture (e.g., and contaminants in the moisture) from the airflow. The moisture is removed from the desiccant material filter via heat and/or microwave energy. The contaminants in the moisture are destroyed via the heat and/or microwave energy. The removing of moisture (e.g., and destroying the contaminants) from the desiccant material filter may be referred to as regenerating the desiccant material filter.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is configured to be removably inserted in the housing of the air purification device. After use of the air purification device, the desiccant material filter is removed from the housing and the desiccant material filter is exposed to heat and/or microwave energy to remove the moisture
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed in a regeneration device to regenerate (e.g., remove the moisture and/or contaminants from) the desiccant material filter. In some examples, the regeneration device is a microwave oven and the desiccant material filter is placed in a microwave oven for a threshold amount of time at a threshold power setting (e.g., about 2 to 5 minutes at about 800-1000 Watts (W)). In some examples, the regeneration device is a microwave oven and the desiccant material filter is placed in an oven (e.g., kitchen oven) for a threshold amount of time at a threshold temperature (e.g., about 1-3 hours at about 250 degrees Fahrenheit). In some embodiments, the air purification device is placed in the regeneration device.
In some embodiments, an indication is provided of when to regenerate the desiccant material filter. In some examples, the air purification device has a controller that provides an alert to regenerate the desiccant material filter after a threshold amount of time, after a threshold amount of use of the air purification device, or based on sensor data (e.g., humidity data, electrical data of the desiccant material filter such as resistance data or voltage data of the desiccant material filter, etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the desiccant material filter (e.g., spherical beads of silica gel, a polyacrylate, powder, etc.) is a first color when in a substantially dry state and is a second color when in a substantially saturated state (e.g., when the desiccant material filter is to be regenerated).
In some embodiments, the air purification device is a portable device that can be placed on a table, desk, cup holder, floor, etc. In some embodiments, the air purification device is configured to be mounted to the wall. In some embodiments, the air purification device is configured to be cover at least a portion of the face of a user (e.g., is a face mask, a face shield, a helmet, etc.).
The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein have advantages over conventional solutions. The air purification device of the present disclosure removes more contaminants (e.g., disposed in moisture) from the air than conventional solutions. The air purification device of the present disclosure uses a desiccant material filter that is configured to be regenerated and reused which increases efficiency and reduces waste compared to conventional solutions. In some embodiments, the air purification device of the present disclosure is portable and provides greater reduction of contaminants than conventional solutions. The contaminants collected by the desiccant material filter of the air purification device of the present disclosure are destroyed compared to conventional solutions that do not destroy contaminants. This allows the air purification device to improve health and improve the indoor environment compared to conventional systems.
FIGS. 1A-B are block diagrams illustrating air purification devices 100 (e.g., desiccant air purification device), according to certain embodiments.
Air purification device 100 includes a housing 110 configured to house a desiccant material filter 120. The housing 110 may form an inlet 112, outlet 114, and cavity that are fluidly coupled to each other. The desiccant material filter 120 may be disposed in the cavity. Airflow may enter the inlet 112, go through the desiccant material filter 120 in the cavity, and exit through the outlet 114.
The desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., at a substantially dry state, at an unsaturated state, prior to achieving a substantially saturated state) collects moisture (e.g., that contains contaminants) from airflow passing through the housing 110. After a threshold amount of moisture is collected, the desiccant material filter 120 becomes substantially saturated (e.g., cannot collect more moisture from the airflow). The desiccant material filter 120 is regenerated (e.g., reactivated, re-dried, recharged, reconditioned, etc.) by being exposed to heat and/or microwave energy to remove the moisture from the desiccant material filter 120.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is regenerated by being placed a regenerating device. In some embodiments, the regeneration device is a microwave oven, kitchen oven, standalone recharging base (e.g., heating or microwave energy generating device that is configured to receive the desiccant material filter 120 and regenerate the desiccant material filter via heat and/or microwave energy), etc.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is regenerated by being placed in a heating device (e.g., kitchen oven) for about 1-5 hours at about 200-300° F. In some embodiments, desiccant material filter 120 is regenerated by being placed in a microwave energy generating device (e.g., microwave oven) for about 2-5 minutes at about 800-1000 W.
In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is placed in a regenerating device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen oven, etc.) and receives heat and/or microwave energy (e.g., without removing the desiccant material filter 120 from the housing 110) to regenerate the desiccant material filter 120. In some examples, the air purification device 100 does not include metal and is configured to be placed in a microwave oven to receive microwave energy. In some examples, the portion of the air purification device 100 that is placed in the microwave oven does not include metal (e.g., includes one or more of fabric, plastic, ceramic, etc.). In some examples, the portion of the air purification device 100 that is placed in a heating device does not include heat-sensitive materials.
In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 includes a regeneration component 140 (e.g., heating component, microwave energy generator) coupled to the housing 110 (e.g., disposed in the housing 110) that provides the heat and/or microwave energy to regenerate the desiccant material filter 120. In some embodiments, the regeneration component 140 provides microwave energy (e.g., microwaves) at radiofrequency energies selected from the range of about 500 to 5000 MHz. In some embodiments, the regeneration component 140 provides microwave energy (e.g., microwaves) from about 850 MHz to about 2450 GHz. The air purification device 100 may operate continuing cycles of adsorption (e.g., airflow without microwave energy) and desorption (e.g., microwave energy with or without airflow). In some embodiments, the microwave energy is employed at about 1000 watts.
In some embodiments, desiccant material filter 120 is removed from the air purification device 100 and placed in a regenerating device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen oven, etc.) that provides the heat and/or microwave energy to regenerate desiccant material filter 120 and then desiccant material filter 120 is re-inserted in the housing 110 of the air purification device 100. In some examples, the desiccant material filter 120 does not include metal and is configured to be placed in a microwave oven to receive microwave energy. In some embodiments, microwave energy causes the moisture in the desiccant material filter 120 to become steam and the steam destroys the contaminants (e.g., the desiccant material filter 120 is not directly heated by the microwave energy which may prevent loss of efficiency of the desiccant material filter 120).
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 includes an enclosure 122 and a handling feature 124 coupled to the enclosure 122. The handling feature 124 is configured to be secured (e.g., grasped by fingers of a user) to move (e.g., remove, place, pick up, re-insert) the desiccant material filter 120 without touching the desiccant material 126 (e.g., or other parts of the desiccant material filter 120). Desiccant material 126 is disposed in the enclosure 122. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the enclosure 122 is at least partially transparent to be able to view the desiccant material 126.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is a packet of silica gel and/or a polyacrylate that has a dimension (e.g., length, diameter, etc.) of about 12 inches. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is a pillow of about 10 to 12 inches (e.g., length) by about 6 inches (e.g., width). In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is placed on a tray to be inserted into the cavity formed by the housing 110 of the air purification device 100.
In some embodiments, the enclosure 122 is one or more of a sachet, a porous bag, a fabric enclosure, or porous packet. In some embodiments, the enclosure 122 substantially retains a shape that substantially matches the cavity of the housing 110.
In some embodiments, the handling feature 124 is part of the enclosure 122. The handling feature 124 may include a protrusion configured to be secured by a user to move (e.g., remove, insert) the desiccant material filter 120 without touching the desiccant material 126.
The desiccant material 126 may induce or sustain a state of dryness (e.g., desiccation) in vicinity of the desiccant material 126. The desiccant material 126 may be hygroscopic (e.g., attract and hold water molecules via absorption or adsorption from the surrounding environment). The desiccant material 126 may be hydrophilic (e.g., attracts water molecules).
In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes one or more of silica (SiO₂), silica gel, a polyacrylate, sodium polyacrylates, super-absorbent polymer (SAP), anionic polyelectrolyte, potassium SAP, lithium SAP, ammonium SAP, super-absorbent nanofiber (SAN), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) (polymer matrix), SAP combined with PVA, hydrogel, clay-polymer hydrogel, clay, polyethylene oxide (PEO), sodium polyacrylates (PAAS), metal ions, chitosan, chitosan/sodium polyacrylates polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels (CPG), epichlorohydrin (ECH), activated charcoal, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, molecular sieve (e.g., zeolite), and/or the like. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 is a coating on a material. For example, the desiccant material 126 can be sprayed as resin on fiber. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 is a coating for a fibrous filter (e.g., a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, fibrous filter with coating of desiccant material, HEPA filter with a coating of desiccant material, etc.). In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 is disposed in an enclosure (e.g., perforated enclosure, bag, enclosure similar to a flour bag, etc.). In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 has anti-microbial features. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 collects contaminants and the contaminants are destroyed via one or more of heat, microwave energy, and/or material properties of the desiccant material 126.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes spherical beads (e.g., of silica gel, polyacrylates, etc.) that are about 1-8 millimeters (mm) in diameter (e.g., 2-5 mm, 3-5 mm, or 4-8 mm in diameter). In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 include powder (e.g., about 100 to 500 microns in diameter). In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes different sizes of material (e.g., two or more of powder, beads, pellets, etc.). In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 is formed into shapes (e.g., capsules, pellets, etc.) that are adhered to each other (e.g., glued together) or placed in a semipermeable membrane. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 is placed in a structure (e.g., honeycomb structure). The structure may be made of ceramic, aluminum mesh, etc. The structure may be coated. In some examples, a structure forms cavities (e.g., hexagon-shaped, pentagon-shaped, rectangular-shaped, etc.) and the desiccant material 126 (e.g., in the form of pills, capsules, pellets, beads, powder, etc.) is placed in the cavities of the structure. The structure may conduct heat through the desiccant material 126 evenly.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 can have an adsorption capacity of about 20-50%. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 can absorb about 20-50% (e.g., about 40%) moisture of its weight in water vapor. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 changes color when changing from a substantially dry state (e.g., substantially unsaturated state) to a substantially saturated state.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 may include a powder that is a mixture of silica gel, polyacrylates, alumina zeolites, metal oxide, silicon carbide, and/or the like. The powder may be formed into a pellet, enclosed in a capsule (e.g., heatable capsule), etc. The desiccant material 126 is configured to one or more of receive heat, absorb moisture, absorb VOCs, etc.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes silica gel and methyl-violet and is orange or light red at a substantially dry state (e.g., substantially moisture free, unsaturated state, etc.) and is dark green to black at a substantially saturated state (e.g., moisture). The desiccant material 126 may change color from orange to green when saturated with moisture to about 15% by weight.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes silica gel and cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) (e.g., a heavy metal salt) and is a deep-blue color at a substantially dry state (e.g., moisture free) and is pink at a substantially saturated state (e.g., moisture). Anhydrous cobalt chloride is blue and then turns purple when cobalt chloride bonds with two water molecules (CoCl₂.2H₂O). Further hydration results in the pink hexaaquacobalt(II) chloride complex [Co(H₂O)₆]Cl₂. The desiccant material 126 may change color from blue to pink as it becomes saturated.
In some embodiments, the housing 110 has an access component 116 (e.g., door, latch, removable pane, etc.). The access component 116 may be actuated (e.g., opened, removed, at least partially removed) to remove the desiccant material filter 120 from the housing 110 and to re-insert the desiccant material filter 120 into the housing 110. In some embodiments, the access component 116 is secured to the desiccant material filter 120. In some embodiments, the access component 116 is the handling feature 124 of the desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., and is at least partially transparent so that at least a portion of the desiccant material 126 is viewable from outside the air purification device 100). In some embodiments, the access component 116 is separate from the desiccant material filter 120.
At least a portion of the housing 110 (e.g., access component 116) and at least a portion of the enclosure 122 of the desiccant material filter 120 may be at least partially transparent to allow viewing the desiccant material 126 to determine if the desiccant material filter 120 is to be regenerated.
In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 includes one or more electrical components that are electrically coupled. The air purification device 100 may include electrical components including one or more of a fan 130, a regeneration component 140, a user interface 142, a power source 144, one or more sensors 146, a wireless component 148, a controller 150, and/or one or more additional components 160. The controller 150 may control and communication with one or more of the electrical components.
The power source 144 may provide power for one or more of the electrical components. In some embodiments, the power source 144 includes a battery (e.g., rechargeable battery, disposable battery). In some embodiments, the power source 144 includes a solar power generator. In some embodiments, the power source 144 is coupled to an electrical port 118 to receive power. The electrical port 118 may be a port configured to receive a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a micro USB cable, a USB Type-C cable, and/or the like. The power source 144 may be coupled to an electrical conduit that is configured to be connected to an electrical outlet for operation of the air purification device 100.
In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 includes a fan 130 to cause airflow to pass through the desiccant material filter 120. The fan 130 may cause airflow to enter the inlet 112, pass through the desiccant material filter 120 disposed in the cavity of the housing 110, and exit through the outlet 114. In some embodiments, the fan is reversible to cause air to switch between entering the inlet 112, passing through the desiccant material filter 120, and exiting through the outlet 114 and entering the outlet 114, passing through the desiccant material filter 120, and exiting through the inlet 112. In some embodiments, the outlet 114 is configured to provide the filtered airflow proximate a face of the user.
The regeneration component 140 may be a heating component and/or a microwave energy generator that provides the heat and/or microwave energy to regenerate the desiccant material filter 120. The controller 150 may cause the regeneration component 140 to generate heat and/or microwave energy periodically (e.g., after a threshold amount of time, after a threshold amount of use). The controller 150 may cause the regeneration component 140 to generate heat and/or microwave energy based on sensor data from sensors 146. The controller 150 may cause the regeneration component 140 to generate heat and/or microwave energy responsive to user input via the user interface 142 or wireless component 148. The regeneration component 140 may be disposed proximate the desiccant material filter 120. The controller 150 may cause the fan 130 to provide airflow in conjunction with (e.g., during, before, after, etc.) the regeneration component 140 providing heat and/or microwave energy.
The user interface 142 may be one or more of a button, a switch, a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display), one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), and or the like. The user interface 142 may display one or more of an operation schedule, moisture content (e.g., percent saturation, etc.) of the desiccant material filter 120, battery level of power source 144, operation time left (e.g., until power source 144 is depleted, until desiccant material filter 120 is substantially saturated), sensor data, whether the air purification device 100 is currently operating, etc. In some examples, the user interface includes one or more LEDs that indicate when the desiccant material filter 120 is to be regenerated (e.g., is substantially saturated) and/or when the power source 144 is to be recharged (e.g., the battery level is below a threshold battery level). In some embodiments, the user interface 142 receives user input (e.g., to control one or more of the electrical components).
The wireless component 148 may communicate data between the controller 150 and other devices (e.g., other air purification devices, a user device, a server device, a smartphone, a computer, etc.). In some embodiments, the wireless component 148 transmits data (e.g., sensor data, operation data, etc.) to other devices. In some embodiments, the wireless component 148 receives user input (e.g., to control one or more of the electrical components).
The user interface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive user input to actuate (e.g., turn on, turn off, increase speed, decrease speed, set for a period of time) the fan 130. The user interface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive user input to actuate (e.g., turn on, turn off, adjust heat, adjust power level of microwave energy, set for a period of time, etc.) the regeneration component 140. The user interface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive user input to set a schedule (e.g., points in time to actuate fan 130, regeneration component 140, and/or one or more additional components 160). The user interface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive user input to actuate (e.g., turn on, turn off, adjust, set for a period of time, etc.) the one or more additional components 160.
The sensors 146 may provide sensor data to the controller 150. The sensor data may include one or more of temperature, pressure, airflow rate, humidity level, amount of contaminants, data associated with type of contaminants, data associated with off gassing of contaminants, resistance data of the desiccant material filter 120, voltage data of the desiccant material filter 120, etc.
The controller 150 may include a processing device and memory (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium that stores instructions that when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform one or more of operations). The controller may be a computer system 500 of FIG. 5.
The controller 150 may be configured to provide an alert via user interface 142 and/or wireless component 140 (e.g., to perform a corrective action, regenerate the desiccant material filter, charge the power source 144, add water to a humidifier component, a threshold amount of contaminants in the airflow, etc.) based on sensor data from sensors. The sensor data may include humidity data, electrical data of the desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., resistance data or voltage data of the desiccant material filter 120, etc.), weight of the desiccant material filter 120, change in sensor data, etc.
The air purification device 100 may include one or more additional components 160. The additional components 160 may include a humidifier component, a filtration component, an ionizing component, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a humidity level of the airflow is to be increased via an additional component 160 (e.g., the humidifier component) subsequent to passing through the desiccant material filter 120. The desiccant material filter 120 may collect existing moisture (e.g., and contaminants in the moisture) in the airflow and the humidifier component may then increase the humidity in the airflow (e.g., viruses may be harder to transmit at higher humidity level). In some embodiments, an additional component 160 (e.g., filtration component such as an ultra violet light filtration component) is configured to destroy contaminants in the humidifier component. In some embodiments, an additive is added to the airflow after passing through the desiccant material filter 120. For example, the humidifier component may include one or more additives (e.g., peroxide) in water in a water reservoir that are configured to kill aerosolized contaminants or contaminants on surfaces proximate the air purification device 100. In some embodiments, the airflow is to be ionized via an additional component 160 (e.g., the ionizing component) subsequent to passing through the desiccant material filter 120.
In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 uses one or more products (e.g., desiccant material filter 120, etc.) and/or one or more processes (e.g., using heat and/or microwave to destroy contaminants collected by the desiccant material filter 120) relating to COVID-19 (e.g., destroying COVID-19 from the airflow, destroying COVID-19 trapped in the desiccant material filter 120) that is subject to an applicable Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for COVID-19 use.
The air purification device 100 may be one or more of a portable device, a mountable device, insertable in a ventilation system, insertable in ductwork of a ventilation system, a face mask, a helmet, etc.
FIGS. 2A-C illustrate air purification devices 100, according to certain embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 2A, air purification device 100 may be portable and configured to be disposed on a substantially horizontal surface. For example, air purification device 100 can be disposed on a table, desk, night stand, floor, chair, etc. The air purification device 100 may be configured to be disposed in a vehicle (e.g., configured to fit in a cup holder, etc.). The air purification device 100 can be used in a wide variety of locations to improve indoor air quality. Airflow 210 may enter at a lower portion of the air purification device 100 and may exit at an upper portion of the air purification device 100.
Referring to FIG. 2B, air purification device 100 may be configured to be mounted on a substantially vertical surface (e.g., on a wall). The air purification device 100 may be mounted on a wall in a room (e.g., office, bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc.) wherein indoor air quality is to be improved. Airflow 210 may enter at a lower portion of the air purification device 100 and may exit at an upper or lateral portion of the air purification device 100. As shown in FIG. 2B, a rear surface, side surface, upper surface, and/or lower surface of the air purification device 100 may be mounted to a substantially vertical surface.
Referring to FIG. 2C, air purification device 100 may be coupled to a ventilation unit 200 (e.g., heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, building ventilation unit, vehicle ventilation unit, etc.). The air purification device may be disposed in the ventilation unit 200 and/or in the ducting 202 coupled to the ventilation unit 200. Ducting 202 may include one or more of supply air ducting, return air ducting, outside air ducting, piping, and/or the like.
In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is disposed inside the airflow within the ventilation unit 200 (e.g., before or after the heat exchanger and/or cooling coil). By disposing the air purification device 100 before the heat exchanger and/or cooling coil, the air purification device 100 may prevent contaminants from damaging or soiling the heat exchanger and/or cooling coil. By locating the air purification device 100 after the heat exchanger and/or cooling coil, the desiccant material filter of the air purification device 100 may regenerated less often (e.g., other components of the ventilation unit 200 remove some of the contaminants from the airflow). In some embodiments, the ventilation unit 200 provides the airflow through the air purification device 100 (e.g., the air purification device 100 may not include a fan).
FIGS. 3A-C illustrate air purification devices 100, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, air purification device 100 is configured to at least partially cover a face of a user (e.g., cover at least the nose and mouth of the user).
Referring to FIGS. 3A-B, the air purification device 100 may have a housing 110 that is a flexible material (e.g., fabric) that is configured to conform to a face of a user. The air purification device 100 may have attaching components 310 coupled to the housing 110 to attach the air purification device 100 to a user (e.g., elastic loops that fit over the ears, cords configured to attach to each other at a rear of the head or neck of the user, etc.).
A desiccant material filter 120 may be disposed in the housing 110 (e.g., in a cavity formed by the fabric housing) of the air purification device 100. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is configured to be removed from the air purification device 100 (e.g., face mask) to be regenerated via heat and/or microwave energy. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is configured to be regenerated via heat and/or microwave energy while being disposed in the air purification device 100 (e.g., the face mask housing the desiccant material filter 120 is placed in a microwave oven and receives microwave energy, the air purification device 100 does not include metal).
Referring to FIG. 3A, air inhaled by the user and air exhaled by the user may pass through the desiccant material filter 120. In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 includes one or more valves (e.g., one-way valves, release valves) so that air to be inhaled by the user (e.g., airflow provided from ambient air) passes through the desiccant material filter 120 and air exhaled by the user (e.g., airflow provided from the user to ambient air) does not pass through the desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., passes through fabric of the housing 110 without going through the desiccant material filter 120). This may reduce how often the desiccant material filter 120 is to be regenerated (e.g., the desiccant material filter 120 does not receive the moisture exhaled by the user.
Referring to FIG. 3B, the air purification device 100 may include an inlet filter 302 and an outlet filter 304. The air purification device 100 may include one or more valves (e.g., one way valves) so that air to be inhaled by the user (e.g., airflow provided form ambient air) passes through the inlet filter 302 and airflow exhaled by the user (e.g., airflow provided from the user to ambient air) passes through the outlet filter 304. In some embodiments, the inlet filter 302 is a desiccant material filter 120. The airflow is to be provided from ambient air, through the desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., inlet filter 302), and to the user. The outlet filter 304 may be the same or a different type of filter (e.g., a non-desiccant material filter that would not become saturated with moisture from the user, a cloth filter). The second airflow (e.g., exhaled air) is to be provided from the user, through the outlet filter 304 (e.g., a second filter, cloth filter), and to the ambient air without passing through the desiccant material filter 120.
Referring to FIG. 3C, the air purification device 100 may include an inlet filter 302, an outlet filter, and one or more fans 140. The air purification device 100 may be provided over at least the nose and mouth of the user. In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is provided over the nose, mouth, and eyes of the user. In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is provided over the face of the user. In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is provided over the head of the user (e.g., similar to a full face helmet). The air purification device 100 may form a substantially sealed volume where airflow into the volume comes through an inlet filter 302 and airflow out of the volume goes through an outlet filter 304 (e.g., the air purification device 100 is substantially sealed against the neck of the user).
A fan 130 may be disposed in the air purification device 100 proximate the inlet filter 302 (e.g., desiccant material filter 120) to provide airflow from ambient air through the inlet filter 302. A fan 130 may be disposed in the air purification device 100 proximate the outlet filter 304 (e.g., another type of filter, non-desiccant material filter) to provide airflow from the user (e.g., exhaled air) through the outlet filter 304 to the ambient air. In some embodiments, a first fan 130 is disposed proximate the inlet filter 302 and a second fan 130 is disposed proximate the outlet filter 304. In some embodiments a fan 130 is disposed proximate the inlet filter 302 to draw air into the air purification device 100 from ambient air to pressurize the air purification device 100 to force air out through the outlet filter 304. In some embodiments a fan 130 is disposed proximate the outlet filter 304 to provide airflow to the ambient air from the air purification device 100 to provide a negative pressure in the volume to pull air in through the outlet filter 304.
FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of using an air purification device (e.g., air purification device 100), according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more operations of method 400 are performed by processing logic that includes hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing device, etc.), software (such as instructions run on a processing device, a general purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In some embodiment, one or more operations of method 400 are performed, at least in part, by a controller of an air purification device. In some embodiments, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium stores instructions that when executed by a processing device (e.g., of the controller 150 of the air purification device 100, etc.), cause the processing device to perform one or more operations of method 400.
For simplicity of explanation, method 400 is depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations in accordance with this disclosure can occur in various orders and/or concurrently and with other operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement method 400 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that method 400 could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.
Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, at block 402, a desiccant material filter is inserted in a cavity formed by the housing of an air purification device. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is removably inserted into the housing. An access component (e.g., door, port, latch, etc.) may be actuated to insert the desiccant material filter into the cavity of the housing and may be actuated (e.g., closed, locked, secured, etc.) after the desiccant material filter is inserted into the housing (e.g., seal the opening through which the desiccant material filter passed to enter the cavity). In some embodiments, the access component is a portion of the desiccant material filter (e.g., is attached to the enclosure of the desiccant material filter) and seals the opening through which the desiccant material filter passes to enter the cavity.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is permanently inserted into the cavity of the housing of the air purification device. In some examples, the housing and/or access component may be permanently secured together (e.g., sewed, melted, push fit, attached via fasteners, etc.) after the desiccant material filter is inserted into the cavity.
In some embodiments, the air purification device is a portable device that is configured to be placed on a substantially horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the air purification device is configured to be mounted to a surface (e.g., a wall, etc.). In some embodiments, the air purification device is configured to be worn by a user (e.g., to cover at least the mouth and nose of the user, as a face mask, as a helmet, etc.).
In some embodiments, at block 404, a fan coupled to the housing is actuated to provide airflow through the desiccant material filter disposed in the cavity. In some embodiments, the fan is attached to the housing. In some embodiments, the fan is disposed in the housing. In some embodiments, the fan is actuated via user input via a user interface of the air purification device. In some embodiments, the fan is actuated via user input via another device which is received via a wireless component of the air purification device. In some embodiments, the fan is actuated by a controller of the air purification device based on a schedule stored in memory, timer, or sensor data received from sensors (e.g., coupled to or disposed in housing of the air purification device).
In some embodiments, the fan is external to the air purification device. In some examples, the air purification device is disposed in a ventilation system (e.g., building ventilation system, HVAC system, furnace, cooling coil unit, heat exchanger, roof top unit, air handler, vehicle cabin ventilation system, etc.) or in ducting of the air purification system and the fan of the ventilation system provides airflow through the air purification device.
The fan causes airflow containing moisture and contaminants disposed in the moisture to enter the inlet of the housing, pass through the cavity of the housing where the desiccant material filter is disposed, and exit through the outlet of the housing. As the airflow passes through the desiccant material filter, the desiccant material filter collects the moisture and the contaminants disposed in the moisture.
In some embodiments, at block 406, the desiccant material filter is removed from the cavity of the housing of the air purification device. In some embodiments, the air purification device provides an alert that the desiccant material filter is to be removed (e.g., is substantially saturated) and regenerated. In some embodiments, a controller of the air purification device provides an alert via the user interface or via the wireless component to a user device that the desiccant material filter is to be regenerated. In some embodiments, the controller provides the alert based on a timer (e.g., after a threshold amount of time the desiccant material filter is to be regenerated), based on usage (e.g., after a threshold amount of use the desiccant material filter is to be regenerated), based on sensor data (e.g., from a humidity sensor, imaging data, weight data, electrical data of the desiccant material filter such as resistance or voltage measured across the desiccant material filter, etc.), and/or the like. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter provides a visual indication as it changes from a substantially dry state to a substantially saturated state. In some examples, the desiccant material filter is a first color when in a substantially dry state and is a second color when in a substantially saturated state.
At block 408, the moisture is caused to be removed from the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave energy. As the moisture is removed, the contaminants in the moisture are destroyed via the heat and/or microwave energy. Removal of the moisture from (e.g., and accompanying destruction of contaminants in the moisture) the desiccant material filter may be referred to as one or more of regeneration, reactivation, recharging, re-drying, etc. of the desiccant material filter.
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed in a regeneration device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen oven, heating device, microwave energy generating device) to receive the heat and/or microwave energy subsequent to being removed from the air purification device (e.g., the desiccant material filter does not include materials that are sensitive to heat and/or microwave energy, the desiccant material filter does not include metal).
In some embodiments, the air purification device housing the desiccant material filter is placed in a regeneration device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen oven, heating device, microwave energy generating device) to receive the heat and/or microwave energy (e.g., without removing the desiccant material filter, the air purification device does not include materials that are sensitive to heat and/or microwave energy, the air purification device does not include metal). In some examples, the air purification device is a face mask that does not include metal (e.g., includes one or more of fabric, plastic, nylon, etc.) and the face mask is placed in a microwave oven to regenerate the desiccant material filter (e.g., that is sewn into the face mask). In some embodiments, a portion of the air purification device (e.g., housing that includes the desiccant material filter, the non-metal portion of the air purification device) is placed in a regeneration device (e.g., the portion of the air purification device does not include metal).
In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed in the regeneration device for a threshold amount of time at a threshold heat or threshold power setting. In some examples, the desiccant material filter is placed in a microwave oven for about 2-5 minutes at about 800-1000 W. In some examples, the desiccant material filter is placed in a heating device (e.g., kitchen oven) for about 1-5 hours minutes at about 200-300° F. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter receives heat and/or microwave energy until the desiccant material filter reaches a substantially dry state (e.g., until the desiccant material filter provides a visual indication that it has reached a substantially dry state by changing colors, based on sensor data such as humidity data or temperature data in the regeneration device, etc.).
In some embodiments, the air purification device includes a regeneration component (e.g., disposed in the housing, coupled to the housing) that provides the heat and/or microwave energy to regenerate the desiccant material filter (e.g., the desiccant material filter is not removed from the housing to be regenerated).
In some embodiments, at block 410, the desiccant material filter is re-inserted into the cavity formed by the housing. After re-inserting the desiccant material filter, the access component may be coupled to the housing of the air purification device so that airflow through the housing enters the inlet, passes through the cavity, and exits through the outlet (e.g., without exiting through the opening through which the desiccant material filter was inserted into the cavity of the housing.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 500, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is a controller of an air purification device. In some embodiments, the processing device 502 is a controller of an air purification device. In some embodiments, computer system 500 is a user device that communicates with the air purification device (e.g., via the wireless component 148 of the air purification device 100).
In some embodiments, computer system 500 is connected (e.g., via a network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet) to other computer systems. In some embodiments, computer system 500 operates in the capacity of a server or a client computer in a client-server environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. In some embodiments, computer system 500 is provided by a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a Set-Top Box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that device. Further, the term “computer” shall include any collection of computers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.
In a further aspect, the computer system 500 includes a processing device 502, a volatile memory 504 (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 506 (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM) or Electrically-Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)), and a data storage device 516, which communicate with each other via a bus 508.
In some embodiments, processing device 502 is provided by one or more processors such as a general purpose processor (such as, for example, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) microprocessor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor implementing other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor implementing a combination of types of instruction sets) or a specialized processor (such as, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or a network processor).
In some embodiments, computer system 500 further includes a network interface device 522 (e.g., coupled to network 574). In some embodiments, computer system 500 also includes a video display unit 510 (e.g., an LCD), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 520.
In some implementations, data storage device 516 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 524 on which store instructions 526 encoding any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including instructions for implementing one or more operations of one or more methods described herein.
In some embodiments, instructions 526 also reside, completely or partially, within volatile memory 504 and/or within processing device 502 during execution thereof by computer system 500, hence, in some embodiments, volatile memory 504 and processing device 502 also constitute machine-readable storage media.
While computer-readable storage medium 524 is shown in the illustrative examples as a single medium, the term “computer-readable storage medium” shall include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of executable instructions. The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall also include any tangible medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by a computer that cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.
In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features described herein are implemented by discrete hardware components or are integrated in the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices. In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features are implemented by firmware modules or functional circuitry within hardware devices. In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features are implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components, or in computer programs.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as “actuating,” “causing,” “inserting,” “removing,” “re-inserting,” “generating,” “providing,” “causing,” “determining,” “transmitting,” “receiving,” or the like, refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by computer systems that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. In some embodiments, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and do not have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation.
Examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. In some embodiments, this apparatus is specially constructed for performing the methods described herein, or includes a general purpose computer system selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer program is stored in a computer-readable tangible storage medium.
Some of the methods and illustrative examples described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. In some embodiments, various general purpose systems are used in accordance with the teachings described herein. In some embodiments, a more specialized apparatus is constructed to perform methods described herein and/or each of their individual functions, routines, subroutines, or operations. Examples of the structure for a variety of these systems are set forth in the description above.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the present disclosure has been described with references to specific illustrative examples and implementations, it will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and implementations described. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.
The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” “disposed on,” and “on” as used herein refer to a relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers.
The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example’ or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and can not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation. When the term “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ±10%.
Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.
It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An air purification device comprising:

a housing configured to house a desiccant material filter; and

a fan coupled to the housing and configured to cause airflow to pass through the desiccant material filter, wherein moisture is to be collected from the airflow by the desiccant material filter, and wherein the moisture is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave energy.

2. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the moisture comprises contaminants that are to be destroyed via the one or more of heat or microwave energy.

3. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein:

the housing is configured to removably receive the desiccant material filter in a cavity formed by the housing;

the moisture is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via the one or more of heat or microwave energy subsequent to the desiccant material filter being removed from the housing; and

the desiccant material filter is configured to be re-inserted in the cavity of the housing responsive to the moisture being removed via the one or more of heat or microwave energy.

4. The air purification device of claim 1 further comprising a regeneration component coupled to the housing to provide the one or more of heat or microwave energy to remove the moisture from the desiccant material filter while the desiccant material filter is disposed in the housing.

5. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the air purification device is configured to be placed in a regeneration device to cause the one or more of heat or microwave energy to be provided to the air purification device to remove the moisture from the desiccant material filter.

6. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein:

the air purification device is portable and the housing is configured to be disposed on a substantially horizontal surface; or

the air purification device is configured to be mounted on a substantially vertical surface.

7. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein:

the air purification device is configured to at least partially cover a face of a user;

the airflow is to be provided from ambient air, through the desiccant material filter, and to the user; and

second airflow is to be provided from the user and to the ambient air without passing through the desiccant material filter.

8. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the desiccant material filter comprises:

a handling feature configured to be secured to remove the desiccant material filter from the housing and to insert the desiccant material filter into the housing;

an enclosure coupled to the handling feature; and

one or more of silica gel or a polyacrylate disposed in the enclosure, wherein the desiccant material filter is configured to be placed in a microwave oven to receive microwave energy.

9. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein:

at least a portion of the desiccant material filter is configured to be a first color in a substantially dry state and to be a second color in a substantially saturated state; and

the at least a portion of the desiccant material filter is at least partially viewable from outside of the housing to provide a visual indication of saturation of the desiccant material filter.

10. The air purification device of claim 1 further comprising a humidifier component, wherein a humidity level of the airflow is to be increased via the humidifier component subsequent to passing through the desiccant material filter.

11. The air purification device of claim 10 further comprising a filtration component to destroy contaminants in the humidifier component.

12. The air purification device of claim 1 further comprising an ionizing component, wherein the airflow is to be ionized via the ionizing component subsequent to passing through the desiccant material filter.

13. A system comprising:

an air purification device comprising a housing forming an inlet, a cavity, and an outlet, that are fluidly coupled; and

a desiccant material filter configured to be removably inserted in the cavity formed by the housing, wherein airflow is to enter the air purification device via the inlet, pass through the desiccant material filter disposed in the cavity, and exit the air purification device via the outlet, wherein moisture is to be collected from the airflow by the desiccant material filter, and wherein the moisture is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave energy responsive to the desiccant material filter being removed from the air purification device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the moisture comprises contaminants that are to be destroyed via the one or more of heat or microwave energy.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein:

16. The system of claim 13, wherein:

17. A method comprising:

actuating a fan coupled to housing of an air purification device to provide airflow through a desiccant material filter disposed in a cavity formed by the housing, wherein moisture is to be collected from the airflow by the desiccant material filter; and

causing the moisture to be removed from the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave energy.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

prior to the actuating of the fan, inserting the desiccant material filter in the cavity formed by the housing of an air purification device;

subsequent to the actuating of the fan, removing the desiccant material filter from the cavity of the housing of the air purification device, wherein the moisture is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via the one or more of heat or microwave energy responsive to the desiccant material filter being removed from the air purification device; and

responsive to the moisture being removed from the desiccant material filter, re-inserting the desiccant material filter into the cavity formed by the housing.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the causing of the moisture to be removed further comprises causing contaminants disposed in the moisture to be destroyed via the one or more of heat or microwave energy.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the causing of the moisture to be removed from the desiccant material filter comprises placing the desiccant material filter in a regeneration device to provide the one or more of heat or microwave energy to the desiccant material filter.