{"id":626694,"date":"2024-07-04T17:06:59","date_gmt":"2024-07-04T14:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/student-designs-wearable-purifier-to-protect-underground-train-users-and-improve-air-quality\/"},"modified":"2024-07-04T17:06:59","modified_gmt":"2024-07-04T14:06:59","slug":"student-designs-wearable-purifier-to-protect-underground-train-users-and-improve-air-quality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/student-designs-wearable-purifier-to-protect-underground-train-users-and-improve-air-quality\/","title":{"rendered":"#Student designs wearable purifier to protect underground train users and improve air quality"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n A man wearing Aerate – a neck-worn air purifier designed to improve air quality for underground train users. Credit: Loughborough University
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Commuters on underground trains worldwide may soon breathe easier, thanks to an invention by a Loughborough University student.<\/p>\n

Mia Patterson Cox, a recent Industrial Design and Technology<\/a> graduate (pictured below), has created “Aerate,” a neck-worn air purifier designed to improve air quality for underground train users by filtering out harmful particles present in the environment.<\/p>\n

In underground train environments, PM2.5<\/sub> levels often exceed World<\/a> Health Organization defined limits.<\/a> PM2.5<\/sub> refers to particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in size\u2014about 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.<\/p>\n

These tiny particles are of concern as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, and some may even get into the bloodstream<\/a>. Breathing in unhealthy levels of PM2.5<\/sub>has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cognitive impairments<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wheel, track, and brake abrasion are often the primary sources of particulate matter in underground train environments, generating iron-rich particles that pollute the air.<\/a> Poor ventilation in platforms and tunnels exacerbates the problem, exposing commuters to high levels of particulates during their journeys.<\/p>\n

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\n Mia Patterson Cox with an Aerate prototype. Credit: Loughborough University
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Mia first became aware of the pollution problem during her placement year in London as she frequently used underground trains to get to different places.<\/p>\n

“I often thought about the hot stuffy environment and would be concerned when I found dust around my nostrils after travel<\/a>ing on underground trains,” said Mia, “It made me feel uneasy about the time I spent in the network, prompting me to explore the problem of pollution.<\/p>\n

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“I wanted to create a product that will increase commuter and passengers’ health confidence when traveling underground by removing iron-rich particles in the air.”<\/p>\n

Mia designed Aerate to create a clean bubble of breathable air around a user’s face. It features two fans and Spunbond Polypropylene (SBPP) filters. The fans draw air in and the filters catch particles as small as 2.5 micrometers.<\/p>\n

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\n Aerate, a product designed by Mia Patterson Cox. Credit: Loughborough University
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The fans propel purified air in front of the user’s face at 5,500 rotations per minute. This continuous flow creates a protective barrier against harmful particles during underground travel, says Mia.<\/p>\n

Aerate aims to enhance air quality not only for the wearer but for other commuters too.<\/p>\n

Mia explained: “I purposely didn’t want to create a product that benefited only the users. By continuously filtering out iron particles and other pollutants, Aerate contributes to a healthier environment for all passengers traveling on underground trains.”<\/p>\n

In addition to the wearable product, Mia has designed an Aerate app<\/a> that connects to a particle sensor within the device, providing live data readings on particle exposure.<\/p>\n

This app also tells users when it is time to change their filters, which are effective for up to 40 hours of use.<\/p>\n

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\n Mia has designed an app to accompany the wearable Aerate product. Credit: Loughborough University
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Mia envisions the app being used to help users plan low-pollution journeys by leveraging aggregated data contributed anonymously by Aerate owners.<\/p>\n

This data will offer insights into total particle exposure, identify pollution hot spots, and suggest routes that minimize exposure while optimizing speed, convenience, and cost-effectiveness for commuters.<\/p>\n

A prototype of the Aerate wearable has been developed, featuring adjustable fan heads, albeit without integrated electronics at this stage.<\/p>\n

Mia has conducted extensive rounds of experience prototyping using handheld fans and flour as a substitute for small particles. These tests illustrate Aerate’s capability to effectively shield users from airborne particles, says Mia, showcasing its potential effectiveness in real-world scenarios.<\/p>\n

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\n Left images show experience prototyping using handheld fans and flour. Image to the right is the Aerate prototype. Credit: Loughborough University
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Of the ultimate goal for her product, Mia said, “Without Aerate, respiratory conditions can be aggravated, hindering people from reaching their full potential.<\/p>\n

“I aim to pave the way for a safer travel experience on underground trains, promoting health and confidence among users and commuters alike.”<\/p>\n

Aerate was featured in the School of Design and Creative Arts Degree Show and Foundation Exhibition Student Showcase 2024. For more information on the product, visit the exhibition’s dedicated webpage.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Citation<\/strong>:
\n Student designs wearable purifier to protect underground train users and improve air quality (2024, July 4)
\n retrieved 5 July 2024
\n from https:\/\/techxplore.com\/news<\/a>\/2024-07-student-wearable-purifier-underground-users.html<\/p>\n

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