[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent

Application No. 62/842,593, filed May 3, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure is generally directed to a substance collection system.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly important issue due to changing climate patterns and shifting population trends. Water scarcity is exacerbated in hotter regions, which are severely affected by prolonged droughts. This issue is increasingly problematic in economically disadvantaged regions.

[0008] Food shortages can be triggered by lack of water, which further causes issues for populations that lack access to a reliable water source. These issues can trigger humanitarian crises, unrest, starvation, and casualties. It is often more difficult to provide complex water generation systems in regions suffering from water scarcity due to the lack of electricity and other infrastructure systems. [0009] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a solution to generate and provide water in regions suffering from water scarcity that is relatively easy to install, operate, and maintain, and does not require many resources, such as external power sources.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] In one embodiment, a collection system is provided that includes a housing; a collection surface positioned within the housing; a temperature transfer array contacting the collection surface; and a storage vessel arranged below the collection surface and adapted to receive a substance, such as water, that accumulates on the collection surface.

[0012] The collection surface can include a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions can be formed by three dimensional printing. In one embodiment, the plurality of protrusions each have a rectangular profile defining a ramped surface. The ramped surface can be angled relative to a planar face defined by the collection surface between 15 degrees to 45 degrees.

[0013] The temperature transfer array includes a plurality of rods each including a first end contacting the collection surface and a second end submerged in a ground surface. In one embodiment, the plurality of rods are filled with a refrigerant or coolant. In one embodiment, the plurality of rods are formed from copper and are filled with water.

[0014] At least one circulator is positioned adjacent to the collection surface and is configured to circulate air over the collection surface. The at least one circulator can include a plurality of circulators. In one embodiment, an energy unit, such a solar panel or battery, is electrically connected to the at least one circulator and is configured to drive the at least one circulator.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one of a filter or a disinfectant assembly is also provided and is configured to treat a substance collected by the storage vessel.

[0016] In another embodiment, a collection system is provided that includes a housing including a plurality of transparent surfaces. A collection surface is positioned within the housing, the collection surface includes a plurality of protrusions, and the collection surface is arranged at an angle of 15 degrees to 45 degrees. A temperature transfer array is included that has a plurality of rods each having a first end contacting the collection surface and a second end submerged in a ground surface. The plurality of rods are each filled with a liquid. A circulator is positioned adjacent to the collection surface and is configured to circulate air over the collection surface. A solar powered energy unit is electrically connected to the circulator and provides power to the circulator. A storage vessel is arranged below the collection surface and is adapted to receive a substance that accumulates on the collection surface. The storage vessel also includes at least one of a filter or a disinfectant assembly to remove toxins, bacteria, and other undesirable material from the collected substance.

[0017] In another embodiment, a method of producing water or hquid is disclosed. The method includes providing a condensation system including an angled condensation surface with a plurality of three-dimensionally printed protrusions. The method further includes cooling the angled condensation surface via a temperature transfer array contacting the angled condensation surface to a dew point such that water condenses on the plurality of three- dimensionally printed protrusions. The method also includes collecting water via a storage vessel arranged adjacent to the angled condensation surface.

[0018] Additional embodiments are disclosed herein.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The foregoing Summary and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1A is a side view of a schematic of a collection system according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure IB is a rear view of the collection system of Figure 1A.

[0023] Figure 1C is a top view of the collection system of Figure 1A.

[0024] Figure ID is a front view of the collection system of Figure 1A.

[0025] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a collection surface for the collection system of Figures 1A-1D.

[0026] Figure 2B is a magnified perspective view of the collection surface of Figure 2A.

[0027] Figure 2C is an alternative magnified perspective view of the collection surface of Figure 2 A.

[0028] Figure 2D is a top magnified view of the collection surface of

Figure 2 A. [0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "front," "rear," "upper" and "lower" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from the parts referenced in the drawings. “Axially” refers to a direction along the axis of a shaft. A reference to a list of items that are cited as "at least one of a, b, or c" (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0031] As used herein, the term collection system generally refers to a system configured to collect a substance, such as any fluid (i.e. water, oil, etc.) or gas. The collection system generally operates on the principle of condensation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the collection system disclosed herein can be adapted to collect substances on the basis of other principles.

[0032] The term collection surface generally refers to a surface designated as a primary region for collecting a substance, i.e. via condensation.

[0033] Furthermore, the term collection as used herein has the same or similar meaning as condensation in some embodiments. [0034] A collection system 10 is generally disclosed herein in Figures

1A-1D. The collection system 10 includes a collection surface 20. The collection surface 20 is arranged at an angle Q, shown in Figure 1A, relative to a horizontal plane (which is generally parallel to a ground surface 1). The angle Q is between 15 degrees to 45 degrees, and preferably is between 20 degrees to 25 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle Q is 23 degrees +/- 0.5 degrees. This specific angle provides maximum vapor condensation and collection. The angle Q promotes condensed water to travel downward towards a collection assembly. The collection surface 20 can be of varying shapes, sizes, and surface areas. In one embodiment, the collection surface 20 is between three to four feet wide, and three to four feet long. In one embodiment, the collection surface 20 is 3.5 feet wide and 3.5 feet long.

[0035] The collection surface 20 includes a plurahty of protrusions 22, shown in more detail in Figures 2A-2D. The term protrusion is used herein to refer to any bump, bubble, ramp, bulge, flange, extension, protuberance, raised structure or other irregularity formed on the collection surface 20.

[0036] Additionally, although protrusions 22 are illustrated in the figures, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand from the present disclosure that grooves, ditches, channels, and other features could be provided on the collection surface 20.

[0037] The profile of the protrusions 22 is shown in more detail in

Figures 2A-2D. In on embodiment, the protrusion 22 are formed as ramped surfaces having a generally rectangular shape. The protrusion 22 can have a ramped surface having a length (L) of 5.0 mm - 6.0 mm, and preferably a length 5.5 mm, and a height (H) of 0.5 mm - 1.0 mm, and preferably a height of 0.8 mm. A width (W) of the ramped surface can be 2.0 mm - 3.0 mm. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the dimensions of the protrusion 22 can be varied. In one embodiment, an angle Q’ defined by the ramped surface of the protrusion 22 to the surface 20 is 15 degrees to 45 degrees, and preferably is between 25 degrees to 35 degrees.

[0038] In one embodiment, the protrusions 22 can be formed from carbon fiber. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand from the present disclosure that the protrusion 22 can be formed from a variety of materials. The material forming the protrusions 22 is preferably hydrophobic and/or oleophobic such that vapor condensation collects on the protrusions 22 and is then wicked away for collection. In one embodiment, the protrusions 22 are treated with a coating or surfactant that is hydrophobic so that water is repelled after condensing on the protrusions 22. In one embodiment, the protrusions 22 are uncoated and untreated, but still are hydrophobic or water- repelling due to the material and geometry of the protrusions 22.

[0039] In one embodiment, the collection surface 20 and protrusion 22 are formed via three dimensional printing. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other methods of forming the protrusion 22 on the collection surface 20 can be used, including but not limited to material deposition, molding, additive printing, stamping or punching, etc.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one hundred protrusions 22 are provided. In another embodiment, at least one thousand protrusions 22 are provided. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a quantity of the protrusions 22 can be adjusted.

[0041] A housing 40 is provided that surrounds the collection surface 20.

The housing 40 can enclose an entirety of the collection surface 20 or any portion of the collection surface 20. The housing 20 can be formed from a transparent material, such as Plexiglas. The housing 20 is preferably formed from a lightweight material so that the housing 40 can be easily transported and deployed by a single individual. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the housing 40 would include a frame or structure for supporting transparent panels.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1A, the housing 40 can include a ramped upper surface that is parallel to the collection surface 20. A specific clearance between the upper surface of the housing 40 and the collection surface 20 can be controlled to promote condensation. The housing 40 can also include at least one exhaust vent 42. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the configuration of any vents 42 can be varied to provide optimal air flow within the housing 40.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1A-1C, a temperature transfer array 30 is provided that contacts the collection surface 20. The temperature transfer array 30 generally cools the collection surface 20 to promote condensation.

The temperature transfer array 30 can include a plurality of rods 32 each including a first end 32a contacting the collection surface 20 and a second end

32b submerged in a ground surface. The first end 32a of the rods 32 can be secured to the collection surface 20 via a connection interface, such as a threaded screw connection, to ensure contact between the first end 32a and the collection surface 20. The plurality of rods 32 can be filled with a refrigerant or coolant. In one embodiment, the rods 32 are filled with water. The plurahty of rods 32 can be formed from copper. The rods 32 can extend into the ground 1 by more than one foot. The second end 32b of the rods 32 can include spikes or other pointed surfaces to more easily be inserted into the ground 1. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a depth of the second end 32b can be adjusted depending on a specific region’s climate and ground conditions.

[0044] In one embodiment, twenty five rods 32 are provided in a five by five array. The rods 32 can have a 1.5 inch diameter. In one embodiment, the temperature transfer array 30 includes both rods 32 and a grid of additional rods 31 that provides additional contact surfaces between the temperature transfer array 30 and the collection surface 20. The grid 31 can include any configuration, such as a lattice, and can extend between any one or more of the rods 32. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the quantity, shape, dimensions, depth into the ground, and other characteristics of the rods 32 can be varied.

[0045] In one embodiment, the rods 32 are connected to a fluid circuit 33, shown schematically in Figure 1A. The fluid circuit 33 can include any one or more of a pump, valve, diverter, or other component capable of circulating fluid through the rods 32. The fluid circuit 33 can be connected to a power source, such as energy unit 70 which is described in more detail herein, to power a pump or other component to circulate fluid. [0046] In one embodiment, the rods 32 are connected to the fluid circuit

33, which circulates without an external power source, due to capillary action. One of ordinary skill/experience in the art would understand that this naturally occurring phenomenon is sufficient to cool the collection surface 20 to promote condensation of a liquid, such as water.

[0047] A storage vessel 60 is arranged below the collection surface 20 and is positioned to receive a substance that accumulates on the collection surface 20. The storage vessel 60 can be any capacity, size, shape, etc. The storage vessel 60 preferably has a spigot 62 located in a lower region of the storage vessel 60 for pouring substances from the storage vessel 60. The storage vessel 60 can include a filter 60a and/or a disinfectant assembly 60b. The filter 60a and the disinfectant assembly 60b can be passive or active. The filter 60a and the disinfectant assembly 60b are generally configured to remove toxins, bacteria, and other undesirable materials from water collected by the system. A UV light disinfectant assembly can be used. Other components can be included in the storage vessel 60, such as cooling or refrigerant components to chill the collected substance. The storage vessel 60 is provided to filter, cleanse, and disinfect the collected substance. For example, the storage vessel 60 includes components to convert the condensed water (which may be contaminated) into potable water.

[0048] At least one circulator 50 is positioned adjacent to the collection surface 20 and is configured to circulate air over the collection surface 20. The circulator is preferably a low-power, high efficiency fan. An array of circulators 50 can be provided and are generally directed to a top or bottom surface of the collection surface 20. The circulator 50 can be angled to mimic an angle of the collection surface 20, such that the airflow from the circulator 50 extends parallel to the collection surface 20. The circulator 50 is provided at an intake vent of the housing 40. Circulators 50 can be provided around every side of the collection surface 20.

[0049] An energy unit 70 is electrically connected to the at least one circulator 50 and provides power to the at least one circulator 50. A rechargeable battery or other energy storage component can be provided in the energy unit 70. The energy unit 70 can be connected to an energy generating unit 80. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that an energy generating unit 80 can include a solar panel, wind turbine, or other energy generating component. In one embodiment, the unit 80 is a photovoltaic solar cell. The energy unit 70 can provide power to any of the components of the system 10, such as filters in the storage vessel 60, circulators 50, pumps or other components in the circuit 33, or any other electronic component.

[0050] The term energy unit is used generically herein to refer to any component capable of providing some type of electronic function, such as providing electrical power or energy to other components. The energy unit can include multiple inputs and outputs to be connected to a variety of components. The energy unit can include a user interface, converter, battery, or other known electrical components. [0051] Based on the embodiments disclosed here, the collection system

10 is capable of generating at least 100 liters of water in a twenty four hour cycle.

[0052] The collection surface 20 disclosed herein is chilled to below a dew point of the atmospheric air (i.e. saturation point) to maximize vapor collection. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the configuration of the collection surface 20 can be modified or adapted to be optimal for a specific climate or region based on historical dew point information.

[0053] In another embodiment, a method of producing water is disclosed. The method includes providing a condensation system 10 including an angled condensation surface 20 (i.e. the collection surface 20) with a plurality of three-dimensionally printed protrusions 22. The method further includes cooling the angled condensation surface 20 via a temperature transfer array 30 contacting the angled condensation surface 20 to a dew point such that water condenses on the plurality of three-dimensionally printed protrusions 22. The method also includes collecting water via a storage vessel 60 arranged adjacent to the angled condensation surface 20.

[0054] The embodiments disclosed herein provide an energy efficient and affordable solution for water generation in remote and underdeveloped regions. The embodiments disclosed herein provide a passive, sustainable, and efficient atmospheric water generator that optimizes natural processes, such as solar heating and natural convection. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein optimize material surface chemistry and geometry, along with heat transfer principles, to optimize the condensation process.

[0055] The embodiments disclosed herein can be used for condensing water and processing the condensed water to provide potable water. However, the embodiments can also be used and adapted to collect or generate other fluids, liquids, and gases. This system can be used in other situations where there is a need to condense other fluids, such as gas, out of the air.

[0056] Based on the concept of cooling a collection surface to a specific temperature, other vapors and gases can be condensed by this system provided that the specific saturation point or dew point for a particular substance is met, and the collection surface includes a material that is conducive to the vapor’s condensation.

[0057] An orientation of the system 10 can be adjusted depending on conditions in a specific region, such as a position of the system 10 relative to the sun.

[0058] Some embodiments disclosed herein were optimized for environmental constraints, of approximately 60% humidity and 30 degrees Celsius. Design considerations would be changed for other climates and expected temperatures and humidity values.

[0059] Having thus described the present invention in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. [0060] It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein.

[0061] The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

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