Aerosol Disinfectant Feedback Control for Occupied Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airborne disinfectant systems lack precise control over the concentration of disinfectants like glycol in occupied spaces, leading to inefficiencies and potential wastage due to reliance on indirect methods that are sensitive to environmental variables.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a photoionization detection sensor into the control system of an aerosol generator to monitor and maintain a predetermined concentration of glycol vapor, allowing for feedback-controlled aerosolization and minimizing excess disinfectant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect control methods (duty cycle, timed program, manual on/off) are used to control aerosol generator output, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of disinfectant concentration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a photoionization detection sensor continuously monitors the airborne concentration of disinfectant vapor and feeds this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the aerosol generator output accordingly to maintain the desired concentration level. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling precise concentration control without requiring complex manual programming or timing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service control where the photoionization sensor automatically detects the actual disinfectant concentration and the control system autonomously adjusts the aerosol generator without human intervention. The system serves itself by using real-time sensor data to automatically maintain optimal disinfectant levels, eliminating the need for complex external control programming while achieving precise concentration management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If environmental variables are allowed to dynamically alter airborne concentration, then adaptability to environmental conditions is improved, but manufacturing precision of disinfectant concentration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors airborne disinfectant concentration through the photoionization sensor and automatically compensates for environmental variations. When environmental factors cause concentration deviations, the control system detects these changes via sensor feedback and adjusts the aerosol generator output to maintain the target concentration, thus maintaining precision while adapting to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-programmed control to dynamic, real-time control. The aerosol generator output is continuously adjusted based on real-time sensor feedback, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining precise disinfectant concentration control. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by making the system responsive to environmental variables without sacrificing concentration precision.
3Reliability
If aerosol generator output is increased to ensure effective disinfectant levels, then reliability of microorganism inactivation is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photoionization detection sensor provides real-time feedback on the actual airborne disinfectant concentration, allowing the control system to precisely regulate the aerosol generator output. This ensures that sufficient disinfectant is present for effective microorganism inactivation while avoiding excessive application. The feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliable disinfection effectiveness without the wastage associated with over-application or blanket high-dose strategies.
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
Enables efficient operation by maintaining optimal disinfectant concentrations, reducing wastage and ensuring effective inactivation of airborne microorganisms while preventing excess disinfectant deposition on surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a photoionization detection sensor into the control system of an aerosol generator to monitor and maintain a predetermined concentration of glycol vapor
Implementation Method 2
aerosol generator to monitor and maintain a predetermined concentration of glycol vapor, allowing for feedback-controlled aerosolization
Data Source
AI summary
A method of maintaining a desired level of an aerosolized compound within a space to be treated with the compound, the method including providing a diffusion device with the compound in liquid form and a control system for operating the device. The control system includes a sensor in fluid communication with the air within the space to be treated configured to sense the concentration of the compound aerosolized within the space. The diffusion device is operated to diffuse the compound into the space. The concentration of the compound within the space to be treated is sensed with the sensor and operation of the diffusion device is altered based on the concentration of the compound sensed to achieve a desired concentration of compound within the space. The sensing and operation altering steps are repeated periodically to maintain the desired concentration of the compound within the space.