FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates generally to an air circulating
apparatus and more specifically, to an apparatus for facilitating air
circulation toward a rear portion of a vehicle cabin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, a vehicle includes an air conditioning system having air
outlet openings for cooling or heating an inner space of a vehicle cabin.
The air outlet openings are disposed in a front portion of the vehicle cabin
or at specified locations within the vehicle cabin which favour occupants of
front seats in comparison to occupants of rear seats. The air dispensed
from the air conditioning system either reaches the occupants of the rear
seats after passing through the occupants of the front seat or does not
reach at all. As a result, a desired comfort is not felt by the occupants of
the rear seats of the vehicle.
In one of an existing solution, an air conditioning apparatus, with a
single HVAC unit having two blowers, is provided for dispensing
conditioned air within the vehicle cabin. However, due to configuration of
its air conditioning case, an airflow amount provided to a rear portion of
the vehicle cabin is substantially lower than an airflow amount provided to
a front portion of the vehicle cabin.
In another existing solution, separate air conditioners are installed
at the rear portion of the vehicle cabin. The rear seat air conditioners are
configured to control temperature of the rear portion of the vehicle cabin
to deliver comfort to the occupants of the rear seats. However, the rear
seat air conditioners cause additional power consumption and thereby
increase load on the vehicle engine. Furthermore, the rear seat air
conditioners require additional space for placement in the vehicle. As a
result, the rear seat air conditioners are not suitable for vehicle where
space, cost or power consumption are constraint. Moreover, an
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installation of the rear seat air conditioners is not a cost-effective solution
as the rear seat air conditioners substantially increase financial cost
associated with the vehicle.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved system that
improves the vehicle cabin air flow management and enhances comfort of
both rear as well as front seat occupants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a relatively compact and a portable
air circulating apparatus configured to facilitate airflow toward a rear
portion of the vehicle cabin. It is an object of the invention to improve
the cabin air flow management and enhance comfort of both rear as well
as front seat occupants.
In an embodiment, an apparatus for facilitating air circulation inside
a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a first
side, facing opposite to a direction of an air flow dispensed by an air
source and a second side disposed in the direction of the air flow
dispensed by the air source. The first side is in proximity to a front
portion of the vehicle cabin and the second side is in proximity to a rear
portion of the vehicle cabin. An inlet portion is provided on the first side
of the housing in a manner such that the inlet portion is configured to
induct a first amount of a total amount of air dispensed by the air source.
The apparatus further includes one or more air suction device
provided within the housing and coupled to the inlet portion wherein the
air suction device is configured to generate a suction effect to draw in the
first amount of air into the inlet portion. Further, an air channelling guide
is coupled to the air suction device for directing the drawn first amount of
air toward the second side of the housing. The apparatus further includes
a first set of air modifier surfaces and a second set of air modifier surfaces
provided respectively on a first portion of the housing and a second
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portion of the housing for guiding a second amount of air of the total
amount of air, wherein the second amount of air is flowing in proximity
to/ beneath the housing and toward the second side of the housing. An
outlet portion is provided on the second side of the housing in a manner
such that the outlet portion is configured to dispense out the first amount
of air directed through the air channelling guide and the second amount
of air guided by the first set of air modifier surfaces and the second set of
air modifier surfaces.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention,
a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by
reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the
appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only
typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be
considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood when the following detailed
description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for facilitating
air circulation inside a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure;
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a bottom perspective view of
an exemplary apparatus for facilitating air circulation inside the vehicle in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
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Figures 3A-B are schematic illustrations of bottom views of the
apparatus for facilitating air circulation inside the vehicle in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure; and
Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of cross-sectional view of the
apparatus for facilitating air circulation inside the vehicle in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure; and
Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are schematic illustrations views of the
apparatus for facilitating the function of air filtration and bug zapper.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in
terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve
understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms
of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device
may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and
the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to
obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
Detailed Description
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of
the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated
in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.
It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the
invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications
in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of
the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally
occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
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It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing
general description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive
thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another
aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in
at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of
the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar
language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all
refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a
process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only
those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to
such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or
elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises...a" does
not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or
other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other
components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional
elements or additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system,
methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Referring to Figure 1, a block diagram of an apparatus for
facilitating air circulation inside a vehicle in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The apparatus 100 includes a
housing 102 having a first side facing opposite to a direction of an air flow
dispensed by an air source (not shown) and a second side disposed in the
direction of the air flow dispensed by the air source. The direction of the
air flow dispensed by the air source refers to an air direction such that the
air flows from a front portion of a vehicle cabin toward a rear portion of
the vehicle cabin. The air source generally includes a heating, ventilating,
and air-conditioning (HVAC) system coupled to multiple openings or vents
using tubing or pipes. In operation, air is conditioned at the HVAC system
and pushed by blower for delivery to the vehicle cabin. Generally, the air
is delivered through the vents provided at the front portion of the vehicle
cabin that extends generally fore and aft along a center of the vehicle
between a driver seat and a front passenger seat.
The housing 102 is configured inside the vehicle in a manner such
that the first side is in proximity to the front portion of the vehicle cabin
and the second side is in proximity to the rear portion of the vehicle
cabin. The vehicle cabin referred herein refers to a space inside the
vehicle where the passengers can be seated. The front portion/ area of
the vehicle includes a space provided for a driver seat and a seat next to
the driver seat. The rear portion/area includes a space provided for the
passenger seats behind the driver seat.
The apparatus 100 further includes an inlet portion 104 provided on
the first side of the housing 102. The inlet portion 104 is configured to
induct a first amount of a total amount of air dispensed by the apparatus
100. The inlet portion 104 is provided with sufficient openings to induct
the first amount of air.
One or more air suction device 106, provided within the housing
102 and coupled to the inlet portion 104, is configured to generate a
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suction effect to draw in the first amount of air into the inlet portion 104.
The air suction device 106 may include small motor driven fan that
produces a suction effect in proximity to the inlet portion 104 to draw in
the first amount of air into the inlet portion 104.
The suction effect for drawing in the first amount of air may be
regulated by the user by varying the speed or operation of air suction
device 106. In an alternative embodiment, the suction effect may be
automatically controlled based on temperature measurements at the front
portion of the cabin, the rear portion of the vehicle cabin and a portion
below housing 102.
An air channeling guide 108 is coupled to the air suction device 106
for directing the drawn first amount of air toward the second side of the
housing 102. In an embodiment, a cross flow type blower fan is provided
with the air channeling guide 108 for directing the first amount of air
toward the second side of the housing 102. The dimensions of the air
channeling guide 108 is such that the inlet opening of the air channeling
guide 108 has a bigger cross-sectional area in comparison to its outlet
portion disposed at the second side.
The housing 102 further includes a first set of air modifier surfaces
110 and a second set of air modifier surfaces 112 provided respectively
on a first portion of the housing 102 and a second portion of the housing
102 for guiding a second amount of air of the total amount of air. The
second amount of air is flowing in proximity to/ beneath the housing 102
and toward the second side of the housing 102.
The first set of air modifier surfaces 110 include a plurality of
protruding surfaces of a first type and the second set of air modifier
surfaces 112 include a plurality of protruding surfaces of a second type.
The first set of air modifier surfaces 110 and the second set of air modifier
surfaces 112 are aligned and constructed in such a way that the
maximum amount of air is guided toward the second side by creating a
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low-pressure zone therein. At the second side of the housing 102, an
outlet portion 114 is configured to dispense out the first amount of air
directed through the air channeling guide 108 and the second amount of
air guided by the first set of air modifier surfaces 110 and the second set
of air modifier surfaces 112. The air dispensed from the outlet portion 114
is the sum of first and second amounts of air.
The apparatus 100 further includes an air deflector portion 116
coupled to the first set of air modifier surfaces 110 for deflecting/
directing the second amount of air toward the outlet portion 114. The air
deflector portion 116 acts as a deflecting enhancer that allows the air
beneath the housing 102 to move toward the outlet portion 114 and
minimizes circulation of second amount of air (Q2) in other directions.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of protruding surfaces of
the first type and each of the plurality of protruding surfaces of second
type are equally spaced. Generally, each of the plurality of protruding
surfaces of first type is substantially longer and thicker than each of the
plurality of protruding surfaces of second type.
In another embodiment, each of the plurality of protruding surfaces
of second type is aligned between two adjacently placed protruding
surfaces of first type.
In a yet another embodiment, the dimensions of opening size of the
outlet portion 114 are dependent upon length of air outlet face defining
the outlet portion 114 and a predetermined volumetric air flow rate.
Generally, the dimensions of opening size of the outlet portion 114 are
selected in such a way that it has a specific ratio with a length of air
outlet face defining the primary outlet for certain volumetric air flow rate.
In another embodiment, the housing 102 is provided with one or
more mounting brackets 118 for fastening the apparatus 100 to an inner
roof of the vehicle. Suitable fastening means such as screws, nuts and
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bolts may be used for mounting and securing the apparatus 100 to the
inner roof of the vehicle. Generally, one or mounting brackets 118 are
configured at the corners of the housing 102 for securely mounting the
housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 102 may be
secured from the center to allow suitable movement of the housing 102 to
control the directions of the air flow.
In another embodiment, an Air filter and Bug Zapper Sub Assembly
120 is disposed proximate to the inner portion 104 of the housing 102 to
filter air impurities after the first amount of air is drawn into the inlet
portion 104. Further, the Air filter and Bug Zapper Sub Assembly 120 is
also provided with means for configuring an electrical discharge insect
control module integrated with LED light.
In another embodiment, a regulator coupled to the outlet portion
114 may be provided for regulating/ controlling amount of air dispensed
out through the outlet portion 114. In another embodiment, the housing
102 is provided with a suitable USB port for charging electronic devices.
In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a first
temperature sensing means for determining temperature in the vehicle
proximal to the first side; a second temperature sensing means for
determining temperature in the vehicle proximal to the second side; and a
controlling means for controlling amount of air drawn by the air suction
device 106 and amount of air dispensed through the outlet portion 114,
wherein the controlling is based on the temperature difference
determined by the first temperature sensing means and second
temperature sensing means.
Referring to Figure 2, a schematic illustration of a bottom
perspective view of an exemplary apparatus for facilitating air circulation
inside the vehicle is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure.
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The reference numerals used in the description of Figure 1 may be
used for the purposes of explanation of the figure 2. The apparatus 100
includes the housing 102 that includes the inlet portion 104 and the outlet
portion 114. The housing 102 is fastened to the inner roof of the vehicle
cabin using the plurality of vehicle mounting brackets 118 provided at the
corners of the housing 102. The inlet portion 104 includes a plurality of
openings 202 configured to induct the first amount of air of the total
amount of air dispensed by an air source (not shown) placed in front side
of the vehicle cabin. An air suction device 106 (not shown), having one or
more fan is coupled to the inlet portion 104 for inducting the first amount
(Q1) of air into the inlet portion 104 through the plurality of openings
202. The first amount (Q1) of air is directed toward the outlet portion 114
through a channeling guide 108 (not shown).
The apparatus 100 further includes a first set of air modifier
surfaces 110 on a first portion 206 of the housing 102 and a second set of
air modifier surfaces 112 on a second portion 208 of the housing 102 for
guiding the second amount of air (Q2) flowing in proximity to/ beneath
the housing 102 toward the second side of the housing 102. The second
side of the housing 102 refers to the portion of 102 that is in proximity to
the rear side of the vehicle cabin. The first set of air modifier surfaces
110 and second set of air modifier surfaces 112 along with outlet portion
114 and air deflector 116 create a low-pressure zone near the outlet
portion 114 of the housing 102 and guide the second amount (Q2) of air
toward the outlet portion 114.
An air deflector portion 116 is coupled to the first set of air modifier
surfaces 110 for enhancing deflection of the second amount of air (Q2)
toward the outlet portion 114. The outlet portion’s 114 opening face has a
length L as marked in Figure 2. The air deflector portion 116 is suitably
curved to allow the air beneath the housing 102 to move toward the
outlet portion 114 and minimize circulation of second amount of air (Q2)
in other directions. At the outlet portion 114, the first amount of air (Q1)
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directed through the air channeling guide 108 and the second amount
(Q2) of air guided by the first set of air modifier surfaces 110, the second
set of air modifier surfaces 112 and the air deflector portion 116 is
dispensed out toward the second side. Thus, the net air flow (Q) received
from the second side is sum of the first amount of air (Q1) and the
second amount of air (Q2). The air glider surface 210 is provided at the
outlet portion 114 for changing the direction of the air dispensing out of
the outlet portion 114. The air glider surface 210 is configured for
changing the angle of the direction of the air dispensing out of the outlet
portion 114.
Figures 3A-B are schematic illustrations of a bottom view of the
apparatus for facilitating air circulation inside the vehicle in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3A illustrates a
bottom view of the housing and Figure 3B illustrates an enlarged view of
a portion 302 of the housing. The reference numerals used in the
description of Figure 1 and Figure 2 shall be used for the purposes of
explanation of the Figures 3A and 3B. As can be seen in the Figure 3A
and 3B, the first set of air modifier surfaces 110 and the second set of air
modifier surfaces 112 are provided respectively on the first portion of the
housing 102 and the second portion of the housing 102 for guiding the
second amount (Q2) of air flowing in proximity to/ beneath the housing
102 toward the second side of the housing 102. The first set of air
modifier surfaces 110 include a plurality of protruding surfaces of a first
type and the second set of air modifier surfaces 112 include a plurality of
protruding surfaces of a second type. Generally, the shape and size of the
first set of modifier surfaces 110 are not identical to the shape and size of
the second set of air modifier surfaces 112.
In a preferred embodiment, the protruding surfaces of the first type
are of a longer length and larger width (W1) in comparison to length and
width (W2) of the protruding surfaces of the second type. Further, in a
preferred embodiment, the protruding surfaces of the second type may
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include a curvilinear shape. Each of the plurality of protruding surfaces of
the first type are preferably evenly spaced (G1) and each of the plurality
of protruding surfaces of the second type are equally spaced (G2). Each
of the plurality of protruding surfaces of second type is aligned in between
two adjacently placed protruding surfaces of first type. Preferably, each
protruding surface of the second type is aligned in such a manner that
each protruding surface of the second type is spaced in the centre of two
adjacent protruding surfaces of the first type. The space between the
protruding surface of the first type and the protruding surface of the first
type is indicated as G3.
Referring to Figure 4, a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional
view of the apparatus for facilitating air circulation inside the vehicle is
disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown,
a first amount (Q1) of air is inducted into the inlet portion 104 using an
air suction device 106 that includes one or more fans 402. The fan 402 is
placed in the case 204. The first set of air modifier surfaces 110 and the
second set of air modifier surfaces 112 have a height C1 and C2
respectively. As described before, the first set of air modifier surfaces 110
and second set of air modifier surfaces 112 are suitably designed to guide
the second amount of air (Q2) toward the second side of the housing 102.
D1 represents characteristic height of the outlet opening corresponding to
outlet portion 114, whereas L represents another dimension of outlet
opening. H defines the height of air deflector portion 116 with respect to
planner surface corresponding to first portion of casing 102. At the outlet
portion 114, the sum (Q) of first amount (Q1) and the second amount
(Q2) of air is dispensed toward the second side.
Referring to Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, schematic illustrations views of
the apparatus for facilitating the function of air filtration and bug zapper
are disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The Air
filter and Bug Zapper Sub Assembly 120 is disposed proximate to the inlet
portion 104 of the housing 102 to filter air impurities after the first
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amount of air is drawn into the inlet portion 104. The Air filter and Bug
Zapper Sub Assembly 120 can be disposed or taken out through the slot
502 provided along the first portion 206 of the housing 102, for
serviceability. The Air filter and Bug Zapper Sub Assembly 120 includes
an Air Filter 504 layered with Bug Zapper elements 506a and 506b
(together referred to as 506) to filter air impurities and electrocute
insects. The Air filter and Bug Zapper Sub Assembly 120 is provided with
means for configuring an electrical discharge insect control module
integrated with LED lights, preferably in the form of LED light strips 508.
The LED light strips 508 may be integrated on one or more sides of said
sub assembly 120. In the preferred embodiment, the LED light strips 508
are integrated on three sides of said sub assembly excluding the side with
the bottom face 510 of said sub assembly 120.The air filter is designed to
trap small particles such as dust and pollens. The air filter also helps in
removing odour inside the vehicle cabin. The air filter may include, but
not limited to, a carbon filter and is generally disposable in nature.
The apparatus for facilitating air circulation within the vehicle
discloses several advantages. The instant apparatus is a relatively
compact and a portable unit for achieving the air circulation in the vehicle,
in particular for achieving air delivery to the rear portions of the vehicle.
The apparatus improves the cabin air flow management and enhances the
comfort of both rear as well as front seat passengers without requiring
any additional rear seat air conditioners. The apparatus can be easily
mounted to the inside roof and without disturbing the seating space. As
the air inside the vehicle cabin is optimally utilized with the help of
guiding surfaces and deflector portion, the load on the primary air source
(blower) for air flow is substantially reduced and a required temperature
can be achieved even in the rear portions of the vehicle.
The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of
embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of
the described elements may well be combined into a single functional
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element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple
functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to
another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein
may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.
Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in
the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.
Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed
in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means
limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether
explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure,
dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments
is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been
described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the
benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that
may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more
pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential
feature or component of any or all the claims.

We claim:
1. An apparatus for facilitating air circulation inside a vehicle, the
apparatus comprising:
a. a housing having a first side, facing opposite to a direction of
an air flow dispensed by an air source and a second side
disposed in the direction of the air flow dispensed by the air
source;
b. an inlet portion provided on the first side of the housing, the
inlet portion configured to induct a first amount of a total
amount of air dispensed by the air source;
c. an air suction device provided within the housing and coupled
to the inlet portion, the air suction device configured to
generate a suction effect to draw in the first amount of air
into the inlet portion;
d. an air channeling guide coupled to the air suction device for
directing the drawn first amount of air toward the second side
of the housing;
e. a first set of air modifier surfaces and a second set of air
modifier surfaces provided respectively on a first portion of
the housing and a second portion of the housing for guiding a
second amount of air of the total amount of air, wherein the
second amount of air is flowing in proximity to/ beneath the
housing and toward the second side of the housing; and
f. an outlet portion provided on the second side of the housing,
the outlet portion configured to dispense out the first amount
of air directed through the air channeling guide and the
second amount of air guided by the first set of air modifier
surfaces and the second set of air modifier surfaces.
g. an air filter and Bug Zapper Sub Assembly disposed through
the slot made on first portion of the housing
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2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of air
modifier surfaces includes a plurality of protruding surfaces of a
first type and the second set of air modifier surfaces include a
plurality of protruding surfaces of a second type.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the
plurality of protruding surfaces of first type and each of the
plurality of protruding surfaces of second type are equally spaced
on an outer surface of the housing.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the
plurality of protruding surfaces of first type are substantially
longer and thicker than each of the plurality of protruding
surfaces of second type.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the
plurality of protruding surfaces of second type are aligned
between two adjacently placed protruding surfaces of first type.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein dimensions of an
opening size of the outlet portion are dependent upon a length of
an air outlet face defining the outlet portion and a predetermined
volumetric air flow rate.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an air
deflector portion coupled to the first set of air modifier surfaces
for deflecting the second amount of air toward the outlet portion.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is
provided with one or more mounting brackets for fastening the
apparatus to an inside roof of the vehicle.
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9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an air
filter integrated with electric discharge module and LED light,
disposed proximate to the inner portion of the housing to:
-filter air impurities;
- electrocute insect;
-remove odour from the air being drawn towards the inlet
portion.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
regulator coupled to the outlet portion for regulating the total
amount of air to be dispensed through the outlet portion.