Patent Application
20080283626
Vehicles often accumulate odors inside their cabins during their lifetime of use. Such odors can be caused in a variety of ways and by a variety of sources. For example, objects left inside the vehicle, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the cabin interior materials, activities such as smoking and eating and the accumulation of dust and other pollutants suspended in the air can all contribute to the accumulation of odors. Eventually odors inside a vehicle become annoying and in some cases they may become a health risk if the source of odor involves bacteria, mold (fungi) or other microorganisms.
Besides the obvious surfaces that become contaminated with pollutants, like the seats, dashboards, carpets and other visible parts of the interior of a vehicle there are some hidden areas that create a perfect environment for pollutants, such as fungi, to accumulate and grow to a level where they can be noticed by smell even before they are visible. There are also many germs, bacteria and mold (fungi) that are present and are odorless.
One location for the growth and/or accumulation of hidden pollutants is in the interior of the air conditioning system. Typical air conditioning units include a chamber, where the refrigerant serpentine, also known as evaporator core, is embedded. Under normal operating conditions of a properly functioning air conditioning system, the serpentine condenses the moisture coming into the chamber due to the interaction between temperature, the existing dew point, and the relative humidity inside and outside the vehicle. In this process, the air entering the system contacts the cold interior parts of the system which retain and condense the humidity from the air. The cooler drier air comforts passengers once it exits the system, vents, and enters the vehicle cabin.
The condensation causes water to flow along the walls of the serpentine and the evaporator as well as the inside of the ventilation system. The accumulated water exits the chamber through a drain hole/hose designed specifically for this purpose. However, the surfaces inside the unit and ventilation system can remain humid for extended periods of time that vary from minutes to months depending on usage and climate conditions.
Year after year the air conditioning system is turned on and off and suspended dust, dirt, pollen, mold (fungi), bacteria and other polluting agents in the air enter the chamber passing into the evaporator chamber as the air conditioner blower draws air through the system both from the cabin and from the exterior of the vehicle through the air intake. Some of the particles from the polluted air adhere to the moist surfaces of the serpentine or other internal walls of the chamber as the air passes through the evaporator. In addition, some of the pollutants pass through the system and can become deposited over the interior surfaces of the cabin. The accumulated particles on the moist surfaces of the evaporator provide an environment in which micro-organisms can grow, particularly in the absence of UV light from the sun. The growth of microbial pollutants inside the evaporator further increases the amount of pollutants and odors that can enter the cabin in the airflow created by the blower. Automobile manufacturers have recognized a need for cleaning air conditioning systems for years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,028 to General Motors discloses what is said to be a method of eliminating odor in a heat pump system of a vehicle that includes the steps of detecting removal of the vehicle passengers and ignition key after use of the cooling mode or air conditioning of the passenger compartment heat exchanger, operating the blower, reversing the flow of refrigerant in the heat pump to place the passenger compartment heat exchanger in heating mode to remove latent moisture. U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,813 to Mercedes discloses a method for deciding whether to recirculate air. The quality of the external air is determined by means of a pollutant sensor. The quality of the internal air is determined by calculation taking account of the air quantities introduced from outside into the internal space. A decision between air supply operation and air recirculation operation is then made on the basis of a comparison of the air qualities inside and outside. The pollutant sensor is preferably located in a casing whose internal space is accessible to gases through an opening which is preferably sealed by a gas-permeable membrane to eliminate odor. The proliferation of carbon air filters in new vehicles provides an indication of the consumers awareness of the air space in a vehicle and their desire for cleaner air. Even the US military has needs for air quality of cooled air as evidenced by U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,823.
Contaminants and odors can also originate from inside the passenger compartment and these also can circulate through the ventilation system and inside the evaporator when the air conditioner is operating. As an example, tobacco smoke originating from within the passenger compartment can cause odor in fabric headliners, upholstery and carpets all of which can be transported through the ventilation system and inside the evaporator. Further, any moisture accumulations in any part of the cabin can provide a place for mold and bacteria to grow. The mold can generate spores that can become suspended in the air inside the cabin. These spores can then re-circulate through the air conditioning system. Because of the moisture and temperature activity inside the evaporator and the lack of light, many of these contaminants and particles tend to accumulate inside the evaporator unit, creating layers of what appears to be “mud”. When the air conditioning is turned on spores in the system can be blown out into the cabin which can actually create a health risk in certain individuals. At best, this situation creates an annoying bad-smelling odor every time the A/C and/or the heater are turned on.
Methods for removing or treating these mold, bacteria and odors inside the evaporator and ventilation system have been developed. One method is to spray a foaming aerosol solution through the evaporator drain hole. The foam then expands into foam inside the evaporator. However, the rapid expansion from an aerosol to a foam state prevents the foam from effectively reaching the upper recesses of the evaporator. In addition, the method is complicated by the need to either remove the evaporator or raise the vehicle on a lift in order to reach the drain hole, or drill a hole in the evaporator case to allow a straw type aerosol injector access. These are all labor intensive operations requiring a person to position the vehicle appropriately, position and hold the aerosol can while depressing the valve releasing its contents.
Another method involves spraying a non-foaming aerosol solution into the exterior-located air intake, while the blower motor is running. However, because the aerosol droplets of the spray are heavier than air, and significantly larger at about 40-100 microns in size. They do not travel effectively and far enough to reach the inside of the evaporator or the entire ventilation system. Neither of these solutions is designed to treat interior cabin surfaces for micro-organisms and contaminants and both are labor-intensive in that the operator must continuously depress the valve on the aerosol can in order to release it's contents. Airsept, Inc. provides one such product. Alternatively, electronics can be used to keep the evaporator dry. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,899,082 and 6,840,051.
Other methods for treating odor-causing contaminants involve generating a vapor out of a cleaning solution inside the passenger compartment. Spray devices for carrying out this process can be pointed into the intake(s) of the air conditioning re-circulating system of the vehicle while the air conditioning system is in operation. The vapor-saturated air then circulates through the evaporator and the ventilation system, the cleaning solution can condense on the inside walls of the evaporator and vents and can flow into the passenger compartment. As this happens, the cleaning solution comes into contact and interacts with contaminants, thus removing or reducing mold, bacteria and odors. Another factor for treating is the volume of solution put into a passenger cabin over a given time. There needs to be enough surface time for the effectiveness of any solution and time of getting the solution into the compartment in a minimum amount of time.
Several methods are known for vaporizing a cleaning solution. In one method a vapor is created by using an ultrasonic piezo-transducer. However, such devices have a number of drawbacks in the automobile cleaning environment such that they have not been used in the past. For example, existing devices require a high voltage alternating current (AC) to operate, which places limitations on the application of these devices, as they are dependent on this type of power being available in close proximity in order for a vehicle to be serviced with this device and method. AC-powered devices of this nature are limited to areas of a building or shop with access to AC electricity. Ultimately, the current required to produce a sufficient amount of vapor from such a device has led manufacturers away from making portable systems.
Several devices operated by high voltage alternating current are known. For example, Wynn's AIRCOMATIC® Ultrasonic Air Conditioning Cleaning System. Wynn's AIRCOMATIC II® Ultrasonic Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Cleaning System, which uses ultrasonic technology but needs to be connected to high AC voltage. The VAPORTEK® Restorator uses electric heat, but no ultrasonic technology and is powered by either AC or low voltage direct current (LVDC) in different versions. The AIRCLEAN-EVAPORATOR® which uses same technology as the VAPORTEK® Restorator, but is only powered by a high AC voltage version and the Wurth EVAPOclean®, which uses ultrasonic technology but requires high voltage AC power supply.
Each of these devices requires an electrical cable, or extension cord, that extends from an AC power source to the unit which is positioned inside a vehicle for use. The cable or cord transits through the vehicle's window or door. The vehicle window or door must be shut tight against the cord in order to minimize external air contaminants from entering the vehicle and not allowing the treatment to exit the vehicle. However, the thickness of the cable or cord leaves a gap to external air in the vehicle compartment which decreases the effectiveness of the service as a portion of the mist escapes through the gap. Moreover, the resulting pressure exerted from the window or door on the cable or cord can be sufficient to cut or strip insulation material and expose live wires that can lead to a short circuit and potentially a fire since these devices work with High AC Voltage. For these reasons such devices have not come into popular use.
For a piezoelectric transducer to operate properly, it is important that the liquid that is converted to vapor will not damage the device by corrosion, scaling or accumulation of residues. Since the device is meant to be used by a diverse group of people, there is the potential that different cleaning solutions may be used, either accidentally or deliberately, in the device. All of the known products allow for any type cleaning solution or chemical to be used, providing no control over what is used in the unit. This makes it highly likely that eventually the unit will be damaged by an unsuitable cleaning solution or be made unsafe to the occupants by someone using a commercially available cleaning solution like Windex, Febreeze, bleach or chlorine. The refill openings of known devices are even big enough to drop solids into the machine that will affect its performance. This is yet another reason why such devices are not widely used for cleaning automobile ventilation systems.
Some of the existing devices are configured in such a way that the turbulence, foam and/or splashing created by the piezoelectric transducers inside the “misting” chamber soaks some special mechanisms or components in the fluid, affecting their performance and durability of the device. Some devices have a level measuring system that signal the machine to stop when the fluid is low. The splashing and turbulence in these devices can in some instances create false signals stopping the device prematurely. In some cases the foaming and turbulence can also affect the amount of mist coming out of the device.
The vaporizing performance of a piezoelectric transducer is dependent on the amount of fluid over it and this is influenced by the angle of tilt of the device. Since existing devices don't have any way to orient the user on whether the equipment is really in an upright position, the performance of the equipment may be affected negatively without the knowledge of the user. For example, when the machine includes a level sensor and the machine is tilted a number of degrees from the horizontal, the machine may either work longer, which would damage the piezoelectric transducers if the level goes too low on one side; or the machine may stop its cycle earlier, which causes an insufficient amount of fluid use in the treatment.
The existing devices require close monitoring to ensure that treatments are finished and that machines are working properly. Most of the known devices display such information on their sides, which means that to monitor them in an automobile, the door of the vehicle must be opened and the technician must lean over and check the side of the device for that information.
For all of the above reasons known devices have not come into widespread use and new devices and methods for cleaning automobile ventilation systems are needed.
Various embodiments of a vaporizing-generator are disclosed that are particularly useful for automotive odor treatment and removal. Various embodiments of the vapor generator can operate from a vehicle's direct current power supply, such as a 12 or 24 volt direct current electric power supply. Because the device operates from Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) it can be used in a % side variety of vehicles. The device can also be operated through special transformers or power supplies. Another advantage of this device is that it can be operated in virtually any location including such remote areas as parking lots, farms, trade shows, on-the-road demonstrations, and the like.
Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.
For purposes of the present application the phrase “mist-generating” refers to the conversion of a liquid into very small droplets, which are expelled from the unit looking as fog, vapor, fume, fine spray, or having other visual similarities.
The abbreviation “AC” refers to alternating current which is normally above 90 volts and which is typically available from electrical wall outlets and in some cases from special power supply stations or converters.
The abbreviation “A/C” refers to Air Conditioning.
The abbreviation “LVDC” refers to low voltage direct current as provided by a vehicle power supply, typically from an accessory receptacle or directly from the battery and between 10 to 26 volts
The abbreviation “VOCs” refers to volatile organic compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons and the like. They can be expelled by some substances and materials, which in some cases raises health concerns. VOCs are often the cause of “new car smell” as new materials, due to their chemical process of manufacture and/or finish continue expelling these odors even after months of reaching the end-customers.
Referring to
In this embodiment no wires leading from the vehicle are needed because a LVDC power source is typically available inside the cabin of most vehicles. The point of electrical connection inside the vehicle cabin can be a cigarette lighter or similar accessory electrical outlet. In this configuration the risk of a power cord being pinched, short circuited or cut is completely avoided as are gaps in doors or windows that are necessary when known devices are used. Thus, undesired leaks of the cleaning solution's mist are also avoided.
In an embodiment, a mechanism can be provided in the device that prevents the introduction of undesired objects or unknown chemicals into the device. To this end, the device can be configured with a unique filling mechanism 4, shown in more detail in
The atomizer-nebulizer-cold fogger device 1 can have an inlet 4 adapted to receive the locking mechanism 31, such as the threaded neck of the refill container 31. Thus, the inlet 4 could be threaded such that a threaded refill container 28 could be screwed into the inlet 4. The inlet 4 can also be adapted with a cutter 32 that pierces the foil 31 and allows for the fluid to pass from the refill container 28 into the mist generator device 1 after refill container 28 is screwed onto the inlet nozzle 4. Preferably, cutter 32 is configured to prevent the foil from being shredded into pieces so that chips of the foil will not fall into the sprayer or clog the inlet of the device. The cutter 31 can be mounted to inlet 4 using the same threading that the refill container 28 uses and can be screwed into the inlet until it bottoms down. Cutter 31 can have a passage inside the cutting edge that allows the fluid to pass through once the container has been pierced. In an embodiment the threading on the neck of the refill container can be inside the neck such that the neck screws into an externally threaded inlet on the machine. Under the cutter 31 and inlet 4 the device 1 can have a check valve 43 that prevents fluid entry by gravity. In such an embodiment, positive pressure must be applied to the refill container 28 to force liquid into the storage chamber 41c (
Refill container 28 can be any type of container that can hold the mist solution such that it can be introduced in to the mist generating machine. Refill container 28 can have any shape and be made of many materials including pliable plastics and metals. One exemplary shape is similar to a tube, such as a toothpaste tube, having an orifice on one end and closed on the other. Squeezable tubes, bottles, cans, bags can be used so long as they, are adapted to lock in to the machine. Many other collapsible or flexible containers are known and can be used to refill the mist generator so long as they are adapted to include the same neck-locking design. Alternatively, pressure can be applied to the device using a syringe type refill container or a caulking-gun concept in combination with the locking mechanism.
The mist generator 1 has a spray outlet 12 of sufficient size to allow enough mist to come out to cleanse an automobile interior and ventilation system. The size of the outlet 12 opening allows for the possibility that undesirable solutions or foreign materials could gain entry into the misting chamber. To avoid this, as best illustrated in
In an embodiment best shown in
The device 1 can include more than one blower 61 and 62 in
In an embodiment best illustrated in
The device can include a level vial as best shown in 5 of
The device may also have an electrical interlock to prevent the mist generator from operating if the angle is outside an acceptable range.
The spray device can also include a mechanism for notifying the operator that the treatment is in progress, finished or when there is a problem with the machine. The mechanism can be a top display with light(s), such as LED's, which shows the status of the machine and/or the treatment without having to open the door of the car. Depending of the frequency of the flashing, the user can determine if the machine is still running or is stopped because the treatment time was complete, or whether there was a problem with the machine. The display can also be a readable display that describes the sprayer status or it can be a remote wired or wireless display showing or having indicator lights or a readable display. Such a display can be placed either inside of the vehicle in a visible place or placed outside of the vehicle at a convenient location where the user can conveniently observe it. The device can be configured with a sound system such that an attached or remote buzzer can indicate the status of the machine or the stage of the treatment. In an embodiment, a light emitting source 10 and 11 can be used that emits light beams through the mist to show the effectiveness of the treatment to the user(s).
The disclosed spray device provides an easily controllable sprayer in a reduced size, that can produce a very fine spray of cleaning solution, comparable to a mist. The spray molecule size is much smaller than water allowing better penetration of seats, headliners, carpets and small orifices in the A/C system components.
In one embodiment a portable piezo-based, mist-generating device is provided that can connect to a vehicle's Low Direct Current Voltage (LDCV) power supply in order to perform cleaning/odor removal services on exposed and hard-to-reach surfaces of the interior of a car. The device can incorporate a unique filling system, which prevents foreign material from entering into the unit, including fluids or substances that would deteriorate the performance of the unit or the components of the device itself. It can utilize an automatic timed shut-off circuit, a fluid level indicator/window and a positioning level indicator. The inside of the device can include an internal anti-foam and anti-splash structure designed to keep electronic components dry and reduce the foaming and turbulence of the fluid being misted. It can also include a metal plate within a plastic embodiment to increase ultrasonic transducer performance.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
Referring now to the embodiment of
Referring to
The device 100 can operate from a vehicle's 12 or 24 volt direct current electric power supply through a power adapter 107. Because the disclosed mist generating device can be powered by a LVDC power supply, the risk of shock is greatly reduced as compared to devices that are powered by AC. This is particularly significant because the fluid used for the cleaning is often an electro conductive liquid composition.
In this embodiment no wires leading from the vehicle are needed because a LVDC power source is typically available inside the cabin of most vehicles. The point of electrical connection inside the vehicle cabin can be a cigarette lighter or similar accessory electrical outlet. In this configuration the risk of a power cord being pinched, shorted circuited or cut is completely avoided as are gaps in doors or windows that are necessary when known devices are used. Thus, undesired leaks of the cleaning solution's mist are also avoided. Also, low current consumption of the device allows thinner cable to be used and operation without vehicle running. For instance, in one example, the device 100 uses between 2 to 6 amps and consumes between 2 to 20 ml of treatment fluid per minute on a typical 12 volt system. Many newer vehicles have reduced wire size and smaller battery and charging systems, which limits the current capability of the vehicle. The thin cables used by the device 100 are amenable to such new vehicles and enhance safety.
The atomizer-nebulizer-cold fogger device 100 can have an inlet 104 adapted to receive the locking mechanism 130, such as the threaded or unthreaded neck of the refill container 128. Thus, the inlet 104 could be threaded such that a threaded refill container 128 could be screwed into the inlet 104. The inlet 104 can also be adapted with a cutter, such as that disclosed in conjunction with the device 1 in the former embodiment, that pierces the thin material and allows for the fluid to pass from the refill container 28 into the mist generator device 100 after refill container 28 is screwed onto the inlet nozzle 104. In one embodiment, the threading on the neck of the refill container 128 can be inside the neck such that the neck screws into an externally threaded inlet on the machine. Also, in various embodiments, under the cutter and inlet 104, the device 100 includes a check valve, such as check valve 43 in
Refill container 28 can be any type of container that can hold the mist solution such that it can be introduced in to the mist generating machine. Refill container 28 can have any shape and be made of many materials including pliable plastics and metals. One exemplary shape is similar to a tube, such as a toothpaste tube, having an orifice on one end and closed on the other. Squeezable tubes, bottles, cans, bags can be used so long as they are adapted to lock in to the machine. Many other collapsible or flexible containers are known and can be used to refill the mist generator so long as they are adapted to include the same neck-locking design. Other features a suitable container may posses include: (a) preventing drips when held upside down; (b) preventing refilling (by having a small opening); (c) clearing a checkvalve; (d) opening with head space in the container by allowing some air to pass through the valve after the contents have been installed; (e) enabling virtually 100% of contents to be dispensed; (f) enabling a user to view the contents of the container; (g) enabling a user to view the level of contents in the container; (h) any combination of these; and (i) any suitable features. In various other embodiments, pressure 100 could be applied to the device using a syringe type refill container or a caulking-gun concept in combination with the locking mechanism.
Referring to at least
Referring now to
Referring to
In traditional piezo systems, a potentiometer is mechanically adjusted to set the current at a given time. It should be appreciated that device 100 includes a memory device storing a plurality instructions (or software) programmed to constantly monitor and self-adjust voltage and current to the piezo actuator 106. As ambient temperature and voltage fluctuate or resistance increases, the piezo actuator 106 performance will not be optimized. Keeping the input current and voltage constant and optimized under all conditions makes the piezo actuator 106 more durable and its performance more stable. An additional benefit of the use of self-adjusting voltage and current to the piezo actuator 106 is that the potentiometer does not need to be set during manufacturing (i.e. a mechanical potentiometer does not need adjusting).
Referring again to
As stated above, the air flow parameters for the atomizing chamber assembly, of the device 100 are governed by the these areas. Each area has its own Volume (V) and Pressure (P) characteristics. In the device 100, the three adjacently conjoined areas are balanced using theoretical parameters based on Boyles Law (P1*V1=P2*V2), where “P” is defined as pressure & “V” is defined as volume, given that the pressure and volume in a given area is in equilibrium to a pressure and volume in an adjacent and conjoined area. In other words, pressure and volume are inversely proportional in each area.
Additionally, theoretical parameters based on Bernoulli's principle (P1*Vel1=P2*Vel2) where “P” is defined as pressure and “Vel” is defined as “Velocity” is also applicable in the fact that each of the areas' respective constants are based on their input variables as dictated by Boyles law also generates a specific air velocity at a specific rate that is balanced during the chambers operation.
Referring now to
Area two 102 has a smaller volume than area one 101. Thus, when air flows from area one 101 to area two 102, because the head pressure created in area one 101 by the fan is constant, the pressure of the atomized chemical created and transferred from area one 101 increases as it passes from area one 101 through area two 102.
Area three 103 has a larger volume than area two 102. Thus, the pressure in area three 103 will be lower than that in area two 102, in view of Boyle's Law. In view of Bernoulli's principle, the decrease in pressure between area two 102 and area three 103 will create a venturi effect, assisting to expel as much atomized chemical under pressure from area one 101 as possible. In other words, under Bernoulli's principle, an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure. Thus, the atomized chemical accelerates into area three 103 at a reduced pressure. The reduction of pressure of the atomized chemical in area 103, keeps the atomized chemical from dissipating too quickly before being expelled in a controlled manner from the output 112 of the device 100.
The design of the misting chamber of device 100 maximizes the efficiency and effectiveness of airflow through the device. Atomized misting solution accelerates through area two 102, enabling the atomization of further misting solution and is decelerated by the expanse of volume in area 103, such that it may exit the outlet 112 at a proper pace in a suitable manner.
The mist generator 100 has a spray outlet 112 or sufficient size to allow enough mist to come out to cleanse an automobile interior space and ventilation system. The size of the outlet 112 opening allows for the possibility that undesirable solutions or foreign materials could gain entry into the misting chamber. To avoid this, as best illustrated in
As illustrated in at least
As illustrated in
In various embodiments, the device 100 can also include a mechanism for notifying an end user that the treatment is in progress finished or when there is a problem with the machine. The mechanism can be a display with light(s) 110 and 111 as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a diagnostic port 140 which is configured to connect to any suitable processing device. The memory device of the misting device 100 stores data associated with at least: (a) a number of cycles; (b) error codes; (c) a number of short cycles; (d) services; (e) time; (f) input voltage; (g) piezo current; (h) piezo voltage; (i) ambient temperature; (j) heat sink temperature; (k) machine code; (l) operating status; (run time); and (m) any other suitable data.
In one embodiment, the device 100 includes at least one processor and a memory device storing a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to self manage and constantly regulate voltage and current to the piezo actuator 106.
It should be appreciated that any features discussed in conjunction with any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be used in combination with features of different embodiments disclosed herein. Certain features were only discussed in conjunction with one embodiment for brevity.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of PCT Application No. PCT/CA2007/001548, filed on Aug. 31, 2007, entitled “Compositions and Methods for Eliminating and Preventing Vehicle Odors,” which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/824,370, filed on Sep. 1, 2006, entitled “Compositions and Methods for Eliminating and Preventing Vehicle Odors.” the entire contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60824370 | Sep 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/CA07/01548 | Aug 2007 | US |
| Child | 12106002 | US |
