Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a passive air purifier and particularly to a wallpaper for passive air purification.
Description of Related Art
[002] Growing concerns over air quality have intensified as pollutant levels continue to rise in both urban and industrial regions. Indoor living environments also harbor multiple sources of pollution, such as cooking, baking, heating appliances, cleaning agents, and off-gassing from building materials and furnishings. These sources contribute to the overall pollutant load in both indoor and outdoor settings. Further, elevated levels of indoor pollution can also result from proximity to external pollution sources such as bus stops, high-traffic roads, industrial zones, and construction sites. Pollutants from these nearby locations can infiltrate indoor spaces through windows, doors, and ventilation systems, compounding air quality challenges within the indoor living environment.
[003] Traditional air purification systems commonly rely on filtration techniques such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon layers, and electrostatic precipitators. While these technologies are effective at capturing airborne contaminants, they are often associated with drawbacks including high energy consumption, the need for frequent replacement of filter media, and limited adaptability to compact or space-constrained environments. Moreover, most conventional air purifiers function as standalone units that require dedicated installation space and often do not integrate seamlessly into interior decor. Continuous efforts have been made to mitigate air pollution-related issues through filtration systems, ventilation improvements, and chemical treatments, but existing solutions often require external power sources along with frequent maintenance.
[004] To date, there exists no solution that is both aesthetically appealing and functionally capable of enhancing indoor air quality in a passive, energy-efficient, and space-saving manner.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced solution for passive air purification that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a wallpaper for passive air purification. The wallpaper comprising a substrate adapted to adhere to a wall surface of a living space. The wallpaper further comprising a composite functional covering disposed on the substrate. The composite functional covering comprises a photocatalytic layer comprising titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles that are adapted to catalyze a degradation of airborne pollutants upon exposure to ambient light, ultraviolet light, or a combination thereof. The wallpaper further comprising a detection chip configured to detect one or more environmental parameters. The wallpaper further comprising a wireless communication unit operatively coupled to the detection chip and configured to transmit data of the detected environmental parameters to an external computing device. The wallpaper further comprising a low-power energy source to enable operations of the detection chip and the data transmission.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for passive air purification using a wallpaper. The method comprising steps of adhering a substrate on a wall surface of a living space; disposing of a composite functional covering; supplying operational power from a low-power energy source to enable operations of a detection chip and data transmission; enabling detection of one or more environmental parameters using the detection chip; and transmitting data of the detected environmental parameters to an external computing device.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a wallpaper for passive air purification.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a wallpaper that operates without requiring an external power source, unlike conventional air purifiers that rely on electricity for filtration.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a wallpaper that utilizes photocatalytic and hydrophobic coatings to prevent dust accumulation, reducing maintenance efforts and prolonging the functional lifespan.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a wallpaper that continuously assesses indoor air quality and provides instant feedback through a mobile application.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a wallpaper that combines electrostatic nanofibers, activated carbon, and photocatalytic oxidation to efficiently capture particulate matter, harmful gases, and microbial contaminants.
[0013] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0014] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a wallpaper, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for passive air purification using the wallpaper, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a wallpaper 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may be designed for versatile applications and for integration onto various types of wall surfaces and interior surfaces. The wallpaper 100 may be applied to the wall surfaces of a living space of residential and commercial buildings, such as the wallpaper 100 may be adapted to serve as an effective solution for improving indoor air quality by filtering airborne pollutants while maintaining ornamental aesthetics of the living space.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may be suitable for application on surfaces such as, but not limited to, wall surfaces, ceilings, wooden artifacts, mica artifacts, ceramic artifacts, so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any surfaces for the application of the wallpaper 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may be adapted to be applied on non-smooth walls such as brick walls, concrete walls, textured surfaces, and so forth. In another embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may be adapted to be applied on smooth walls such as, but not limited to, plastered walls, painted walls, tiles, and so forth. After application, the wallpaper 100 may purify an indoor air of the living space.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may be applied on the wall surfaces and the above-mentioned surfaces by utilization of reagents such as, but not limited to, glue, soap water, a proprietary solution, a Cementous adhesive, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any chemical reagents, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for adhesion of the wallpaper 100 on the wall surfaces and the above-mentioned surfaces.
[0026] Moreover, the wallpaper 100 may allow an indoor airflow of clean air by filtering toxic pollutant filtration such as, but not limited to, volatile organic compound (VOC), particulate matter of 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5), particulate matter of 10 micrometres (PM10), allergens, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover toxic pollutants that may be filtered by the wallpaper 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may operate without any utilization of power and/or electricity. In another embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may offer soundproofing, hence blocking a propagation of outside noises into the living space. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may be hydrophobic in nature, the hydrophobic nature may prevent water adhesion onto the wallpaper 100.
[0028] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may be integrated with solar cells. The solar cells integrated into the wallpaper 100 may be adapted to harness solar energy for generation of electrical energy. The generated electrical energy may further be stored in a battery (not shown) and may later be used as per requirements.
[0029] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the wallpaper 100 may comprise a substrate 102, a composite functional covering 104, a photocatalytic layer 106, a nanomaterial layer 108, an ultraviolet-activated coating 110, an antimicrobial paint 112, an activated carbon layer 114, a self-cleaning membrane 116, an aesthetic surface layer 118, a detection chip 120, a wireless communication unit 122, an external computing device 124, and a low-power energy source 126. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the wallpaper 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing transparent air-purifying wallpapers.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 102 may be adapted to adhere to the wall surface. The substrate 102 may be, but is not limited to, a paper-based material, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate, a fabric-based substrate, a non-woven polymeric sheet, a cellulose-based film, or any other flexible and/or durable material suitable for application on interior wall surfaces.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the composite functional covering 104 may be integrated into the substrate 102. The composite functional covering 104 may comprise the photocatalytic layer 106, the nanomaterial layer 108, the ultraviolet-activated coating 110, the antimicrobial paint 112, the activated carbon layer 114, and the self-cleaning membrane 116. In an embodiment of the present invention, the photocatalytic layer 106 may comprise titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles. The titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles may be adapted to catalyze a degradation of airborne pollutants upon exposure to ambient light, ultraviolet light, solar irradiation, and so forth. The degradation may be processed as the titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles may be oxidizing in nature. Hence, the titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles may reduce hydrogen occupancy and may increase oxygen occupancy in the photocatalytic layer 106. Further, the exposure of the increased oxygen occupancy with the ambient light, the ultraviolet light, the solar irradiation, and so forth, may create an inhabitable ecosystem for airborne pollutants. Hence, degrading the airborne pollutants.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the nanomaterial layer 108 may be adapted to degrade airborne particulate matter, inhibit microbial growth, and carry out photocatalysis in the living space. The airborne particulate matter may be a particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) or larger. The photocatalysis carried out by the nanomaterial layer 108 under the ambient light prevents bacteria and mold growth in the living space.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ultraviolet-activated coating 110 may be adapted to conduct photocatalysis in the living space exposed to natural solar irradiations or artificial ultraviolet radiations. In an embodiment of the present invention, the antimicrobial paint 112 may be adapted to sterilize the air of the living space.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the activated carbon layer 114 may be adapted to adsorb organic vapors, harmful gases, odors, contaminants, and so forth. The harmful gases may be, but not limited to, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Sulphur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH₃), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the harmful gases, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the self-cleaning membrane 116 may be adapted to prevent deposition of dust, dirt, and other particles on a surface of the wallpaper 100. The self-cleaning membrane 116 may be hydrophobic in nature. The hydrophobic nature of the self-cleaning membrane 116 may prevent condensation and moisture withheld in the living space.
[0036] Furthermore, the wallpaper 100 may comprise the aesthetic surface layer 118. The aesthetic surface layer 118 may be configured to enhance the visual appeal of the wallpaper and may include, but is not limited to, plain finishes, textured patterns, printed designs, or painted surfaces, thereby enabling integration with various interior decor styles while maintaining functional benefits of air purification.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the photocatalytic layer 106, the nanomaterial layer 108, the ultraviolet-activated coating 110, the antimicrobial paint 112, the activated carbon layer 114, the self-cleaning membrane 116, and the aesthetic surface layer 118 may be layered over one another in a predefined multi-layered structure. Additionally, the wallpaper 100 may be adapted to maintain an oxygen-rich microenvironment within the living space by promoting the photocatalytic reactions that increase oxygen concentration and reduce harmful gaseous by-products. The sustained abundance of oxygen may further contribute to improved indoor air quality and create an unfavourable ecosystem for the survival and proliferation of airborne pathogens and pollutants.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection chip 120 may comprise a micro-sensing integrated circuit that may be arranged onto the wallpaper 100. The detection chip 120 may be a printed circuitry that may be arranged over and/or in between the layers of the wallpaper 100, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection chip 120 may directly be fabricated on a top surface and/or a bottom surface of the wallpaper 100. Further, the detection chip 120 may be implanted in a grid format on a ream of the wallpaper 100. The grid format may be implemented by implantation of the detection chip 120 at predefined lengths and breadths. The grid format of the detection chip 120 may allow a presence of at least one detection chip 120 after clipping of the wallpaper 100 according to a size of the wall surface. This integration may allow the detection chip 120 to perform active monitoring of air quality, pollutant levels, and environmental parameters while working in conjunction with the functional layers of the wallpaper 100.
[0040] The detection chip 120 may be configured to detect one or more environmental parameters. The environmental parameters may be, but not limited to, a level of organic vapors, a level of harmful gases, a presence of odors, a presence of contaminants, a humidity level, a temperature level, a level of particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), a level of carbon dioxide (CO2), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any environmental parameters, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0041] The detection chip 120 may be, but not limited to, an organic vapors detection chip, a gas detection chip, an odors detection chip, a contaminant detection chip, a humidity detection chip, a temperature detection chip, a particulate matter detection chip, a carbon dioxide (CO2) detection chip, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the detection chip 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication unit 122 may be operatively coupled to the detection chip 120. The wireless communication unit 122 may be configured to transmit data of the detected environmental parameters to the external computing device 124. The wireless communication unit 122 may be, but not limited to, a Bluetooth radio, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) modem, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the wireless communication unit 122, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the external computing device 124 may be an electronic device adapted to be used by residents of the living space. The external computing device 124 may be adapted to receive the environmental parameters detected by the detection chip 120. Further, the external computing device 124 may comprise the Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm adapted to evaluate an air quality within the living space based on the external computing device 124. The external computing device 124 may be, but not limited to, a smartphone, a laptop, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the external computing device 124, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the low-power energy source 126 may be adapted to enable operations of the detection chip 120 and the data transmission via the wireless communication unit 122. The low-power energy source 126 may be, but not limited to, a battery, a capacitor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the low-power energy source 126, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for passive air purification using the wallpaper 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 202, the substrate 102 may be adhered to the wall surface.
[0047] At step 204, the composite functional covering 104 may be disposed on the substrate 102.
[0048] At step 206, the operational power may be supplied from the low-power energy source 126 to enable operations of the detection chip 120 and the data transmission via the wireless communication unit 122.
[0049] At step 208, the detection chip 120 may be enabled to detect the one or more environmental parameters.
[0050] At step 210, data of the detected environmental parameters may be transmitted to the external computing device 124.
[0051] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0052] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A wallpaper (100) for passive air purification, comprising;
a substrate (102) adapted to adhere to a wall surface of a living space;
a composite functional covering (104) disposed on the substrate (102), characterized in that the composite functional covering (104) comprises a photocatalytic layer (106) comprising titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles that are adapted to catalyze a degradation of airborne pollutants upon exposure to ambient light, ultraviolet light, or a combination thereof;
a detection chip (120), wherein the detection chip (120) is configured to detect one or more environmental parameters;
a wireless communication unit (122) operatively coupled to the detection chip (120) and configured to transmit data of the detected environmental parameters to an external computing device (124); and
a low-power energy source (126) to enable operations of the detection chip (120) and the data transmission.
2. The wallpaper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the environmental parameters are selected from a level of organic vapors, a level of harmful gases, a presence of odors, a presence of contaminants, a humidity level, a temperature level, a level of particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), a level of carbon dioxide (CO2), or a combination thereof.
3. The wallpaper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection chip (120) is selected from an organic vapors detection chip, a gas detection chip, an odors detection chip, a contaminant detection chip, a humidity detection chip, a temperature detection chip, a particulate matter detection chip, a carbon dioxide (CO2) detection chip, or a combination thereof.
4. The wallpaper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit (122) is selected from a Bluetooth radio, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) modem, or a combination thereof.
5. The wallpaper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external computing device (124) comprises an Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm adapted to evaluate an air quality based on the detected environmental parameters.
6. The wallpaper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composite functional covering (104) comprises a nanomaterial layer (108) adapted to degrade airborne particulate matter, inhibit microbial growth, and carry out photocatalysis in the living space.
7. The wallpaper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composite functional covering (104) comprises an ultraviolet-activated coating (110) adapted to conduct photocatalysis in the living space exposed to natural solar irradiations or artificial ultraviolet radiations, and an antimicrobial paint (112) adapted to sterilize air of the living space.
8. The wallpaper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composite functional covering (104) comprises an activated carbon layer (114) adapted to adsorb organic vapors, harmful gases, odors, contaminants, or a combination thereof.
9. The wallpaper (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composite functional covering (104) comprises a self-cleaning membrane (116) adapted to prevent deposition of dust, dirt, and other particles on the wallpaper (100).
10. A method (200) for passive air purification using a wallpaper (100), the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
adhering a substrate (102) on a wall surface of a living space;
disposing of a composite functional covering (104);
supplying operational power from a low-power energy source (126) to enable operations of a detection chip (120) and data transmission;
enabling detection of one or more environmental parameters using the detection chip (120); and
transmitting data of the detected environmental parameters to an external computing device (124).
Date: May 02, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant