Air Filter Disinfectant Coating to Neutralize Trapped Pathogens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filters are ineffective in completely neutralizing harmful airborne bacteria and viruses, as they can remain infectious for extended periods and re-enter the air after being trapped or detached from the filters.
Innovation Solution
An air filtration system with a disinfectant coating comprising a performance layer of metal ions and an enhancement layer of carbonates is applied to air filters, which traps and disinfects airborne particulates by destroying bacterial and viral cells through metal ion penetration and enhancing cell wall destruction with carbonates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air filters are used to trap airborne particulates, then small particulates are removed from air, but harmful bacteria and viruses remain infectious and can re-enter the air
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter combines multiple functional materials: a base filtration material for particulate capture, metal ions (silver, copper, zinc) for antimicrobial activity, and carbonates (sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate) for enhancing cell wall destruction. This composite structure enables simultaneous physical filtration and chemical disinfection, preventing both particulate and microbiological contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition of the filter by incorporating specific concentrations of metal ions (0.001-10% by weight) and carbonates (0.01-5% by weight). These parameter changes transform the filter from a passive mechanical barrier to an active disinfecting medium that chemically neutralizes pathogens while maintaining filtration performance.
2Quantity of substance
If air filters trap bacteria and viruses, then airborne particulates are captured, but trapped pathogens can detach and re-enter the air
Solution Approach 1:
The filter performs self-disinfection by incorporating metal ions and carbonates that actively destroy pathogens upon contact. This self-service mechanism ensures that captured bacteria and viruses are neutralized in place, eliminating the risk of detachment and re-entry without requiring external intervention or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of trapped pathogens (which could detach and spread) into a benefit by using the trapped pathogens as targets for the disinfectant coating. The metal ions and carbonates attack the cell walls of captured bacteria and viruses, transforming the filter from a potential contamination source into a permanent containment and neutralization system.
3Reliability
If a disinfectant coating with metal ions and carbonates is applied to air filters, then complete neutralization of pathogens is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filtration function and disinfection function into a single integrated air filter component. The disinfectant coating is applied directly to the filter media, combining particulate capture and pathogen neutralization in one device. This eliminates the need for separate filtration and disinfection systems, reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
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 system effectively disinfects and renders harmless trapped bacteria and viruses, preventing their re-entry into the air by ensuring complete neutralization and destruction of microbial activity.
Implementation Method 1
destroying bacterial and viral cells through metal ion penetration
Implementation Method 2
enhancing cell wall destruction with carbonates
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of filtration surfaces may be configured to trap one or more airborne particulates
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for forming an air filtration system. The system includes an air filter. The air filter includes a plurality of filtration surfaces, including a first outer filtration surface, a second outer filtration surface opposite to the first outer filtration surface, and one or more inner filtration surfaces provided between the first and second outer filtration surfaces. The plurality of filtration surfaces may be configured to trap one or more airborne particulates, including viruses and/or bacteria. The air filtration assembly further includes a disinfectant coating. The disinfectant coating is formed on at least a portion of the plurality of filtration surfaces. The disinfectant coating may be for use in disinfecting trapped airborne particulates. The disinfectant coating includes a performance layer. The performance layer includes metal ions. The disinfectant coating further includes an enhancement layer. The enhancement layer includes carbonates.