US20250216101A1

US20250216101A1 - Pollution and air cleaning device

Info

Publication number: US20250216101A1
Application number: US18/982,332
Authority: US
Inventors: Joe Salazar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-12-27
Filing date: 2024-12-16
Publication date: 2025-07-03

Abstract

A mobile air cleaning device for reducing air pollution emissions from a source by cleaning contaminated air is provided. The air cleaning device includes a tank to hold liquid, an extendable pipe to extend relative to the tank, an air filter to transmit air to the tank, a screen to filter pollution from the source, a pump to circulate liquid in the tank, and a liquid filter to filter pollution from the tank. The extendable pipe includes a fan to draw contaminated air through the extendable pipe to the tank where pollution emissions are captured in the liquid and clean air escapes though an air hole in the tank. A drone may deploy the air cleaning device to an elevation of the air pollution emissions. Advantageously, the air cleaning device militates against air pollution by cleaning contaminated air in a mobile and compact manner capable of reaching various elevations.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/614,981, filed on Dec. 27, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present technology relates to an air cleaning device, and more particularly, a device that treats air pollution emissions with liquid and releases clean air.

Introduction

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Air pollution, caused by particulate matter, smoke, and chemical pollutants, poses health and environmental risks. Industries such as manufacturing, energy production, and construction rely on air cleaning systems to control emissions of particulate matter, chemical vapors, and other pollutants. Agricultural operations often use air filtration to mitigate dust and odor pollution, while industrial laboratories require specialized air purifiers to maintain clean environments. Emergency response personnel, including firefighting and hazardous material cleanup crews, represent another application area. Firefighters and environmental agencies responding to chemical fires, wildfires, and toxic spills face unique challenging air quality conditions that include smoke, fine particulates, and airborne chemicals at the air pollution emission source and surrounding areas. Moreover, industries such as healthcare, transportation, and event management require air cleaning solutions capable of maintaining air quality in temporary or mobile environments, such as field hospitals, transit hubs, and outdoor venues. Thus, mobile air cleaning devices are necessary for enabling healthcare responders and firefighters to operate safely and contain pollution. However, air cleaning systems may fall short in such applications due to limitations in mobility, adaptability, and effective pollutant handling as these systems frequently lack the ease of setup and operational simplicity.
One challenge includes the ability to deploy air cleaning systems at varying elevations. Air pollution migrates differently depending on altitude, with particulate and chemical pollutants dispersing unevenly due to wind patterns, thermal currents, and topographical features. Various air cleaning devices employing technologies such as filtration, adsorption, ionization, and catalytic oxidation can be used to remove contaminants from the air. Certain devices are optimized for static conditions at ground level and lack the flexibility to address pollutants effectively at elevated or subterranean locations, such as multi-story buildings, underground tunnels, or uneven terrains.
Certain air cleaning systems use filters, such as HEPA filters, to capture particulates and pollutants from the air. However, these devices often require regular maintenance and replacement of filters, which can be time-consuming and costly. Other devices may not provide sufficient airflow or filtration efficiency, resulting in limited effectiveness in reducing air pollution. Further, devices may be stationery and form part of heavy equipment that requires constant maintenance and oversight. Other systems may be deployed to remove smoke from smokestacks or chimneys by installing large smoke cleaning systems near smokestacks or chimneys. This results in a time-consuming and expensive system which further requires regular maintenance. These systems may also be permanent installations only available for drawing smoke out of smokestacks or chimneys, therefore being limited in use.
Another issue relates to the use of air cleaners at a distance from the source of the air pollution emissions. For example, in chemical fire scenarios, being in close proximity to toxic plumes can cause health risks for personnel and damage sensitive equipment. Portable devices often require placement near the pollution source to be effective, increasing exposure risks for operators. Industrial-scale systems may offer higher capacity but are stationary, making them impractical for deployment in situations requiring both mobility and adaptability to emergencies or unplanned events. Therefore, devices may not adequately combine features such as industrial-grade effectiveness with mobility, adaptability to different elevations, the ability to maintain a safe operational distance, ease of use, and reliability across a wide range of applications and industries.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a mobile air cleaning device that provides enhanced mobility and ease of access to air pollution emissions at various elevations.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a mobile air cleaning device that provides enhanced mobility and ease of access to air pollution emissions at various elevations, has surprisingly been discovered. The present technology includes articles of manufacture, systems, and processes that relate to an air cleaning device to capture air pollution emission from a source using liquid.
In certain embodiments, an air cleaning device capable of capturing air pollution emissions from a source using liquid is provided. The air cleaning device may include a tank. The tank may include a reservoir configured to hold the liquid. The air cleaning device may include an extendable pipe. The extendable pipe may include a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end may be coupled to the tank. The extendable pipe may be configured to extend relative to the tank. The air cleaning device may also include an air filter. The air filter may be coupled to the extendable pipe. The air filter may also include a screen coupled thereto. The air filter may be configured to filter pollution from the source. The air filter may also be configured to transmit air to the tank. The air cleaning device may include a pump. The pump may be coupled to the tank. The pump may be configured to circulate the liquid in the tank. The air cleaning device may also include a liquid filter. The liquid filter may be coupled to the tank. The liquid filter may be configured to filter pollution from the tank.
In certain embodiments, the extendable pipe may be disposed at an angle relative to the tank. The extendable pipe may also extend upwards at a 90-degree angle relative to the tank. In another embodiment, the extendable pipe may be configured to move laterally relative to the tank. The extendable pipe may also include a support beam. The support beam may be configured to provide stability to the extendable pipe. The support beam may also be configured to change the position of the extendable pipe relative to the tank. The extendable pipe may also include a portion thereof that is fireproof. An extendable pipe may be a telescopic pipe. Alternatively, the extendable pipe may be flexible pipe that may bend at an angle relative to the tank. Advantageously, the extendable pipe may be disposed along a building wall to draw smoke from fires, chimneys, or smokestacks.
In certain embodiments, the extendable pipe may be fluidly coupled to the tank. In such embodiments, the extendable pipe may include an input line and an output line. The extendable pipe may also include a side opening. The side opening may be configured to receive the liquid.
In certain embodiments, the air cleaning device may include a liquid pipe. The liquid pipe may be fluidly coupled to the pump. The liquid pipe may also be fluidly coupled to the extendable pipe. The pump may be configured to circulate the liquid from the tank to the side opening of the extendable pipe through the liquid pipe. The liquid pipe may be disposed adjacent to the extendable pipe. Alternatively, the liquid pipe may be disposed parallel to the extendable pipe.
In certain embodiments, the tank may include a plurality of chambers. The tank may be configured to hold water. The tank may also be configured to hold a cleaning solution. For example, the tank may be configured to hold a liquid that serves as a solvent for air pollution emissions or capture air pollution emissions by use of chemical reaction.
In certain embodiments, the liquid filter may be configured to treat air pollution emissions within the liquid from the tank. The liquid filter may also be configured to separate clean air from contaminated liquid. The tank may also include an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port may be configured to fill the tank with the liquid. The outlet port may be configured to drain the liquid from the tank. The tank may include an air hole. The air hole may be configured to release clean air separated from the liquid. Effectively, the water or cleaning solution in the tank may be used to capture and remove air pollution emissions from the air, where clean air may then be released through the air hole into the atmosphere, with the pollution emissions remaining in the tank.
In certain embodiments, the air filter may include a fan. The fan may be coupled to the extendable pipe. The fan may be configured to draw air pollution emissions to the tank. For example, the screen on the air filter may filter particulates from the air as the fan draws the air through the extendable pipe of the air cleaning device. The fan may also be configured to cover an entirety of the distal end of the extendable pipe.
In certain embodiments, the air cleaning device may further include a wind catcher. The wind catcher may have an elongated support body. The elongated support body may be coupled to the tank. The wind catcher may be disposed substantially parallel to the air filter. Alternatively, the wind catcher may be coupled to a side of the tank. The wind catcher may extend upwards at a 90-degree angle relative to the tank. The wind catcher may be configured to direct air pollution emissions to the fan disposed directly opposite the wind catcher.
In certain embodiments, the air cleaning device may include one or more wheels. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art will recognize that alternate components and materials for ground-based mobility could be selected without altering the scope of the present technology.
In certain embodiments, the air cleaning device may include an aerial drone. The aerial drone may be configured to deploy the air cleaning device to an elevation of air pollution emissions from the source. The air cleaning device may include a plurality of aerial drones, depending on the weight and elevation requirements of the air cleaning device.
In certain embodiments, the air cleaning device may include a remote control. The remote control may be configured to electronically control the movement of the air cleaning device. Specifically, the remote control may also be configured to electronically control the pump. Additionally, the remote control may be configured to control the fan. The remote control may also be configured to control the aerial drone. Alternatively, the air cleaning device may be manually controlled.
In certain embodiments, a method of using an air cleaning device to capture air pollution emission from a source may include the step of providing a tank, an air filter, a screen, a pump, and a liquid filter. The tank may include a reservoir configured to hold the liquid. The extendable pipe may include a distal end and a proximal end. The air filter may be configured to filter pollution from the source. The method may then include the step of coupling the proximal end of the extendable pipe to the tank. The extendable pipe may be configured to extend relative to the tank. The method may include the step of coupling the air filter to the extendable pipe. The air filter may be configured to transmit air to the tank. Next, the method may then include the step of coupling the screen to the air filter. The method may then include the step of coupling the pump to the tank. The pump may be configured to circulate the liquid in the tank. The method may include the step of coupling the liquid filter to the tank. The liquid filter may be configured to filter pollution from the tank. The method may also include the step of disposing the air cleaning device to a desired location. The method may include the step of filling the tank with the liquid. Finally, the method may include the step of activating the air cleaning device.
In certain embodiments, a method of using an air cleaning device to capture air pollution emission from a source may include the step of providing a tank, an air filter, a screen, a pump, a liquid filter, and an aerial drone. The tank may include a reservoir configured to hold the liquid. The extendable pipe may include a distal end and a proximal end. The air filter may be configured to filter pollution from the source. The method may then include the step of coupling the proximal end of the extendable pipe to the tank. The extendable pipe may be configured to extend relative to the tank. The method may include the step of coupling the air filter to the extendable pipe. The air filter may be configured to transmit air to the tank. Next, the method may then include the step of coupling the screen to the air filter. The method may then include the step of coupling the pump to the tank. The pump may be configured to circulate the liquid in the tank. The method may include the step of coupling the liquid filter to the tank. The liquid filter may be configured to filter pollution from the tank. The method may then include the step of coupling the aerial drone to the air cleaning device. Next, the method may include the step of filling the tank with liquid. Then, the method may then include the step of activating the aerial drone. The method may then include the step of elevating the air cleaning device via the aerial drone. The method may also include the step of disposing the air cleaning device to a desired location via the aerial drone. Finally, the method may then include the step of activating the air cleaning device.
In certain embodiments, a method of using an air cleaning device to capture air pollution emission from a source may include the step of providing an air cleaning device. The method may include the step of positioning the air cleaning device in particulate emissions. The air cleaning device may position the distal end of the extendable pipe proximate to the air pollution emissions. Alternatively, the air cleaning device may position the air filter proximate to the air pollution emissions. Finally, the method may then include the step of capturing the particulate emissions in liquid.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the components of the air cleaning device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an air cleaning device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an air cleaning device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an air cleaning device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air cleaning device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an air cleaning device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using an air cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using an air cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using an air cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.
Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.
Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The present technology relates to an air cleaning device 100, as shown in FIGS. 1-6 . Advantageously, the air cleaning device 100 reduces air pollution emissions 102 by treating contaminated air 104 with liquid 106. Uses of the air cleaning device 100 are also provided, where a method 200 for using an air cleaning device 100 is shown in FIG. 7 . Another method 300 for using a drone-based 108 air cleaning device 100 is shown in FIG. 8 . Another method 400 for using a drone-based 108 air cleaning device 100 is shown in FIG. 9 . Desirably, the air cleaning device 100 may be mobile, compact, and may easily access air pollution emissions 102 at various elevations.
As shown in FIGS. 1-6 , certain aspects of an air cleaning device 100 are illustrated. The air cleaning device 100 may include a tank 110. The tank 110 may include a reservoir 112 configured to hold a liquid 106. The air cleaning device 100 may include an extendable pipe 114. The extendable pipe 114 may include a distal end 116 and a proximal end 118. The proximal end 118 may be coupled to the tank 110. As shown in FIGS. 2 through 6 , at indicia “D”, the extendable pipe 114 may be configured to extend a distance relative to the tank 110. The air cleaning device 100 may also include an air filter 120. The air filter 120 may be coupled to the extendable pipe 114. The air filter 120 may also include a screen 122 coupled thereto. The air filter 120 may be configured to filter air pollution emissions 102 from a source 124. Air pollution emissions 102 may be smoke deposits 126, chemicals 128, or other particulates 130 within the atmosphere of the source 124. The air filter 120 may also be configured to transmit contaminated air 104 to the tank 110. The air cleaning device 100 may include a pump 132. The pump 132 may be coupled to the tank 110. The pump 132 may be configured to circulate the liquid 106 in the tank 110. The air cleaning device 100 may also include a liquid filter 134. The liquid filter 134 may be coupled to the tank 110. The liquid filter 134 may be configured to filter air pollution emissions 102 from the tank 110.
The extendable pipe 114 may include the following aspects. The extendable pipe 114 may be disposed at an angle relative to the tank 110. The extendable pipe 114 may also extend upwards at a 90-degree angle relative to the tank 110. Alternatively, the extendable pipe 114 may be configured to move laterally relative to the tank 110. The extendable pipe 114 may also include a support beam 136. The support beam 136 may be coupled to the distal end 116 of the extendable pipe 114. The support beam 136 may also be coupled to the extendable pipe 114 between the distal end 116 and the proximal end 118. The support beam 136 may be configured to provide stability to the extendable pipe 114. The support beam 136 may also be configured to change the position of the extendable pipe 114 relative to the tank 110. Advantageously, the support beam 136 may allow a user 138 to raise the extendable pipe 114 to a desired height 140. The extendable pipe 114 may also include a portion thereof that is fireproof 142. The extendable pipe 114 may include a telescopic pipe 144. Alternatively, the extendable pipe 114 may include a flexible pipe 146 that may bend at an angle relative to the tank 110. Advantageously, the extendable pipe 114 may be disposed proximate to sources 124 of air pollution emissions 102 such as buildings 150, for example, to draw smoke 126 from fires 148, residential and commercial chimneys 152, or factory smokestacks 154. For example, the air cleaning device 100 may be used by firefighters 156 and other users 138 to fight fires 148 in multi-story buildings 150 where the extendable pipe 114 may be inserted into the building 150. In another example, the extendable pipe 114 may rest against a burning building 150 and the air cleaning device 100 may draw the smoke 126 through the extendable pipe 114 and down to the tank 110 to help militate against emissions and minimize potential for the fire 148 to spread. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable configuration and length for the extendable pipe 114 within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the extendable pipe 114 may extend several feet in the air to collect air pollution emissions 102. It should also be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable material, capable of withstanding high temperatures, to manufacture the extendable pipe 114 within the scope of the present technology, with similar results.
As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 , the extendable pipe 114 may be fluidly coupled to the tank 110. The extendable pipe 114 may include an input line 158 and an output line 160. The input line 158 may be configured to drain liquid 106 from a reservoir 112 outside of the tank 110 to the tank 110. The output line 160 may be configured to transfer liquid 106 from the tank 110 to a reservoir 112 outside of the tank 110. The extendable pipe 114 may also include a side opening 162. The side opening 162 may be configured to receive the liquid 106. As shown in FIG. 3 , the air cleaning device 100 may include a liquid pipe 164. The liquid pipe 164 may be fluidly coupled to the pump 132. The liquid pipe 164 may also be fluidly coupled to the extendable pipe 114. The pump 132 may be configured to circulate the liquid 106 from the tank 110 to the side opening 162 of the extendable pipe 114 through the liquid pipe 164. The liquid pipe 164 may be disposed adjacent to the extendable pipe 114. Alternatively, the liquid pipe 164 may be disposed parallel to the extendable pipe 114. The liquid pipe 164 and the pump 132 may work in conjunction with one another. Advantageously, the pump 132 may spray 166 the air pollution emissions 102 as it is drawn through the extendable pipe 114. This allows air pollution emissions 102 that are drawn from the distal end 116 of the extendable pipe 114 to be met with the liquid 106 and further direct the pollution emissions 102 down the extendable pipe 114 and to the tank 110. The pump 132 may continuously circulate the liquid 106 from the tank 110 to the extendable pipe 114 or do so in various intervals, including a pulsed or periodic manner. This cycle may be repeated until the liquid 106 in the tank 110 reaches a predetermined level of contamination or threshold inability to effectively capture emissions. Ultimately, the liquid 106 in the tank 110 may be flushed and re-filled with fresh or clean liquid, such as fresh water.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the tank 110 may be configured to hold water 168. The tank 110 may also be configured to hold a cleaning solution 170. For example, the tank 110 may be configured to hold a liquid 106 that serves as a solvent for air pollution emissions 102 or capture air pollution emissions 102 by use of chemical reaction. The tank 110 may include a water tank 110 and may be mobile. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable solution 170 to treat air pollution emissions 102 within the tank 110. Ultimately, when air pollution emissions 102 are sent to the tank 110, the particulates 130 in air pollution emissions 102 become trapped in the water 168 and the clean, treated air may be released from the tank 110. The particulates 130 in air pollution emissions 102 may be trapped in the liquid 106 such that they settle to the bottom of the tank 110.
The reservoir 112 of the tank 110 may be a container 172, a bag 174, or a divider 176. The reservoir 112 may include a plurality of reservoirs 112 designed to hold liquid 106 to be used consecutively until each reservoir 112 needs cleaning or refilling. For example, air pollution emissions 102 may be captured in a reservoir 112 until the reservoir 112 must be cleaned or refilled, wherein the next reservoir 112 will be used without refilling the tank 110 or retrieving the air cleaning device 100 from a source 124. It should be appreciated that the use of multiple reservoirs 112 allows for extended mobility and uninterrupted operations.
The liquid filter 134 may include the following aspects. The liquid filter 134 may be configured to treat air pollution emissions 102 within the liquid 106 from the tank 110. The liquid filter 134 may also be configured to separate clean air from contaminated liquid 106. The tank 110 may also include an inlet port 178 178 and an outlet port 180 180. The inlet port 178 may be configured to fill the tank 110 with the liquid 106. The outlet port 180 may be configured to drain the liquid 106 from the tank 110. The tank 110 may include an air hole 182. The air hole 182 may be configured to release clean air 104 separated from the liquid 106. Effectively, the liquid 106 in the tank 110 may be used to capture and remove air pollution emissions 102 from the air 104, where clean air 104 may then be released through the air hole 182 into the atmosphere, with the pollution emissions 102 remaining in the tank 110. When the liquid 106 becomes too contaminated, the outlet port 180 may drain the liquid 106, and the tank 110 may be re-filled through the inlet port 178.
The air filter 120 may include the following aspects. The air filter 120 may include a fan 184. The fan 184 may be coupled to the extendable pipe 114. The fan 184 may be configured to draw air pollution emissions 102 to the tank 110. For example, the screen 122 on the air filter 120 may filter particulates 130 from the air as the fan 184 draws the air 104 through the extendable pipe 114 of the air cleaning device 100. Advantageously, the screen 122 militates against large particulates 130 from entering the extendable pipe 114, acting as a sieve prior to the pollution emissions 102 entering the liquid filter 134. Desirably, the fan 184 draws in air pollution emissions 102 as the extendable pipe 114 extends into the air 104, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , at the variable distance indicia “D”.
The fan 184 may also be configured to cover an entirety of the distal end 116 of the extendable pipe 114. The screen 122 may include a cage 186. The cage 186 may also be disposed surround the entirety of the distal end 116 of the extendable pipe 114. Alternatively, the cage 186 may be disposed above the tank 110. The cage 186 may also be disposed above a reservoir 112 separate from the tank 110, capturing air pollution emissions 102 in the reservoir 112.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the air cleaning device 100 may further include a wind catcher 188. The wind catcher 188 may have an elongated support body 190. The elongated support body 190 may be coupled to the tank 110. The wind catcher 188 may be disposed substantially parallel to the air filter 120. The wind catcher 188 may also be coupled to a side of the tank 110. Alternatively, the wind catcher 188 may extend upwards at a 90-degree angle relative to the tank 110. The wind catcher 188 may be configured to direct air pollution emissions 102 to the fan 184 disposed directly opposite the wind catcher 188. The wind catcher 188 may also extend perpendicular to the tank 110. Advantageously, the wind catcher 188 may help circulate and direct air pollution emissions 102 to the fan 184 and the air cleaning device 100. Examples of the wind catcher 188 include surfaces having various funnel or conical geometries, as well as various planar surfaces directed toward the distal end 116 of the extendible pipe 114 and/or directed toward the tank 110 including the air filter 120.
As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 , the air cleaning device 100 may include one or more wheels 192. For example, the air cleaning device 100 may include four wheels 192 that allow the air cleaning device 100 to move autonomously across terrain 194 via a motor 191. In another example, the air cleaning device 100 may have two wheels 192 that allow a user 138 to tilt and/or tow the air cleaning device 100 and move it to a desired location 196. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art will recognize that alternate components and materials for ground-based mobility could be selected without altering the scope of the present technology.
As shown in FIGS. 4 through 6 , the air cleaning device 100 may include an aerial drone 108. The aerial drone 108 may be configured to deploy the air cleaning device 100 to an elevation of air pollution emissions 102 from the source 124. The air cleaning device 100 may include a plurality of aerial drones 108, depending on the weight and elevation requirements of the air cleaning device 100. The aerial drones 108 may be coupled to the extendable pipe 114 directly. Alternatively, the aerial drone 108 may be coupled to the extendable pipe 114 via the support beam 136. When a plurality of aerial drones 108 is employed, the aerial drones 108 may be coupled to one or more support beams 136. In order to provide enhanced stability, the support beam 136 may include a plate 198 coupled to the support beam 136 and the extendable pipe 114. It should be appreciated that aerial drones 108 provided enhanced mobility both in elevation and remote placement of the air cleaning device 100 in source 124 locations where firefighters 156 or other users 138 may need to avoid for health and safety concerns. It should be appreciated that the air filter 120 may be positioned on the air cleaning device 100 so as to capture air pollution emissions 102 from various elevations.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the air cleaning device 100 may include a remote control 193. The remote control 193 may be configured to electronically control the movement of the air cleaning device 100. Specifically, the remote control 193 may also be configured to electronically control the pump 132. Additionally, the remote control 193 may be configured to control the fan 184. The remote control 193 may also be configured to control the aerial drone 108. The air cleaning device 100 may operate via a battery 195. The battery 195 may be coupled to the pump 132, the fan 184, or the aerial drone 108. Alternatively, the air cleaning device 100 may be manually controlled. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable program to couple to the tank 110, pump 132, fan 184, aerial drone 108, or a motor 191 to control the movement of the air cleaning device 100 via the remote control 193.
As shown in FIG. 7 , a method 200 for using an air cleaning device 100 to capture air pollution emissions 102 from a source 124 is provided. The method 200 may include the step 202 of providing a tank 110, an air filter 120, a screen 122, a pump 132, and a liquid filter 134. The tank 110 may include a reservoir 112 configured to hold the liquid 106. The extendable pipe 114 may include a distal end 116 and a proximal end 118. The air filter 120 may be configured to filter pollution from the source 124. The method 200 may then include the step 204 of coupling the proximal end 118 of the extendable pipe 114 to the tank 110. The extendable pipe 114 may be configured to extend relative to the tank 110. The method 200 may include the step 206 of coupling the air filter 120 to the extendable pipe 114. The air filter 120 may be configured to transmit air 104 to the tank 110. Next, the method 200 may then include the step 208 of coupling the screen 122 to the air filter 120. The method 200 may then include the step 210 of coupling the pump 132 to the tank 110. The pump 132 may be configured to circulate the liquid 106 in the tank 110. The method 200 may include the step 212 of coupling the liquid filter 134 to the tank 110. The liquid filter 134 may be configured to filter pollution from the tank 110. The method 200 may also include the step 214 of disposing the air cleaning device 100 to a desired location 196. The method 200 may include the step 216 of filling the tank 110 with the liquid 106. Finally, the method 200 may include the step 218 of activating the air cleaning device 100.
As shown in FIG. 8 , a method 300 for using an air cleaning device 100 to capture air pollution emissions 102 from a source 124 is provided. The method 300 may include the step 302 of providing a tank 110, an air filter 120, a screen 122, a pump 132, a liquid filter 134, and an aerial drone 108. The tank 110 may include a reservoir 112 configured to hold the liquid 106. The extendable pipe 114 may include a distal end 116 and a proximal end 118. The air filter 120 may be configured to filter pollution from the source 124. The method 300 may then include the step 304 of coupling the proximal end 118 of the extendable pipe 114 to the tank 110. The extendable pipe 114 may be configured to extend relative to the tank 110. The method 300 may include the step 306 of coupling the air filter 120 to the extendable pipe 114. The air filter 120 may be configured to transmit air to the tank 110. Next, the method 300 may then include the step 308 of coupling the screen 122 to the air filter 120. The method 300 may then include the step 310 of coupling the pump 132 to the tank 110. The pump 132 may be configured to circulate the liquid 106 in the tank 110. The method 300 may include the step 312 of coupling the liquid filter 134 to the tank 110. The liquid filter 134 may be configured to filter pollution from the tank 110. The method 300 may then include the step 314 of coupling the aerial drone 108 to the air cleaning device 100. Next, the method 300 may include the step 316 of filling the tank 110 with liquid 106. Then, the method 300 may include the step 318 of activating the aerial drone 108. The method 300 may then include the step 320 of elevating the air cleaning device 100 via the aerial drone 108. The method 300 may also include the step 322 of disposing the air cleaning device 100 to a desired location 196 via the aerial drone 108. Finally, the method 300 may then include the step 324 of activating the air cleaning device 100.
As shown in FIG. 9 , a method 400 for using an air cleaning device 100 to capture air pollution emissions 102 from a source 124 is provided. The method 400 may include the step 402 of providing an air cleaning device 100. The method 400 may include the step 404 of positioning the air cleaning device 100 in particulate emissions 102. The air cleaning device 100 may position the distal end 116 of the extendable pipe 114 proximate to the air pollution emissions 102 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Alternatively, the air cleaning device 100 may position the air filter 120 proximate to the air pollution emissions 102 as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6 . Finally, the method 400 may then include the step 406 of capturing the particulate emissions 102 in liquid 106.
Advantageously, the air cleaning device 100 is mobile and compact. Desirably, the extendable pipe 114 may extend several feet in the air to collect contaminated air 104. Advantageously, the screen 122 militates against large particulates 130 from entering the extendable pipe 114 and acts as a filter to help circulate contaminated air 104 through the fan 184. Further, the pump 132 may spray the contaminated air 104 as it is drawn from the fan 184 through the extendable pipe 114. Overall, the air cleaning device 100 may help militate against air pollution emissions by cleaning contaminated air 104 at various elevations.

EXAMPLES

Example embodiments of the present technology are provided with reference to the several figures enclosed herewith. These examples highlight how the air cleaning device offers significant practical advantages over other air cleaning devices in various environments.

Example 1: Wildfire Smoke Mitigation in Remote Mountainous Areas

In the aftermath of a wildfire, dense smoke can settle in valleys and mountainous regions, creating hazardous air conditions. Traditional air cleaning systems are difficult to transport and deploy in such remote locations.
An air pollution cleaner equipped with lightweight, drone-compatible technology may be flown into these areas. Once deployed, the device uses liquid filtration with easily refillable liquids such as water to clean the air while operating autonomously. The mobility of the drone allows it to follow pollution as it migrates due to changing winds and elevation, providing the advantage of cleaner air for firefighters when using temporary camp sites. Additionally, the system may adjust its altitude dynamically to address concentrated smoke layers in forested areas, deep ditches, and steep terrain, providing localized air cleaning in areas otherwise inaccessible to ground-based systems.

Example 2: Hazardous Chemical Leak Cleanup at an Industrial Site

During a chemical spill or fire at an industrial facility, toxic fumes can accumulate in confined spaces such as basements, tunnels, or elevated storage tanks. Direct access to these areas may be dangerous for personnel.
An air cleaning device with an extendable pipe may be deployed to mitigate pollution without endangering workers. For example, a telescopic pipe or flexible pipe may be extended into a confined space to extract polluted air and filter it through the system, neutralizing chemicals before they disperse. Similarly, an extendable aerial drone-based unit may be positioned near elevated structures throughout the facility to capture escaping fugitive particulates and fumes while keeping operators and personnel at a safe distance, and also mitigating against toxic chemicals dispersing into surrounding residential communities and wildlife habitats.

Example 3: Disaster Response in Urban High-Rise Environments

In a large-scale urban fire or explosion, smoke and airborne particulates may accumulate at varying elevations, including inside or around high-rise buildings. Standard portable devices are limited to ground-level deployment, leaving upper floors vulnerable.
A mobile air cleaning device equipped with an extendable pipe capable of extending several feet may be used to address air pollution at different heights. Additionally, the device may include one or more aerial drones that may transport the air cleaning device to the upper floors of high-rises to provide localized air cleaning. This solution allows responders to reduce airborne pollutants at multiple elevations simultaneously and from a safe distance from burning or unstable structures within or attached to the high-rise, ensuring cleaner air for building occupants and emergency personnel.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An air cleaning device to capture air pollution emission from a source using liquid, comprising:

a tank defining a reservoir configured to hold the liquid;

an extendable pipe including a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end coupled to the tank, the extendable pipe configured to extend relative to the tank;

an air filter coupled to the extendable pipe, the air filter including a screen coupled thereto and configured to filter the air pollution emission from the source, the air filter configured to transmit air to the tank;

a pump coupled to the tank, the pump configured to circulate the liquid in the tank; and

a liquid filter coupled to the tank, the liquid filter configured to filter pollution from the tank.

2. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the extendable pipe is configured to move laterally relative to the tank.

3. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the extendable pipe is fireproof.

4. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the extendable pipe is fluidly coupled to the tank, the extendable pipe including an input line and an output line.

5. The air cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the extendable pipe includes a side opening, the side opening configured to receive the liquid.

6. The air cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein the air cleaning device includes a liquid pipe.

7. The air cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the liquid pipe is fluidly coupled to the pump and fluidly coupled to the extendable pipe.

8. The air cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the pump is configured to circulate the liquid from the tank to the side opening of the extendable pipe through the liquid pipe.

9. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the tank includes a plurality of chambers, the liquid filter is configured to treat the air pollution emission with the liquid from the tank and separate clean air from contaminated liquid.

10. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the tank includes an inlet port and an outlet port, the inlet port configured to fill the tank with the liquid, the outlet port configured to drain the liquid from the tank.

11. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the tank includes an air hole configured to release clean air separated from the liquid.

12. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the air filter includes a fan coupled to the extendable pipe, the fan configured to draw the air pollution emission to the tank.

13. The air cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the fan is configured to cover an entirety of the distal end of the extendable pipe.

14. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, further including a wind catcher having an elongated support body coupled to the tank, the wind catcher disposed substantially parallel to the air filter.

15. The air cleaning device according to claim 14, wherein the wind catcher extends upward at a 90-degree angle relative to the tank.

16. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the air cleaning device includes one or more wheels.

17. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, further including an aerial drone, the aerial drone configured to deploy the air cleaning device to one of an elevation of the air pollution emission from the source and a location of the air pollution emission from the source.

18. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, further including a remote control configured to electronically control a movement of the air cleaning device.

19. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, further including a remote control configured to electronically control the pump.

20. A method of using an air cleaning device to capture air pollution emission from a source, the method comprising steps of:

providing the air cleaning device of claim 1;

disposing the air cleaning device to a desired location; and

activating the air cleaning device.