[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to an air filtration device, and more
specifically, relates to a device for reducing the concentration of micro-organisms, especially airborne viruses, in air flowing through the air filtration device using quantum dots technology.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding
the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior
art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or
implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Recently, Corona virus pandemic has caused great damages to the entire human
race without any discrimination. Almost every country got affected due to this invisible enemy
called COVID-19. Many frontline warriors are helping communities and countries to protect
from corona virus. Doctors and paramedical staff are working tirelessly to control the virus from
community transfer. Several educational and research institutes are in the process of discovery of
vaccines to curb COVID-19.
[0004] As the countries are coming out of lengthy lockdowns, transportations are getting
back on the tracks, the human race is now exposed to even more precarious situations to get
contaminated from COVID-19. Reducing the concentration of viruses in a cluster or packed
environment which can be in buses, trains, airplanes, colleges, universities, schools, industries,
or anywhere else, is the top priority for any government in any country.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a smart solution to reduce the concentrationof the
microorganisms from the environment.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to an air-filtering device, and
more specifically, relates to a device for reducing the concentration of the micro-organisms,
especially air-borne viruses, from environment, using quantum dots technology.
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[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus with one or more
air circulation component to circulate air particulates contributing to indoor and outdoor air
pollution. The device tends to be more eco-friendly that are comfortable and convenient for the
user.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device with quantum dots
configured on the copper wire mesh to remove the particulates from the input air to provide
faster response without the requirement of complex process.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple structured device
to detect the quality of air from the environment using quantum dots technology.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates, in general, to an air filtration device, and more
specifically, relates to a device for reducing the concentration of the micro-organisms in air
flowing through the air filtration device using quantum dots technology.
[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a housing configured with at least one
inlet, the inlet adapted to receive air to be filtered and at least one outlet opening; a circulation
element configured in the housing, and adapted to circulate the received air through at least one
outlet provided on the apparatus; a trapping element configured in the housing such that it is
adapted to receive the air from the at least one inlet, the trapping element comprising: a wire
mesh; multiple quantum dots configured on the wire mesh, the multiple quantum dots having
configured such that distance between any two of the quantum dots is smaller than a size of the
micro-organism, wherein the multiple quantum dots on the wire mesh forms a filter adapted to
restrict passage of micro-organism present in the air from the at least one inlet, and wherein the
trapping element is adapted to restrict passage of micro-organisms in the air from the at least one
inlet to enable air with reduced concentration of micro-organisms to pass from it and to the at
least one outlet.
[0012] In an embodiment, the housing can be any or a combination of spherical shape and
oval shape.
[0013] In another embodiment, the wire mesh can be made of stiff materials such as
metals, non-metals, alloys and a combination thereof.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the stiff material can be copper.
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[0015] In another embodiment, the quantum dots can include one or more heteroatoms like
nitrogen N, boron B and a combination thereof.
[0016] In another embodiment, the quantum dots can be packed in the housing in the form
of cannonball type arrangement.
[0017] In another embodiment, the microorganisms can be any of bacteria, fungi, viruses
and the like.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter
will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments,
along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to
further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by
reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific
embodiments presented herein.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an air filtration apparatus for
filtering micro-organisms in the environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of quantum dots, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] 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.
[0023] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might”
be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be
included or have the characteristic.
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[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] The present disclosure relates, in general, to an air filtration device, and more
specifically, relates to a device for reducing the concentration of the micro-organisms in air
flowing through the air filtration device using quantum dots technology.
[0027] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a housing configured with at least one
inlet, the inlet adapted to receive air to be filtered and at least one outlet opening; a circulation
element configured in the housing, and adapted to circulate the received air through at least one
outlet provided on the apparatus; a trapping element configured in the housing such that it is
adapted to receive the air from the at least one inlet, the trapping element comprising: a wire
mesh; multiple quantum dots configured on the wire mesh, the multiple quantum dots having
configured such that distance between any two of the quantum dots is smaller than a size of the
micro-organism, wherein the multiple quantum dots on the wire mesh forms a filter adapted to
restrict passage of micro-organism present in the air from the at least one inlet, and wherein the
trapping element is adapted to restrict passage of micro-organisms in the air from the at least one
inlet to enable air with reduced concentration of micro-organisms to pass from it and to the at
least one outlet.
[0028] In an embodiment, the housing can be any or a combination of spherical shape, and
oval shape.
[0029] In another embodiment, the wire mesh can be made of stiff materials such as
metals, non-metals, alloys and a combination thereof.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the stiff material can be copper.
[0031] In another embodiment, the quantum dots can include one or more heteroatoms like
nitrogen N, boron B and a combination thereof.
6
[0032] In another embodiment, the quantum dots can be packed in the housing in the form
of cannonball type arrangement.
[0033] In another embodiment, the microorganisms can be any of bacteria, fungi, viruses
and the like.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an air filtration apparatus for
filtering micro-organisms in the environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 includes a device that can be installed in an
enclosed space or area. The device includes housing 102, an air inlet 106, an air outlet 108, an air
circulation component 104, and one or more copper wires 110 (also referred to as wire mesh 110,
herein). The apparatus further integrates quantum dots 200 technique to reduce the concentration
of microorganism particles in the environment.The apparatus can be realized for killing and
efficient removal of pathogenic bacteria, virus simultaneously, to improve indoor air quality for
people's living environment. The apparatus can be used in any public place, transportation,
educational institutes, industries hospitals, or any other organization.
[0036] In an embodiment, the device may be suitable for human use of all ages and cover a
variety of different applications for use indoors or outdoors. The device can be configured to
sense different types of air pollutants. Device can be used in varying applications and
implemented in a variety of products to cover all potential bad air quality scenarios. Some of
these applications include but are not limited to childcare, paramedical, an application for sports
performance, automobile users, and more.
[0037] In an embodiment, the air inlet 106 configured to draw air from an enclosed air
space or room to allow ambient air to enter the housing. The inlet 106 can absorb the polluted air
through the air inlet, processes it and can output purified air through the outlets 108. The purpose
of the device is to remove air particulates contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution. The
unfiltered air can enter the device through at least one inlet. The inlet(s) may be placed on
different parts of the housing. The air may enter the device in passive or active modes, namely
passively by natural flow of surrounding air based on balancing pressure principle, or actively
using suction, blowing, or pumping modes.
[0038] In another embodiment, the housing includes outlets 108 of the purified air. These
outlets 108 are placed on different parts of the housing. The ambient air entering through the
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inlet openings in the housing 102 can pass through one or more air circulation component 104 to
circulate air particulates contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution. The air circulation
component 104 can drive off incoming, polluted air, and can shield the user from the polluted air
and constantly purifies any incoming air entering the device.
[0039] In an embodiment, the air circulation component 104 can be configured to circulate
the particulates, or other pollutants of different particle sizes and properties. The quantum dots
200 technique can be used to reduce the concentration of microorganism particles in the
environment. The quantum dots 200 can be closely packed inside the housing with the help of
copper wires 110 and can be used to remove the particulates e.g., dust, bacteria, viruses, fungi
and other particulates categorized by their size or other pollutants of different particle sizes and
properties.
[0040] In another embodiment, the quantum dots 200 configured on the wire mesh 110
inside the housing. The wire mesh can be made of stiff materials such as metals, non-metals,
alloys and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the stiff material can be copper. The quantum
dots having configured such that distance between any two of the quantum dots is smaller than a
size of the micro-organism. The quantum dots are intelligent nanomaterial with comparable size
as of the microorganisms and have unique biological properties which can make them a
frontrunner candidate for the development of an unprecedented device to sniff, capture and kill
the microorganisms e.g., viruses.
[0041] In another embodiment, the quantum dots 200 include one or more of heteroatoms,
such as Nitrogen N and boron B. The quantum dots can be packed in cannonball type
arrangement with the help of copper wire to capture the viruses. Weaved quantum dots can be
packed inside of the device fitted with air circulation components. The shape of the device can
be varied as per the requirement of use. The device can be assembled easily.
[0042] In another embodiment, the ambient air entering through the inlet openings 106 in
the housing 102 can pass through one or more air circulation component 104 to circulate air
particulates contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution. The quantum dots 200 on the wire
mesh forms a filter adapted to restrict passage of micro-organism to facilitate flow of air with
reduced micro-organism through the at least one outlet 108 of the apparatus. Thus, the device
used in any public place, transportation, educational institutes, industries, hospitals, or any other
organization tends to be more eco-friendly and are comfortable and convenient for the user.
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[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of quantum dots, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the device can integrate quantum dots 200 technique to reduce
the concentration of microorganism particles in the environment.Quantum dots 200 are artificial
nanostructures that can possess many varied properties, depending on their material and shape.
Quantum dots have found numerous uses in real time applications. Environmental pollutions and
energy issues have attracted much attention for the sustainable development of human life.
Quantum dots can help in the degradation of environmental pollutants.
[0045] Quantum dots are a spin-off product which also have the same small sizes but can
be made of any element e.g., carbon. They can be used for photolytic applications e.g., cleaning
of dirty air. In an aspect, the quantum dots can be used for sensing and killing microorganisms,
including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The level of interaction between the quantum dots and
microorganisms depends on the composition, size, shape, and surface chemistry of the quantum
dots, as well as the structure and surface chemistry of the microorganisms.
[0046] In an embodiment, device may be configured to detect the air quality in real-time in
any given environment. The quantum dots include one or more heteroatoms, such as nitrogen N
and boron B whose absorption spectrum ranges from 300 to 850 nm, and the fluorescence
emission wavelength is within a range of 350 to 1000 nm. The quantum dots 200 can be packed
in cannonball type arrangement with the help of copper wire to capture the viruses. Weaved
quantum dots can be packed inside of the device fitted with air circulation components 104. The
shape of the device can be varied as per the requirement of use. The device does not require
complex treatment of the process and can achieve faster response.
[0047] In an embodiment, quantum dots 200 can be closely packed inside the housing 102
and fitted with one or more components 104 with the help of copper wires 110. The inlet 106 can
absorb the polluted air through the air inlet openings. The air circulation component 104 can
circulate the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet to exhaust the purified air to the environment.
For example, the quantum dots with positive charge may interact with negatively charged
microorganisms, resulting in the disruption of the cell wall/membrane of the microorganisms and
ultimately leading to the death of the microorganisms.
[0048] In another embodiment, the quantum dots 200 can remove the particulates e.g.,
dust, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other particulates categorized by their size or other pollutants of
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different particle sizes and properties from the input air and can exhaust the purified air to the
environment. Thus, a simple structured, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly device can
be achieved for air purification using quantum dots technique.
[0049] The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods,
processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including
various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will
understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure.
The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the
absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof,
including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes,
e.g. for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.
[0050] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides
those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The
inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended
claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be
interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms
“comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or
steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps
may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not
expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected
from the group consisting of A, B, C … and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only
one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the
specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that
others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications
such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such
adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning
and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the
phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of
limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred
embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be
practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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[0051] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only.
Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to
those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described
in the claims.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0052] The present disclosure provides a device that can be used in any public place,
transportation, educational institutes, industries, hospitals, or any other organization to reduce the
concentration of virus particles in the environment.
[0053] The present disclosure provides a device that can be assembled easily and can
provide faster response.
[0054] The present disclosure provides a device that can be environment friendly.
[0055] The present disclosure provides a device that can be less expensive and no complex
treatments is required.

We Claim:

1. An air filtration apparatus (100) for filtering micro-organisms, the apparatus comprising:
a housing (102) configured with at least one inlet (106), the inlet adapted to
receive air to be filtered and at least one outlet opening (108);
a circulation element (104) configured in the housing, and adapted to circulate the
received air through at least one outlet provided on the apparatus;
a trapping element configured in the housing (102) such that it is adapted to
receive the air from the at least one inlet, the trapping element comprising:
a wire mesh (110);
a plurality of quantum dots (200) configured on the wire mesh, the
plurality of quantum dots having configured such that distance between any two
of the plurality of quantum dots is smaller than a size of the micro-organism,
wherein the plurality of quantum dots on the wire mesh forms a filter adapted to
restrict passage of micro-organism present in the air from the at least one inlet,
and
wherein the trapping element is adapted to restrict passage of micro-organisms in the air
from the at least one inlet to enable air with reduced concentration of micro-organisms to
pass from it and to the at least one outlet.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is any or a combination of
spherical shape, and oval shape
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wire mesh is made of stiff materials
such as metals, non-metals, alloys and a combination thereof.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, the stiff material is copper.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quantum dots comprise one or more
heteroatoms like nitrogen N, boron B and a combination thereof.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein quantum dots are packed in the housing in
the form of cannonball type arrangement.
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7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microorganisms are any of bacteria,
fungi, viruses and the like.