Acid-Functionalized Filter Medium for Allergen Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filter materials fail to effectively and durably remove allergens from the air, as they either lose anti-allergenic potency over time due to degradation from temperature and humidity fluctuations or develop resistances, and lack long-term bactericidal action.
Innovation Solution
A filter medium with an acid-functionalized layer comprising a first acid with a pKa value of 0 to 7 and a C8 to C18 fatty acid, which synergistically enhances allergen deactivation and retention, maintaining effectiveness and hygiene over the filter's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyphenols are used as allergen deactivators in filter media, then initial anti-allergic potential is achieved, but effectiveness decreases over time due to degradation and washing out by ageing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the filter medium by using acids with specific pKa values (0-7) instead of polyphenols. This parameter change ensures the deactivating substances remain stable and effective throughout the filter's service life, resolving the contradiction between initial effectiveness and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite filter medium combining a particle-filtering region with an acid-functionalized layer containing specific acids. This composite structure integrates both filtration and long-term allergen deactivation functions, maintaining reliability over extended periods unlike polyphenol-based solutions.
2Reliability
If aromatic sulphonic acid derivatives are used as allergen deactivators, then antibacterial action is achieved, but resistances develop over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the active substance from aromatic sulphonic acid derivatives to acids with specific pKa values (0-7). This parameter change eliminates the resistance development issue while maintaining bactericidal action, achieving long-term reliability without the drawbacks of prior solutions.
3Reliability
If filter media are designed to remove allergens effectively, then allergen deactivation is improved, but the materials degrade due to temperature and humidity fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects acids with pKa values in the range of 0-7, which have optimal stability properties under varying temperature and humidity conditions. This parameter selection resolves the contradiction by maintaining both high allergen removal efficiency and compositional stability throughout the filter's operational life.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The combination of specific acids in the filter medium significantly prolongs allergen deactivation and provides a bactericidal action, ensuring the filter remains effective and hygienic throughout its use, outperforming previous solutions like polyphenols and aromatic sulphonic acid derivatives.
Implementation Method 1
an acid-functionalized layer, wherein the acid-functionalized layer comprises a first acid with a pKa1 value of 0 to 7 and a second acid comprising a C8 to C18 fatty acid
Implementation Method 2
Filter medium for filtering gas particle systems
Data Source
AI summary
Filter medium, comprising at least one acid-functionalized layer, characterized in that the acid-functionalized layer has a first acid with a pks 1 value of 0 to 7 and a C8 to C18 fatty acid as the second acid.