Aerosol Distribution System with Stratification Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic aerosol generation systems face challenges in efficiently distributing disinfecting aerosols across treated spaces due to stratification issues caused by temperature and humidity gradients, leading to incomplete coverage and prolonged treatment times, which are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a downward-facing fan system that disrupts and mixes aerosol and air layers within the treated space, combined with humidity and temperature sensors to monitor and correct stratification, ensures even distribution and homogenization of the aerosol across the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic aerosol generation is used for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but stratification occurs leading to incomplete coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts aerosol generation and distribution based on real-time sensor feedback about stratification conditions. The fan system actively responds to detected stratification by increasing mixing activity, transforming the static aerosol distribution problem into a dynamically controlled process that maintains uniformity throughout the treatment cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature and humidity sensors continuously monitor the treated space and provide feedback to the control system. When stratification is detected through temperature/humidity variations, the system automatically activates the fan system to mix the aerosol, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that ensures complete coverage while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
2Quantity of substance
If aerosol generation volume is increased, then coverage area is improved, but treatment time is prolonged due to stratification
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic mixing cycles where the fan system is activated at intervals during aerosol generation and treatment. This periodic action prevents prolonged stratification by regularly disrupting aerosol layers, allowing larger aerosol volumes to be distributed evenly without proportionally increasing treatment time, as the mixing occurs in controlled cycles rather than continuously.
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
This approach effectively eliminates stratification, ensuring complete and uniform coverage of disinfecting aerosols, reducing treatment time and costs by ensuring the aerosol evenly disperses and effectively treats all surfaces within the targeted area.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers used in these apparatuses are made from lead-zirconate-titanate-four (PZT-4) or other piezoelectric materials. This material is coated with a conductive coating (electrode material) that enables an electrical signal to energize the transducer and causes it to emit high frequency pressure (energy).
Implementation Method 2
aerosol of a disinfectant/sterilizing agent created by ultrasonic nebulization
Implementation Method 3
The implementation of a downward-facing fan system that disrupts and mixes aerosol and air layers within the treated space
Implementation Method 4
humidity and temperature sensors to monitor and correct stratification
Implementation Method 5
humidity and temperature sensors to monitor and correct stratification
Data Source
AI summary
An improved apparatus and methods are presented for a new and improved ultrasonic aerosol generation apparatus and air/gas and deployed aerosol movement system, which is able to increase and improve the reliability and quality of coverage and treatment of the various targeted surfaces within an enclosed space, with the generated and deployed disinfecting aerosol, by providing an improved system to detect one or more of any layers and stratifications of gas(s) and deployed aerosols within the atmosphere of the treated area(s) at any time, and a means to remove and effectively disrupt, the said layers, so the deployed aerosol can effectively treat the targeted area(s), as well as additional enhancements to the systems used for processing the atmosphere in the targeted area(s) after the treatment cycle has completed deploying the aerosol, such as improving the cleaning of the dehumidification device, and the effective operation of the dehumidification and filter components.