TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of air purification devices. More specifically, it relates to an air filter and sterilizer that purifies and sterilizes air by effectively removing various air pollutants, viruses and bacteria harmful to human health.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Air is essential to human life. Air fit for breathing normally contains by volume ratio about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1.0% argon, and 0.04% carbonic gas, along with some naturally occurring fine dust. Of these, the human body needs only oxygen while the other components are injurious to humans. As we breathe, our respiratory system takes in this oxygen and expels carbon dioxide. The primary organs of the respiratory system are lungs, which carry out this exchange of gases as we breathe. Red blood cells collect the oxygen from the lungs and carry it to the parts of the body where it is needed. During the process, the red blood cells collect the carbon dioxide and transport it back to the lungs, where it leaves the body when we exhale.
[0004] The human body needs oxygen to sustain itself. A decrease in oxygen is known as hypoxia and a complete lack of oxygen is known as anoxia. These conditions can be fatal; after about four minutes without oxygen, brain cells begin dying, which can lead to brain damage and ultimately death. The average rate of breathing is dependent upon age. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 times each minute and may slow down to 20 to 40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping. For adults, the average resting respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 16 breaths per minute. Exertion also has an effect on respiratory rate, and respiratory rate of healthy adults can be as high as 45 breaths per minute during strenuous exercise.
[0005] As said above, humans as well as most animals need Oxygen to survive while other components present in air can be injurious. Besides, air can carry several pollutants, many of them man-made that can lead to severe diseases of the respiratory system as well as many other types of diseases. The plethora of such diseases starts with simple irritation of eyes, nose mouth and throat or reduced energy levels, headache and dizziness. More serious conditions include respiratory and lung diseases such as Asthma attacks, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Reduced lung function, Pulmonary cancer, Mesothelioma – a particular type of lung cancer, usually associated with exposure to asbestos (it usually occurs 20-30 years after the initial exposure), Pneumonia, Leukemia – a sort of blood cancer usually associated to exposure of benzene vapors (through inhalation), Birth defects and immune system defects, Cardiovascular problems, heart diseases and stroke (an increased risk especially due to particulate matter), Neurobehavioral disorders - neurological problems and developmental deficits due to air toxins such as mercury (which is the only volatile metal in elemental form), Liver and other types of cancer – caused by breathing carcinogenic volatile chemicals and even premature death. Indeed, according to some studies air pollution is responsible for more than 3 million deaths worldwide, and the numbers are only growing.
[0006] A major cause of air pollution is human activities themselves. A very common air pollutant is the smoke generated from industrial zones and other places. This smoke contains various organic and inorganic substances, such as fine particles of 0.01-1.0 micron in size which are generated through imperfect combustion of carbon compounds, for example, anthracene, pyrene, aromatic hydrocarbons, various sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen fluorides, and chlorides. These pollutants are present in the form of solid dust sublimates resulting from vaporization at high temperature of combustion followed by cooling, fumes of fine solid particles distilled and condensed, mist of fine grains produced through atomization of liquid, and gases generated chemically, for example, by heating and activation. Their chemical compositions are commonly sulphur dioxide (SO2) resulting from combustion of carbonized substances such as heavy oil, various forms of nitrogen oxides, hydrogen fluoride (FH) compounds, and ozone (O3).
[0007] Automobile emissions are another major source of air pollution. Fuel and additives when combusted generate pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, hydrogen nitride, lead chloride, lead bromide, ammonia chloride and potassium bromide etc., all of which are damaging to human health in varying degrees.
[0008] Additional sources of pollution include trichloroethylene vapor produced at laundries; hydrocarbon gases, powder, dust, mist, hydrocarbon substances, gases produced at printing shops, painting shops, newspaper presses or on site construction and asphalt pavement work; organic chloride, hydrocarbon, ammonia compounds originating from ink, carbon paper and copying machines at offices or workshops; odors of perspiration, and other human body secretions (urine, valerianic acid, ammonia, etc.); and odors of pyridine and nicotinic acid derived from smoking.
[0009] Besides, air can have a variety of pathogens such as a virus, bacterium, prion, a fungus, or other micro-organisms that it can receive from humans already exposed to them by actions such as coughing, sneezing as well as other activities like raising of dust, spraying of liquids, or similar activities likely to generate aerosol particles or droplets. Air can transmit such pathogens to other humans and in this fashion many common infections can be spread by airborne transmission. These include Anthrax (inhalational), Chickenpox, Influenza, Measles, Smallpox, Cryptococcosis, and Tuberculosis. They are generally termed as viral infections. Many viral infections have no cure except letting the disease run its course during which the body develops immunity to the disease. Others – such as tuberculosis – require extensive long term treatment.
[0010] As elaborated above, air that we breathe is contaminated with many pollutants as well as pathogens / viruses severely detrimental to humans. In indoor environments where air is largely re-circulated and proportion of fresh air is less, this problem is much more acute. Efforts have been made in the past to filter out such pollutants so that indoor air becomes breathable. For example, some devices use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that remove dust particles of sizes above 0.3 microns. However, such devices can not remove viruses that can have size as little as 0.1 micron or even less.
[0011] Hence there is a need in the art for a device that can remove various pollutants and even bacteria and viruses from indoor air in a very effective fashion.
[0012] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0013] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0014] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0015] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is a general object of the present disclosure to provide an air filter device that purifies air by removing air pollutants harmful to human health.
[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an air filter device that sterilizes air by removing biological agents harmful to human health.
[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an air filter device that filters indoor air accommodated within a defined indoor space.
[0019] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an air filter device that utilizes photo-catalytic air purification to purify the air.
[0020] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an air filter device that utilizes plasma air filtration to filter the air.
[0021] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an air filter device that is cost-efficient.
[0022] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an air filter device that is incorporates replaceable filtration modules to improve maintainability of the device.

SUMMARY
[0023] The present disclosure relates to an air filtration and sterilization device (also referred to as air purification device hereinafter) that purifies and sterilizes air by effectively removing various air pollutants, viruses and bacteria harmful to human health. An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an air purification device including an air suction mechanism for suction of air into at least one passage of the air filtration device by generating a low pressure region in the at least one passage, and a plurality of filtration modules including at least one plasma filtration module to effect sterilization of the air by generating plasma from amplified Ultraviolet (UV) rays, wherein the plurality of filtration modules are arranged in series within the at least one passage to effect purification of the air.
[0024] In an embodiment, after the air flows through each of the plurality of filtration modules, the air gets purified and moves out of the at least one passage from an outlet section of the air filtration device.
[0025] In an embodiment, the air suction mechanism includes a centrifugal fan configured in vicinity of the outlet section of the air filtration device.
[0026] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one synthetic pre-filter module including a synthetic pre-filter configured to remove pollutants having size larger than 3 microns.
[0027] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one negative ion generator module to isolate pollutants from the air by negatively charging air molecules.
[0028] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one photo-catalytic air cleaner module including a plurality of plates coated with Titanium Oxide (TiO2) and a plurality of UV lamps, and wherein each of the plurality of UV lamps are configured with an amplifying mechanism to enable amplification of UV rays radiated from the plurality of UV lamps that impinge upon the air molecules in contact with the plates to effect photo-catalytic filtration of the air.
[0029] In an embodiment, the at least one plasma filtration module generates plasma from the UV rays amplified by the amplifying mechanism.
[0030] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one activated carbon filtration module including a filter made of activated carbon granules impregnated in coconut fibers to absorb odors of the air and allow odor-free air to pass through the at least one activated carbon filtration module.
[0031] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one exchangeable filter module including at least one exchangeable filter to remove undesired pollutants from the air passing through the at least one exchangeable filter.
[0032] In an embodiment, at least one pressure sensor is configured with each of the filtration modules to monitor drop in air pressure across each of the filtration modules, and wherein an alarming system is coupled with the at least one pressure sensor to trigger any or a combination of an audio-visual alarm and a tactile alarm when drop in air pressure across any of the filtration modules exceeds a pre-determined limit.
[0033] In an embodiment, the photo-catalytic air cleaner module is configured with at least one particle measuring sensor to sense size of particles passing through the photo-catalytic air cleaner module and to regulate flow of the air passing through the photo-catalytic air cleaner module so as to restrict flow of particles having size lower than 0.01 microns.
[0034] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the disclosure together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0036] In the figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation depicting various filtration modules and other elements of air filtration device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0039] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0040] The present disclosure relates to an air filtration and sterilization device (also referred to as air purification device hereinafter) that purifies and sterilizes air by effectively removing various air pollutants, viruses and bacteria harmful to human health. An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an air purification device including an air suction mechanism to allow suction of air into at least one passage of the air filtration device by generating a low pressure region in the at least one passage, and a plurality of filtration modules including at least one plasma filtration module to effect sterilization of the air by generating plasma from amplified Ultraviolet (UV) rays, wherein the plurality of filtration modules are arranged in series within the at least one passage to effect purification of the air.
[0041] In an embodiment, after the air flows through each of the plurality of filtration modules, the air gets purified and moves out of the at least one passage from an outlet section of the air filtration device.
[0042] In an embodiment, the air suction mechanism includes a centrifugal fan configured in vicinity of the outlet section of the air filtration device.
[0043] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one synthetic pre-filter module including a synthetic pre-filter configured to remove pollutants having size larger than 3 microns.
[0044] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules includes at least one negative ion generator module to isolate pollutants from the air by negatively charging air molecules.
[0045] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one photo-catalytic air cleaner module including a plurality of plates coated with Titanium Oxide (TiO2) and a plurality of UV lamps, and wherein each of the plurality of UV lamps are configured with an amplifying mechanism to enable amplification of UV rays radiated from the plurality of UV lamps that impinge upon the air molecules in contact with the plates to effect photo-catalytic filtration of the air.
[0046] In an embodiment, the at least one plasma filtration module generates plasma from the UV rays amplified by the amplifying mechanism.
[0047] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one activated carbon filtration module including a filter made of activated carbon granules impregnated in coconut fibers to absorb odors of the air and allow odor-free air to pass through the at least one activated carbon filtration module.
[0048] In an embodiment, the plurality of filtration modules include at least one exchangeable filter module including at least one exchangeable filter to remove undesired pollutants from the air passing through the at least one exchangeable filter.
[0049] In an embodiment, at least one pressure sensor is configured with each of the filtration modules to monitor drop in air pressure across each of the filtration modules, and wherein an alarming system is coupled with the at least one pressure sensor to trigger any or a combination of an audio-visual alarm and a tactile alarm when drop in air pressure across any of the filtration modules exceeds a pre-determined limit.
[0050] In an embodiment, the photo-catalytic air cleaner module is configured with at least one particle measuring sensor to sense size of particles passing through the photo-catalytic air cleaner module and to regulate flow of the air passing through the photo-catalytic air cleaner module so as to restrict flow of particles having size lower than 0.01 microns.
[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation depicting various filtration modules and other elements of air filtration device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] In an aspect, the proposed air filtration device (also referred to as device hereinafter) 100 can include an air suction mechanism to allow suction of air into at least one passage of the air filtration device by generating a low pressure region in the at least one passage. The air suction mechanism can include a centrifugal fan 114, rotation of which can create a partial vacuum or a low pressure region in the passage of the device 100 such that air can be sucked / drawn into the passage through an inlet section 116 of the device 100.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, device 100 disclosed herein can be configured as a ceiling / wall / duct mounted equipment configured to have an air inlet 116 and an air outlet 118. Indoor air can be made to flow through the passage of the device 100 using the centrifugal fan 114 that can be configured in vicinity of the air outlet 118. For instance, the centrifugal fan can be configured before of the air outlet 118. Under action of the centrifugal fan 114, air can get sucked in through the air inlet 116 and then filtered through the plurality of filtration modules as elaborated hereunder and arranged in series within the passage. The filtration modules can filter various pollutants and finally, purified air can come out from the air outlet 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the filtration modules can enable purification as well as sterilization of the air to make the air passing through the outlet section 118 free of pollutants as well as biological agents such as bacteria, virus, etc.
[0054] In an aspect, purified air can be put into indoor environment of a defined indoor space and re-circulated through the device 100. In this fashion, indoor air can undergo repeated cycles of purification.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the air outlet 118 can be configured at periphery of the centrifugal fan 114 itself, as illustrated, and air being sucked in through the air inlet 116 can finally flow out through the air outlet 118.
[0056] In an aspect, device 100 disclosed can have the following filtration modules, each module having filters, as elaborated. In an exemplary embodiment, device 100 can be configured in such a fashion that the modules can be easily taken out for maintenance / replacement as required. In another exemplary embodiment, pressure sensors can monitor the air pressure drop across each module and raise an alarm when such a drop exceeds a pre-determined limit, indicating that the module needs cleaning / replacement.
Synthetic Pre-filter Module 102
[0057] In an aspect, device disclosed can have at its inlet a synthetic pre-filter module 102 in which a synthetic pre-filter can be configured. The module can take any suitable shape such as a panel filter, pleated filter, bag filter etc. of dimensions as required. The synthetic pre-filter can be washable. The synthetic pre-filter module 102 can remove bigger pollutants such as dust, smoke etc. of size 3 microns and above. Such a synthetic pre-filter module is required as it can substantially extend the lifetime / replacement time of modules thereafter, whereas the synthetic pre-filter module 102 itself can be cheaply replaced / cleaned.
Negative Ion Generator Module 104
[0058] In an aspect, a negative ion generator module 104 can be configured to use a high voltage source to negatively charge air molecules to create negative ions, while various other hazardous airborne particles such as mold spores, pollen, pet dander, odors, cigarette smoke, bacteria, viruses, dust etc. are positively charged.
[0059] In another aspect, the negative ions can thus be attracted to the positively charged particles in large numbers and so germs, mold, pollen and other allergens can become too heavy to stay airborne. Such heavy particles can thus drop to surfaces below or be attached to a nearby surface and so removed from the air.
[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the heavy particles can be collected on specially designed plates for easy removal thereafter during maintenance and cleaning of device disclosed.
Photo-catalytic Air Cleaner Module 106
[0061] In an aspect, the photo-catalytic air cleaner module 106 can include a plurality of UV lamps, for instance, UV lamps 106a as shown, and a series of plates coated with Titanium dioxide (TiO2) (also referred to as TiO2 plates hereinafter), shown as 106b. Plates 106b can be configured in such a fashion that air flows over their surface so as to have extensive contact with the surface of the plates 106b.
[0062] In another aspect, UV lamps 106a can be configured with appropriate amplifying mechanisms in such a fashion that the generated UV rays are amplified and then made to impinge upon TiO2 plates 106b thus creating a very powerful photo-catalytic air cleaner, as elaborated hereunder, accompanied by transient spurts of negative temperatures onto the plates 106b. Although, UV lamps 106a are shown at each side of airflow, it can readily be appreciated that these can be configured in the middle of the airflow as well. In an exemplary embodiment, the amplifying mechanism can be, for instance, a highly reflective coating that can amplify the UV rays radiated from the UV bulbs 106a.
[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the TiO2 plates 106b can be spaced apart by a distance, say 5 mm, and can sequentially carry a positive and a negative charge so as to clean air flowing over them still more effectively by attracting various pollutants present in the air. Further, the amplified UV rays impinging on them can allow for photo-catalytic process to continue till about 10-15 mm above the surface of TiO2 plates 106b.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the photo-catalytic air cleaner module 106 can use broad spectrum ultraviolet light, which reacts with a thin-film TiO2 based chemical catalyst, in the presence of water, to create hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions which oxidize volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and eliminate microorganisms adsorbed on the catalyst surface. The catalyst material used in the photo-catalytic process can be TiO2. In an exemplary embodiment, TiO2 can be applied as a thin film on aluminum or ceramic substrate.
[0065] Such hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions can reduce organic substances like germs and volatile organic compounds (which are held together by carbon-carbon, carbon-oxygen or carbon-hydrogen bonds) into smaller compounds till only carbon dioxide and water are left.
[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 disclosed herein amplifies the UV rays before impinging them onto the TiO2 plates, thus making for very powerful air purification by the photo-catalytic air cleaner module 106. In this fashion, the photo-catalytic air cleaner module 106 can eliminate particles having size up to about 0.01 microns from the air. Such particles can include pollens, dust mite allergens, pet dander, mold, bacteria, and viruses in the air, toxic gas phase pollutants including formaldehyde, exhaust fumes, benzene, toluene, odors like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and even gases like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. As elaborated above, all such compounds are converted into relatively harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the photo-catalytic air cleaner module 106 can be configured with at least one particle measuring sensor to sense size of particles passing through the photo-catalytic air cleaner module 106 and to regulate flow of the air passing through the photo-catalytic air cleaner module 106. For example, on detecting particles having size lower than 0.01 microns, the air flow can be reduced so as to provide more time for interaction between the flowing air and the plates 106b for the particles to be trapped by the plates 106b. Alternatively, if it is found that pot going air is free from particles having size lower than 0.01 microns, airflow can be increased to provide better air circulation.
Plasma Filtration Module 108
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, amplified UV light generated in the photo-catalytic air cleaner module 106 can also be used to create plasma in a plasma filtration module 108. In another exemplary embodiment, the plasma can be generated in plasma filtration module 108 using a high voltage-high frequency plasma generator as known in the art.
[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, plasma generated in the plasma filtration module 108 can create charged ions that cling onto airborne particles. The plasma filtration module 108 can have oppositely charged collection plate(s) to attract these particles. Plasma filtration produces Ozone (O3) as a byproduct, which can further purify the air as elaborated hereunder.
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the plasma filtration module 108 can include a plurality of ionization tubes to create charged ions as elaborated above. The negative ions contain an extra electron while the positive ions are missing an electron resulting in an unstable condition. Airborne particles can be charged by the ions through ionic bonding. These charged particles can stick together, thereby increasing their size allowing them to be easily removed by using the collection plates. Further, since airborne particles transmit bacteria cells from one particle to another and as such particles are removed, bacteria count in air can be reduced. Ions generated also break down molecular structure of the VOCs into less harmful ones. Further, O3 generated helps sterilize and destroy bacteria and mold spores that can no longer multiply and also oxidizes odorous gases and aerosols, thereby eliminating them.
Activated Carbon Filter Module 110
[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, activated carbon filter module 110 can be a filter panel including filter made of activated carbon granules impregnated in coconut fibers. Such a construction can provide a very high adsorption capacity compared to using only powdered or granular activated carbon. The activated carbon filter module 110 can very effectively adsorb all types of odors from air with the fibrous material reducing pressure loss across it. Further, the activated carbon filter module 110 can generate very little carbon dust thus making it very easy to use.
Exchangeable Filters Module 112
[0072] In an aspect, exchangeable filters module 112 can include a plurality of exchangeable filters that can further remove various pollutants, gases and odors as required in any specific situation. Depending upon the unique requirement at any particular time, relevant filters can be inserted and employed to purify the air. For instance, in a situation when ozone purification of the air is again required, the exchangeable filters module 112 can be configured as the plasma filtration module 108 to effect ozone purification of the air.
[0073] In an aspect, the centrifugal fan 114 can suck in air through the air inlet 116 and discharge the same through the air outlet 118 into indoor environment of the defined inner space from where the air inlet 116 can again take it in and, in this fashion, the centrifugal fan 114 can keep on re-circulating the indoor air through device 100, thereby providing continuous purification and sterilization of the indoor air.
[0074] In an aspect, various functional parameters of the device 100 can be adjusted and synchronized so as to enable optimized and improved removal of pollutants, bacteria / viruses and odors etc. Such parameters can include any or a combination of airflow through the device 100, voltage at the negative ion generator module 104, quantum of amplification of UV rays, wavelength of UV rays, angle of impingement of UV rays on the plates, number of TiO2 plates, distance between the TiO2 plates, path length through which air is made to traverse over the TiO2 plates, electrostatic charge on the TiO2 plates, voltage and frequency of a plasma generator of the plasma filtration module 108, and the like.
[0075] In an aspect, the proposed device 100 can remove pollutants having size of .001 microns and above. Various pollutants such as dust, smoke, VOCs, odors and even bacteria fall in this range and hence, the proposed device 100 can eliminate the pollutants from the indoor air. Further, negative ion generation, photo-catalytic air cleaning and plasma filtration can help destroy even viruses. In this fashion, the proposed device 100 can very effectively remove various pollutants, smoke, odors, viruses and bacteria from the indoor air.
[0076] Thus, the present disclosure provides an air filtration device to purify and sterilize air. The proposed device includes filtration modules arranged in series through which air is re-circulated using an air suction mechanism. Each filtration module helps in removal of various pollutants. Some filtration modules kill bacteria and viruses as well, leading to sterilization of the air. The proposed device incorporates amplification of Ultraviolet (UV) rays and uses such amplified UV rays for a more powerful photo-catalytic air cleaning process. These amplified UV rays can further be used for generation plasma for effecting ozone purification of the air. Functional parameters of the proposed device can be adjusted and synchronized so as to enable effective removal of pollutants, bacteria / viruses and odors etc. The proposed device can remove pollutants of size .001 microns and above such as dust, smoke, VOCs, odors and even bacteria. The proposed device can very effectively remove various pollutants, smoke, odors, viruses and bacteria from the air.
[0077] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0078] The present disclosure provides an air filter device that purifies air by removing air pollutants harmful to human health.
[0079] The present disclosure provides an air filter device that sterilizes air by removing biological agents harmful to human health.
[0080] The present disclosure provides an air filter device that filters indoor air accommodated within a defined indoor space.
[0081] The present disclosure provides an air filter device that utilizes photo-catalytic air purification to purify the air.
[0082] The present disclosure provides an air filter device that utilizes plasma air filtration to filter the air.
[0083] The present disclosure provides an air filter device that is cost-efficient.
[0084] The present disclosure provides an air filter device that is incorporates replaceable filtration modules to improve maintainability of the device.

CLAIMS:
1. An air purification device comprising:
an air suction mechanism for suction of air into at least one passage of the air filtration device by generating a low pressure region in the at least one passage; and
a plurality of filtration modules comprising at least one plasma filtration module to effect sterilization of the air by generating plasma from amplified Ultraviolet (UV) rays, wherein the plurality of filtration modules are arranged in series within the at least one passage to effect purification of the air.
2. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein after the air flows through each of the plurality of filtration modules, the air gets purified and moves out of the at least one passage from an outlet section of the air filtration device.
3. The air purification device of claim 2, wherein the air suction mechanism comprises a centrifugal fan configured in vicinity of the outlet section of the air filtration device.
4. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of filtration modules comprise at least one synthetic pre-filter module comprising a synthetic pre-filter configured to remove pollutants having size larger than 3 microns.
5. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of filtration modules comprise at least one negative ion generator module to isolate pollutants from the air by negatively charging air molecules.
6. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of filtration modules comprise at least one photo-catalytic air cleaner module comprising a plurality of plates coated with Titanium Oxide (TiO2) and a plurality of UV lamps, and wherein each of the plurality of UV lamps are configured with an amplifying mechanism to enable amplification of UV rays radiated from the plurality of UV lamps that impinge upon the air molecules in contact with the plates to effect photo-catalytic filtration of the air.
7. The air purification device of claim 6, wherein the at least one plasma filtration module generates plasma from the UV rays amplified by the amplifying mechanism.
8. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of filtration modules comprise at least one activated carbon filtration module comprising a filter made of activated carbon granules impregnated in coconut fibers to absorb odors of the air and allow odor-free air to pass through the at least one activated carbon filtration module.
9. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of filtration modules comprise at least one exchangeable filter module comprising at least one exchangeable filter to remove undesired pollutants from the air passing through the at least one exchangeable filter.
10. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein at least one pressure sensor is configured with each of the filtration modules to monitor drop in air pressure across each of the filtration modules, and wherein an alarming system is coupled with the at least one pressure sensor to trigger any or a combination of an audio-visual alarm and a tactile alarm when drop in air pressure across any of the filtration modules exceeds a pre-determined limit.
11. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the photo-catalytic air cleaner module is configured with at least one particle measuring sensor to sense size of particles passing through the photo-catalytic air cleaner module and to regulate flow of the air passing through the photo-catalytic air cleaner module so as to restrict flow of particles having size lower than 0.01 microns.