WO2017089912A1

WO2017089912A1 - Endo-nasal air purification system (enaps)

Info

Publication number: WO2017089912A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/056586
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harsh SHETH; Shashi Ranjan; Debayan SAHA; Randeep Guleria; Sandeep Singh
Original assignee: The Secretary, Department Of Biotechnology
Priority date: 2015-11-27
Filing date: 2016-11-02
Publication date: 2017-06-01

Abstract

An Endo-nasal air purification system (ENAPS) is disclosed. The ENAPS is adapted to form a tight seal within the nasal vestibule so as to prevent air leak around the edges. The said device can either be two dimensional or three-dimensional and shaped to conform to the nasal cavity. The device comprises at least an external and inner framework, novel design of air-flow modifiers, pollutant trapping materials, and at least a columellar support. It houses air channels or structures arranged in myriad of varying arrangements and shapes. This increases the air purification efficiency and reduces the pressure drop (∆P) across the ENAPS, effectively allowing clean air to enter the respiratory system without producing resistance to breathing-in through the nose. The filter of the present invention can also contain materials for trapping different types of pollutants, including but not limited to, particles, gases, toxins.

Description

ENDO-NASAL AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM (ENAPS)

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to the field of air purification devices, and more particularly to a nasal air purification device for entrapping particulate matter such as smoke, dust, bacteria, and pollen which is suspended in the air.

The present complete specification is prepared by cognating the contents provisional patent specification of application numbered 3875/DEL/2015 dated November 2,7, 2015 with the contents of the specification of patent application no. 3876 DEL 2015 dated November 27, 2015. The combined contents of the present specification constitute a single invention within the meaning of the Act.

BACKGROUND

[002] Air is the most important component of life. Clean air is birth right of every individual. However, air all around the world is polluted and contaminated, and air pollution is one of the major factors affecting health worldwide. Polluted air can cause or may contribute to various respiratory as well as non-respiratory diseases such as cardiac ailments. 15-20% of all chronic respiratory diseases have been directly attributed to air pollution. The actual number is much higher than that. Patients with asthma and COPD who live in polluted environments suffer from acute exacerbations more frequently than those living in less polluted areas. Lung functions of children are severely affected due to air pollution. In short, harmful effects of polluted air are well known not only for patients but also healthy human beings.

[003] Air quality is especially poor in developing countries like India and China, and is going to become worse in lieu of mounting developmental pressures. Every year approximately 660 million people in developing countries such as India lose 3 years of their life owing to exposure to air pollution. Approximately, 13 of 20 most polluted cities are in India with Delhi being designated as one of the most polluted cities in the world. Over the past two decades, the incidence of chronic respiratory diseases (Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer) has been steadily increasing, adding to the burden of infectious diseases already plaguing India. At least, 15-20% of all chronic respiratory diseases have been directly attributed to air pollution. The actual number is much higher than that.

[004] These patients with asthma and COPD who live in polluted environments suffer from acute exacerbations more frequently than those living in less polluted areas. At present, these patients have to use a mask, which covers their nose and mouth and prevents them from inhaling pollutants and allergens, which may cause the acute exacerbations. However, the problem with using masks is that, they are uncomfortable, they causes retention of carbon dioxide and/or may cause headaches and dizziness if worn for longer periods. In India, there is a social stigma associated with wearing masks. People who wear masks are looked at with the suspicion of suffering from a major disease and passer-by generally avoids them for fear of getting infected themselves.

[005] Although governments in these countries are concerned about air pollution, it is becoming difficult to strike a balance between decreasing pollution without affecting growth rate. Thus, it is important to use air purification devices by individuals or at home/ office/vehicles/personal protective equipment etc. However, current air purification systems requires high amount of energy, which further complicates the problem. Mostly, membrane based air purification medium is used for filtering out pollutants from air. Although, high air purification efficiency can be achieved using such medium, but the air purification efficiency is at the cost of increasing pressure drop. The high amount of energy is required to overcome the high amount of pressure-drops against the air-filters as mostly used by the state-of-art air-purifiers.

[006] Thus, the need for providing clean air is broadly felt and understood.

However, it is a tough challenge to achieve this goal. Therefore, there is an unmet and dire need to provide either passive or energy-efficient, eco- friendly, economical and user- friendly mechanism for air purification without increasing pressure-drop significantly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[008] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that purify the air by entrapping the air pollutants and allergens with high efficiency, and which fits within the nasal vestibule of a user. By making the filter fit into the nasal vestibule of the patient, we intend to make it obscure and almost invisible.

[009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a non-membranous air purification mechanism to achieve high efficiency of air purification and to minimize the pressure-drop.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism with air channels or flow paths housed within for air purification.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism with air flow modifies are fully or partially coated with a pollutant entrapping substance, housed within for air purification.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism with air flow modifiers enhances the interaction of pollutant with pollutant entrapping substance.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an intra nasal air purification device with an air purification mechanism, which can be inserted through the external nasal opening into the nasal vestibule with a central part that fits over the columellar (columellar support) to hold the device in place.

[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a platform that can be highly useful for any air purification and separation applications.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an endo-nasal air purification device for placement in the nostril of a human or mammal is provided. The ENAPS device includes at least two longitudinally extending main bodies, at least one columellar support, and one or more air flow modifiers. The at least two longitudinally extending main bodies have an axially extending central passage formed therein. The at least one columellar support connect said two longitudinally extending main bodies, the columellar support fits snugly over the columella of said nostril. The one or more air flow modifiers are enclosed inside said two longitudinally extending main bodies. The air flow modifiers have one or more pollutant trapping materials and one or more structures. The air flow modifiers are adapted to modulate the flow of air and increase an interaction of air pollutant with said pollutant trapping materials for air purification during inhalation by said human or mammal.

[0016] According to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the ENAPS is adapted to form a tight seal within the nasal vestibule so as to prevent air leak around the edges. The said device can either be two dimensional or three- dimensional and shaped to conform to the nasal cavity. It also houses single or multiple air purification units in varying arrangements and shapes to filter out different types of pollutants. This increases the air purification efficiency and reduces the pressure drop (ΔΡ) across the ENAPS, effectively allowing clean air to enter the respiratory system without producing resistance to breathing-in through the nose.

[0017] According to the first aspect, in a first possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the ENAPS device includes at least an external and inner framework, single or multiple layers of filters, and at least a columellar support. The device will also be coated with a lubricant/aqueous gel externally in order to reduce the frictional force applied to the nasal cavity and consequently reduce the irritation.

[0018] According to the first aspect or the above possible implementation manners of the first aspect, in a second possible implementation manner of the first aspect, by purifying the air that the user will breathe into his respiratory system, the ENAPS device prevents the onset of chronic respiratory diseases and asthma due to air contaminants.

[0019] According to the first aspect or the above possible implementation manners of the first aspect, in a third possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the ENAPS device enables to arrest the progress of chronic respiratory diseases and asthma by filtering out the contaminants that may cause deterioration in the disease state.

[0020] According to the second aspect of the present invention, an endo-nasal air filtration device for placement in the nostril of a human or mammal is disclosed. The endo-nasal air filtration device includes at least two longitudinally extending main bodies, at least one columellar support, and one or more air flow modifiers. The at least two longitudinally extends main bodies having an axially extending central passage formed therein. The at least one columellar support is adapted to connect said two longitudinally extending main bodies, the columellar support fits snugly over the columella of said nostril. The one or more air flow modifiers are enclosed inside said two longitudinally extending main bodies, and said air flow modifiers having air-flow paths with one or more structures with varying shapes and arrangements or containing one or more channels. The air flow modifiers are adapted to modulate movements of air particles to move said air particles out of the air flow stream and thereby increase the interaction of air particles with the pollutant trapping material which is fully or partially coated over air flow modifiers for air filtration during inhalation by said human or mammal.

[0021] According to this aspect, a device with air flow modifiers, which includes but is not limited to, the channels, flow paths designed with structures, electrical and mechanical systems, can increase the interaction of air pollutant with the pollutant trapping material.

[0022] According to the second aspect, in a first possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the device includes at least an air channels or flow paths for air, a material for trapping air-pollutant, a micro/macro structure, a means for separation of different types of air pollutant, and an air flow modifiers. The air channels or flow paths for air manipulates or control the flow of air in a way to facilitate the interaction of air with other components of this invention. The design of this channel can range from, but is not limited to, planar designs such as straight, curved, serpentine, and circular to three- dimensional channels such as helical designs.

[0023] According to the second aspect or the above possible implementation manners of the second aspect, in a second possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the material for trapping air-pollutant is used to purify air. Such entrapment of pollutant is facilitated by different types of interactions between pollutant and the material such as electrostatic, physical and chemical interactions. The material can help in adsorption or absorption or physically trapping pollutants due to nature of the chosen material. Various materials can be used for this purpose such as sticky material, viscous material, modified fibers, gels, waxes and any of their combinations. Air channels can be made-up of such materials or such materials can be coated over air channels.

[0024] According to the second aspect or the above possible implementation manners of the second aspect, in a third possible implementation manner of the second aspect, micro/macro/nano structures can be included in the air channels or flow paths to modulate the flow and to increase the chances of interaction of air with the air-pollutant trapping materials. Such interaction increases the chances of pollutant being separated out of the air. The shape, design and arrangement of such structures would determine the efficiency of air purification and the pressure drop. These structures can be made of materials that can trap pollutant or can be coated with such material. Various designs of such micro-structures can be used such as pillars, blocks, vanes, fins etc.

[0025] According to the second aspect or the above possible implementation manners of the second aspect, in a fourth possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the means for separation of different types of air pollutant such as particulate matter, gases and toxins is used. Different materials can be used for this purpose based on their physical and chemical nature. Also, different arrangement can be thought of for achieving the same. For example, one region of the air channels can contain materials for trapping particles while other region can be designed for trapping gases, for examples by coating it with activated carbon, or there could be a combination of gas and particle trapping region. Also, different internal designs may help in entrapment of a particular type of pollutant. Different combination of the said separation mechanism can be utilized as well as it can be combined with the filter-based air purification systems.

[0026] According to the second aspect or the above possible implementation manners of the second aspect, in a fifth possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the air flow modifiers are used for modifying the airflow in such a way that the pressure drop is minimized while achieving high separation efficiency. Such modifiers can include, but is not limited to, movement of air using heating and cooling mechanism, electric field and by using aerodynamic principles (aerodynamic shapes and contours).

[0027] According to the third aspect of the present invention, an endo-nasal air filtration device for placement in the nostril of a human or mammal is disclosed. The endo-nasal air filtration device includes at least two longitudinally extending main bodies, at least one columellar support, and one or more air flow modifiers. The at least two longitudinally extends main bodies having an axially extending central passage formed therein. The at least one columellar support is adapted to connect said two longitudinally extending main bodies, the columellar support fits snugly over the columella of said nostril. The one or more air flow modifiers are enclosed inside said two longitudinally extending main bodies, and said air flow modifiers having one or more structures. The air flow modifiers are adapted to modulate a movement of air pollutant from the flow of air and increase an interaction of the air pollutant with one or more said pollutant trapping materials housed in the endo-nasal air filtration device for air filtration during inhalation by said human or mammal.

[0028] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an endo-nasal air filtration device for placement in the nostril of a human or mammal is disclosed. The endo-nasal air filtration device includes one or more air flow modifiers enclosed inside one or more longitudinally extending main bodies. The air flow modifiers include one or more structures, wherein said air flow modifiers are adapted to modulate a movement of air pollutant from the flow of air so as to increase an interaction of the air pollutant with one or more said pollutant trapping materials fully or partially coated over air flow modifiers or housed in the endo-nasal air filtration device for air filtration during inhalation by said human or mammal.

[0029] The air purification mechanism as disclosed in the present invention is new in terms of the method/technique used, materials and designs. Conventional air- purification system mostly uses membrane based filters, whereas, other membrane-less filter technique uses electric charge or ions to achieve the air-purification. However, the present invention does not using any of such components but rely upon fluid-dynamics and particle trapping using material properties. The present invention utilizes fluid and micro fluidics principles which have hardly been used for air-purification applications. The present invention provides fluidic air-channel designs such as unique three- dimensional helical design containing multiple helixes inter-connected together. The present invention uses macro/micro/nano structures to develop unique and optimal airflow paths to enhance the trapping of pollutants without increasing the pressure-drop significantly. The design, shape and arrangements of such structures are novel and innovative. For example, the present invention provides a staggered arrangement of the structures by projecting different positions of rotating fans in three dimensional spaces. The present invention deals with capturing of various types of pollutant using a single material unlike using different types of filters in conventional filter-based air purification system. Furthermore, the present invention uses environment-friendly organic materials such as plant-based material for air purification.

[0030] Besides having a novel air-purification technique, our invention has a number of novel features that make it stand apart from other products that maybe similar. i. The present inventions have a three-dimensional shape, conforming to the shape of the nostrils and the vestibule and are lubricated from the outside. Most other similar technologies rely on friction between their device and the nasal mucosa to hold the device in place whereas our device will house a combination of both inward and outward forces to hold the device in place and ensure adequate sealing. These forces can be generated by stent like designs with opening/closing mechanisms.

ii. The present invention has an alternate organic embodiment wherein the device can be made from completely organic bio-degradable material with minimal irritation to the nasal vestibule.

[0031] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates "Endo-nasal air purification system" (ENAPS) with air channels inside the framework, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates a three dimensional external framework of the ENAPS with columellar support, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3(a) illustrates an air channels with three dimensional helical designs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3(b) illustrates helical macro-structures staggered in three dimensional spaces to make air-flow paths, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates the steps for using the ENAPS device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0038] Figure 5 illustrates mechanism for air purification in the ENAPS device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 illustrates ENAPS inserted in a nose of a user (different views), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 illustrates different shapes and sizes of the structures and air- channels, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 illustrates a comparison between prior art and the ENAPS in terms of air purification efficiency, pressure drop and quality factor (QF), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0043] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0044] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0045] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [0046] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0047] By the term "substantially" it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0048] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0049] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0050] The present invention provides a new method/technique/device "Endo- nasal air purification system" (ENAPS) to filter out the air pollutants and allergens with high efficiency, which fits within the nasal vestibule of the patient. By making the filter fit into the nasal vestibule of the patient, we intend to make it obscure and almost invisible. More than 95% of daily sedentary breathing is done through the nose. Hence, filtering the particles before they enter the nasal cavity is beneficial and circumvents the problems associated with the masks.

[0051] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the purification of air by separating out suspended particulate matter (SPM), gases and other toxic pollutant from air without increasing the pressure drop significantly in the process. The key step of the present invention is to trap pollutant from flowing air using natural/artificial pollutant trapping materials by modifying the flow of air, using well-designed air-flow modifiers, to enhance interaction of pollutants with pollutant trapping material and in turn, increasing the efficiency of pollutant trapping. The air-flow modifiers may be well designed air flow-paths or air channels which are designed to increase the interaction of air-pollutants with the pollutant trapping materials for increasing the efficiency of pollutant trapping. These flow-paths may include structures with different design (cylindrical to helical) and different sizes (macro to nano) that may be arranged in multiple ways (in-line to staggered) to enhance the interaction of the incoming/outgoing air with the pollutant trapping material. These structures may be fully/partially coated with the pollutant trapping material. In the same way, continuous or non-continuous air- channels can be designed for enhancing trapping of air-pollutant using pollutant trapping material. These channels may be coated with this material or may house this material at certain positions/locations within or outside them.

[0052] In one implementation of the embodiment, the overall, empty spaces are provided for the air to flow, however, the flow may be modulated in such a way that the interaction of air-pollutant is maximized to the pollutant-trapping materials to achieve highly efficient trapping of air pollutant without increasing pressure-drop significantly. Moreover, such trapping may be useful for separation of particles with different shapes, sizes and characteristics. Such design is advantageous as all type of pollutant can be separated out using a single device. Moreover, the pollutant trapping material of the present invention may be developed using organic material such as plant-based gels/gums which would be biocompatible and biodegradable.

[0053] In another implementation of the embodiment, the ENAPS device forms a tight seal within the nasal vestibule so as to prevent air leak around the edges. The said device can either be two dimensional or three-dimensional and shaped to conform to the nasal cavity. The said device may be coated with a lubricant/aqueous gel externally in order to reduce the frictional force applied to the nasal cavity and consequently reduce the irritation. By purifying the air that the user will breathe into his respiratory system, the device prevents the onset of chronic respiratory diseases and asthma due to air contaminants. It will also arrest the progress of chronic respiratory diseases and asthma by filtering out the contaminants that may cause deterioration in the disease state.

[0054] Referring now to figure 1, an "Endo-nasal air purification system" ENAPS device with air channels inside the framework is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] As shown in figure 1, The ENAPS consists of two external frameworks

102 to be inserted into each nostril. The two external frameworks 102 are connected by a columellar support 104, which will sit over the external end of the nasal septum (columella), supporting the external frameworks 102. Each framework will have air modifiers 106 enclosed inside the frameworks. The details of the various components of the ENAPS is described below:

[0056] The external framework 102: Each external framework is either a two dimensional structure or a hollow three-dimensional structure, with their height not exceeding the maximum height of the nasal vestibule and the shape being roughly conical with projections and overhanging edges to conform to the various protrusions in the nasal vestibule (the lower end of the nasal septum, upper edge of the lower alar cartilage, the external nasal valve etc). The size and shape can be variable as per the different nostril configurations of the users. The external framework has two opening at end, one distal (opening into the nasal cavity) and the other proximal (opening at the external nares). The external framework is either pre-constricted/ constricted during placement in order to ensure an adequate fit. In addition, the external framework may have multiple serrations, which form grooves to improve the sealing capability. Each external framework is made up of a smooth surface which may have lubricating coat of gel/essential oils/ aqueous gels, so as to minimize friction and hence irritation within the nasal vestibule. The material used can be either a soft material like silicone or a shape retaining material like thermoplastic elastomers or nitinol. The structure of the external framework is such that the pressure applied to the various parts of the nasal vestibule is negligible. This equitable distribution of pressure can be done by reducing the height of the external framework or tapering it to conform to the nasal vestibule etc. Alternatively, the external framework may be made from organic material such as leaves of particular plants coated with an adsorbant gel, which will absorb the particulates in the air. Figure 2 illustrates a three dimensional external framework 102 of the ENAPS with columellar support, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The columellar support 104: It connects the two external frameworks together and keeps them in place. The support fits snugly over the columella and keeps the filter in place. The columellar support fits and engages into the natural contour at the lower end of the nasal septum where the nasal septum produces a slightly outward projection. This support has multiple ways of holding the device in place, either by applying inward force, i.e. towards the nasal septum or by applying external force, i.e. towards the alar wall or by using both an internal and external force. This is either in the form of an umbrella like configuration, or in the form of a stent like expansion to fit into the columella, or as a coupling mechanism, in which the columellar support is coupled with the external framework, wherein, the collapsed external framework expands as the columellar support is placed in situ, to fit into the nasal vestibule. This support is barely visible and can be made up of either a shape altering plastic or an elastic (springy) material or a transparent plastic with a thin metallic framework, to allow it to bend and conform to the shape of the columella. The columellar support can also have a 'pinch to remove' feature, wherein the support has to be pinched in order to remove the nasal filter from within the vestibule. Figure 2 illustrates a three dimensional external framework 102 of the ENAPS with columellar support 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Air flow modifiers 106: The air flow modifiers 106 are air channels or airflow paths to enhance interaction of air pollutants with pollutant trapping materials. The channels or air-flow paths physically manipulate the flow of air in certain way to facilitate the interaction of air with other components of this invention. The design of this channel can range from, but is not limited to, planar designs such as straight, curved, serpentine, and circular to three-dimensional channels such as helical designs. The flow paths can be designed using myriad of arrangements of macro/micro/nano structures. Besides physical modifiers, other types of modifiers which may include, but is not limited to, movement of air using heating and cooling mechanism, electric field etc., can be used. Figure 3(a) illustrates air channels 302 with three dimensional helical designs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Air flow modifiers 106 further includes Macro/micro/nano structures. The micro/macro/nano structures with can be included in the air channels or can be arranged to define air-flow path. Such structures modulate the flow of air and increase the chances of interaction of air pollutant with the pollutant trapping materials. Such interaction increases the chances of pollutant being separated out of the air. The shape, design and arrangement of such structures would determine the efficiency of air purification and the pressure drop. These structures can be made of materials that can trap pollutant or can be coated with such material or can help in guiding the pollutants towards pollutant trapping materials. Various designs of such structures can be used such as pillars, blocks, vanes, fins etc which can be arranged in various ways ranging from in-line arrangements to staggered arrangements whereas various staggering designs can be utilized based on the required specifications. For example, a staggered arrangement can be developed by projecting different positions of blades of a rotating fans (for one full rotation) in three dimensional space i.e. in a three dimensional cylindrical space, one position of blades of a fan will be followed by the next rotating position (where angle of rotation can be chosen accordingly) and so on. In this way, it is simulating a rotating fan in three dimensional spaces without having any rotation. This is a unique design and creates a unique air-flow path. In this way, several other staggering designs can be created. Further, staggered arrangement of structures for air purification is a novel idea and a unique approach. Figure 3(b) illustrates helical macro-structures 304 staggered in three dimensional spaces to make air-flow paths, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Air flow modifiers 106 further includes materials for trapping air- pollutant. The materials for trapping air-pollutant can trap pollutants from air to purify it. Such entrapment of pollutant may be facilitated by different types of interactions between pollutant and the material such as electrostatic, physical and chemical interactions. The material can help in adsorption or absorption or physically trapping pollutants due to nature of the chosen material. Various materials can be used for this purpose such as sticky material, modified fibers, gels, waxes and any of their combinations. Air channels can be made-up of such materials or such materials can be coated over air channels

[0061] Air flow modifiers 106 may further have designs for separation of different types of air pollutant. The different designs for separation of different types of air pollutant are provided for separation of different types of pollutant such as particulate matter, gases and toxins. Different materials can be used for this purpose based on their physical and chemical nature. Also, different arrangement can be thought of for achieving the same. For example, one region of the air channels can contain materials for trapping particles while other region can be designed for trapping gases, for examples by coating it with activated carbon. Also, different internal designs may help in entrapment of a particular type of pollutant. Different combination of the said separation mechanism can be utilized as well as it can be combined with the filter-based air purification systems.

[0062] A nasal sizer (not shown in figures): The EN APS further include a nasal sizer. The nasal sizer is a collapsible and expandable structure, to be inserted into the nasal vestibule, which will determine the size and shape of the nasal vestibule of an individual and help in choosing the size of the ENAPS to be used. This could also be in the form of a digital sizer, wherein the size of the nasal vestibule can be determined using digital image processing. It could also be in the form of a nasal mold that can be created and subsequently used to size the nasal vestibule.

[0063] Referring now to figure 4 the steps for using the ENAPS device are illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ENAPS device is first placed into the nasal vestibule through the external nares with support provided by the Columellar Bridge which fits over the columella and extends inwards to sit on the nasal septum. The device is sealed by any of the mechanism described above in the components, so as to form a tight fit in the nasal cavity without causing irritation to the user. The external framework and columellar support are designed to be barely visible to the naked eye. Once the device is firmly in place in the nasal vestibule, air enters from the atmosphere and passes through this device before it reaches the nasal cavity. As the device forms an adequate seal, there will not be any air leak around the device.

[0064] The device consists of air channels or air-flow paths. These air channels can be designed in different ways, such as, serpentine, straight, curved, spiral, helical while the air-flow paths can be defined with different arrangements (symmetrical or staggered) of macro/micro/nano structures. The air channels or air-flow paths helps in enhancing the interaction of pollutants with the pollutant trapping materials which can either be coated on the walls of channels/on structures defining air-flow paths or is housed in some strategic location. The pollutant trapping material may include, but is not limited to, sticky materials, gels, wax, and fibers forming hair-like projections, activated charcoal or a combination of any of these. As pollutants interact with these materials, they get trapped due to physical, electrical or chemical interactions.

[0065] By varying the arrangement of these channels or structures, the resistance can be reduced and the air purification efficiency can be maximized. After passing through the channels or air-flow paths, the air that will emerge as purified air. Different types of macro/micro/nano structures arranged in myriad of ways to obtain the optimal air-flow path. These structures can be of different types, such as, pillars, vanes, fins, blocks and shapes. These structures are also arranged in different configurations, which can be either oblique or symmetrical or non-symmetrical (staggered) and so on. Various ways of staggering will affect the efficiency as well as pressure drop. By varying the arrangements and shapes of the structures, the surface area and contact of pollutant is enhanced with pollutant trapping material.

[0066] Referring now to figure 5, a mechanism for air purification in the EN APS device is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] In one implementation, the device includes air channels or flow paths housed within. These air channels may be designed in different ways, such as, serpentine, straight, curved, spiral, helical. These channels may be coated with a pollutant (both particulates and gas) trapping material, such as, sticky materials, gels, wax, and fibers forming hair-like projections, activated charcoal or a combination of any of these. As air passes through these channels, the particulate matter in the air may get trapped in the coating over these channels, using the principle of inertial motion. By varying the arrangement of these channels, the resistance may be reduced and the air purification efficiency can be maximized. After passing through the channels, the air may emerge from the other end will be purified air.

[0068] In one implementation, a method is using the same channels housed within the device for air purification is disclosed. The channels may be lined with micro/macro structures according to the method. The micro/macro structures may be of different types, such as, pillars, vanes, fins, blocks and shapes. These structures may also be arranged in different configurations, which may be either oblique or symmetrical or non-symmetrical and the like. The structures may be coated with pollutant (both particulates and gas) trapping material such as, sticky materials, gels, wax, and fibers forming hair-like projections, activated charcoal or a combination of any of these. By varying the arrangements and shapes of the structures, the surface area and contact angle for filtering the air, as it passes through the channels may improve significantly. The laminar/turbulent air passing through these channels lined with the structures may greatly increase the air purification of pollutants from the air. It may also decrease the pressure drop across the device. The principle of inertial motion may be applicable in the device of the present invention. The pollutants may get trapped in the material coating the structures. Once air emerges out from the other end of the device, it will be purified.

[0069] In one implementation, the multiple air channels in varying shape which are coated with a special material are disclosed. These air channels may produce laminar/turbulence of air passing through them and use the principles of inertial motion. The air may produce turbulence at the bends of the air channel and may cause interaction of the particulates in the air with the material coating the air channels. The material used for coating may be of a special composition which shall entrap particulate matter and adsorb gases. The air channels may contain micro-structures or macro-structures which may be coated with the material as specified above. The arrangement of these structures may increase the interaction between air and the air channels. The use of environment friendly organic material to make the air purifier (alternative embodiment) may also be achieved. The air flow modifiers may be used to modify the direction of air flow using either heating/ cooling mechanisms, electric fields and so forth.

[0070] In one implementation, as shown in figure 6, the ENAPS device consists of at least two external frameworks to be inserted into each nostril. The two external frameworks are connected by a columellar support, that may be adapted to sit over the external end of the nasal septum (columellar), supporting the external frameworks.

[0071] In one implementation, the device may further include a nasal sizer, at least external framework is either a two dimensional structure or a hollow three- dimensional structure, at least a columellar support, a filtering media, and a feedback system. The nasal sizer is a collapsible and expandable structure, to be inserted into the nasal vestibule, which will determine the size and shape of the nasal vestibule of an individual and help in choosing the size of the ENAPS to be used. This could also be in the form of a digital sizer, wherein the size of the nasal vestibule can be determined using digital image processing. It could also be in the form of a nasal mold that can be created and subsequently used to size the nasal vestibule.

[0072] In one implementation, the device is also adapted to have filtering media made from gas absorbing/adsorbing filtering media. This will allow the device to filter both particles as well as gases. This will have gas adsorbing capability in addition to PM entrapment. These media purify the air passing through them while the user breathes in, by removing the noxious gases and toxic particulate matter. The media will also have an additional advantage of providing odor protection due to the presence of a gas- absorbing/adsorbing material such as activated charcoal membrane.

[0073] The filtering material can be made black in order to camouflage its presence in the nasal vestibule along with a hairy matted texture in order to ensure comfort and conformity to the nasal vestibule. [0074] Figure 6 also shows ENAPS inserted in a nose of a user (different views) are illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] In one exemplary embodiment, Figure 7 illustrates different shapes and sizes of the structures and air-channels are illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 8 illustrates a comparison between prior art and the ENAPS in terms of air purification efficiency, pressure drop and quality factor (QF), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The Y-axis is just numbers showing different values in different units according to the parameter. Air purification efficiency is in terms of percentage (%), pressure drop (PD) is in Pascles. QF is defined as ln(l/P)/ PD where P is percentage of particles penetrating through the filter . Here, QF has been multiplied by 500 to bring in range of numbers denoted in Y-axis. The quality factor of ENAPS is comparable to gold standard.

[0077] Apart from what is disclosed above the present invention may be applicable in different settings. Some of the settings are mentioned below:

i. Endo-bronchial filters- The device can be used as an implantable device inside the bronchus in order to reduce the inconvenience of daily wear and removal.

ii. Industrial emissions- The novel method of air purification in varying angulations and configurations can be used to filter industrial emissions without creating resistance and improving air purification efficiency

iii. Automobile exhausts- Similar to its application for industrial emissions, the filtering mechanism can be applied to the car exhaust system as well.

iv. Home/office purifiers- Using this novel filtering technique in home/office air purifiers will considerably reduce the amount of ozone emitted by the currently used home and office air purifiers.

v. Air quality sensors- These filters can be used to trap particulates in the atmosphere and subsequently be used for monitoring air quality.

[0078] It may be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art that for the purpose of convenient and brief description, for a detailed working process of the foregoing system, devices, and unit, reference may be made to a corresponding process in the foregoing device/apparatus embodiments, and details are not described herein again. [0079] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus, and device may be implemented in other manners. For example, a plurality of units or components or mechanisms may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0080] Although Endo-nasal air purification system (ENAPS) is disclosed, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed in the above section are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or devices described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations of the endo-nasal air purification system (ENAPS).

Claims

1. An endo-nasal air purification device for placement in the nostril of a human or mammal comprising:

at least two longitudinally extending main bodies having an axially extending central passage formed therein;

at least one columellar support adapted to connect said two longitudinally extending main bodies, the columellar support fits snugly over the columella of said nostril;

one or more air flow modifiers enclosed inside said two longitudinally extending main bodies, said air flow modifiers having one or more pollutant trapping materials and one or more structures, wherein said air flow modifiers are adapted to modulate the flow of air and increase the interaction of air pollutant with said pollutant trapping materials for air purification during inhalation by said human or mammal.

2. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air flow modifiers are air channels preferably having planar designs such as straight, curved, serpentine, or circular design or three-dimensional channels such as helical designs.

3. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air flow modifiers are air-flow paths designed using myriad of arrangements of macro/micro/nano structures.

4. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structures are, arranged in a form of in-line arrangements or using staggered arrangements to generate an air-flow path, are preferably of pillar designs, block designs, vane designs, or fin designs or blade design.

5. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pollutant trapping materials are adapted for adsorption or absorption or physically or chemically or electrically trapping the air pollutants.

6. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pollutant trapping materials are preferably selected from a group of materials comprising: sticky material or modified fibers or gels or waxes or any of thereof.

7. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pollutant trapping materials are selected based on the types of pollutant selected from a particulate matter or gases or toxins or any combination thereof and adapted to adsorption or absorption or physically trapping or chemically reacting/attracting or electrically attracting the air pollutants selected from a particulate matter or gases or toxins or any combination thereof.

8. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pollutant trapping materials are selected based on the types of pollutant selected from a particulate matter or gases or toxins or any combination thereof, wherein different types of said pollutant trapping materials can be arranged in myriad of ways in the said device to trap different types of said pollutant.

9. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a nasal sizer adapted to assist said human or said mammal for selection of appropriately sized device and for the placement of said endo-nasal air purification device in the nostril appropriately.

10. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main bodies having an inlet end and an outlet end, said inlet end compressible to conform to interior contours of said nostril, as is said outlet end.

11. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said main body having a tapered design, reducing in the direction of said outlet end and having multiple serrations, forming grooves to improve the sealing capability.

12. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said main body having concave or convex contour to adjust to various nostril types and to improve the sealing capability

13. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main body has a smooth surface and is fabricated preferably using a soft material like silicone or a shape retaining material like elastomers or nitinol or leaves of plants coated with a slippery material such as gel or any combination thereof.

14. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main body comprises a lubricating coat of gel or essential oils or aqueous gels or any combination thereof.

15. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said columellar support fits and engages into the natural contour at the lower end of the nasal septum of the nostrils where the nasal septum produces a slightly outward projection.

16. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said columellar support is further adapted to apply internal force, i.e. towards the nasal septum of the nostrils or to apply external force, i.e. towards the alar wall of the nostrils or to use both the internal and the external force.

17. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said columellar support is flexible so as to conform to the shape of the columella and fabricated using a shape altering plastic or an elastic (springy) material or a transparent plastic with a thin metallic framework or any combination thereof.

18. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said columellar support comprises a pinch to remove said endo-nasal air purification device from placement.

19. An endo-nasal air purification device for placement in the nostril of a human or mammal comprising:

one or more air flow modifiers, enclosed inside said two longitudinally extending main bodies, containing air-flow paths with one or more structures with varying shapes and arrangements or containing one or more channels, and adapted to modulate movements of air particles to move said air particles out of the air flow stream and thereby increase the interaction of air particles with the pollutant trapping material which is fully or partially coated over air flow modifiers for air filtration during inhalation by said human or mammal.

20. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said varying shapes are preferably selected from pillar shape or vane shapes or fin shapes or block shapes or blade shape or any combination thereof.

21. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said varying arrangements are preferable selected from an oblique arrangement or a symmetrical arrangement or Non-symmetrical (staggered) arrangement or any combination thereof.

22. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said structures are partially or completely coated with pollutant trapping material for enhancing an interaction of air-pollutants with the pollutant trapping material, said pollutant trapping material is preferably selected from sticky material or fibers with hair like projection or gel containing or waxy materials or activated charcoal or any combination thereof.

23. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said channels for air-flow are of specific design adapted to increase chances of interacting with the pollutant trapping material, the specific designs preferably selected from a group of designs comprising: straight design or curved design or serpentine design or spiral design or helical design or any combination thereof.

24. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said channels are partially or completely coated with said pollutant trapping material for enhancing an interaction of air-pollutants with the pollutant trapping material, said pollutant trapping materials are preferably selected from sticky material or fibers with hair like projection or gel containing or waxy materials or activated charcoal or any combination thereof.

25. An endo-nasal air filtration device for placement in the nostril of a human or mammal comprising:

one or more air flow modifiers enclosed inside said two longitudinally extending main bodies, wherein said air flow modifiers are adapted to modulate the movement of air particles from the flow of air and increase an interaction of the air particles with one or more said pollutant trapping materials housed in the endo-nasal air purification device for air filtration during inhalation by said human or mammal.

26. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said air flow modifiers having one or more structures, wherein said structures are arranged using myriad of arrangements of macro/micro/nano structures in such a way to displace the air particles in certain desired directions to increase the interaction of the said particles with the said pollutant trapping material housed in the said endo-nasal air purification device.

27. The endo-nasal air purification device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said air flow modifiers are comprised of non-physical modifies, including but not limited to, thermal or electrical or electromagnetic or using wave energy or any combination thereof, wherein these modifiers displace the air particles in certain desired directions to increase the interaction of the said particles with the said pollutant trapping material housed in the said endo-nasal air purification device.

28. An endo-nasal air filtration device for placement in the nostril of a human or mammal comprising:

one or more air flow modifiers enclosed inside one or more longitudinally extending main bodies, wherein said air flow modifiers are adapted to modulate the movement of air particles from the flow of air and increase the interaction of the air pollutant with one or more said pollutant trapping materials fully or partially coated over air flow modifiers or housed in the endo-nasal air filtration device for air filtration during inhalation by said human or mammal.