Air Filter Sonochemical Anti-Microbial Coating for Pathogen Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air filters lack effective anti-microbial characteristics, which are crucial for maintaining air quality and health, especially in environments prone to microbial contamination.

Innovation Solution

The development of air filters that incorporate sonochemically-deposited nanoparticles and microparticles with anti-microbial characteristics, combined with additional filter media and a layer of carbon particles, to enhance filtration efficiency and anti-microbial properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional air filters are used, then basic filtration is provided, but anti-microbial characteristics are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-microbial characteristicsVSAvoidfilter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and surface properties of the filter medium through sonochemical treatment. This process deposits anti-microbial nanoparticles and alters the surface characteristics of the filter material, transforming it from a conventional filter to one with inherent anti-microbial properties. The treatment changes parameters such as surface energy, porosity, and chemical composition to achieve reliable anti-microbial functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining conventional filter media with anti-microbial nanoparticles and treating the structure with sonochemical processes. The resulting filter medium is a composite structure that integrates the filtration capabilities of the base material with the anti-microbial properties of deposited particles and treated surface layers, achieving both functions within a unified filter system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If filter medium thickness is increased to improve filtration, then filtration efficiency improves, but pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes porous materials by optimizing the pore structure and distribution within the filter medium. The sonochemical treatment creates and enhances a controlled porous network that allows air to pass through with reduced resistance while maintaining effective filtration. The porous structure provides multiple pathways for air flow, reducing pressure drop while ensuring particles are captured through the porous matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating anti-microbial nanoparticles and functional treatments in specific regions and layers of the filter medium. Rather than uniformly increasing thickness throughout, the treatment creates localized zones of enhanced functionality where anti-microbial particles are deposited and where pore structures are optimized, achieving high filtration efficiency in critical areas without proportionally increasing overall pressure drop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 proposed air filter design effectively captures airborne pathogens and pollutants, providing improved air quality and extended filter lifespan due to enhanced anti-microbial properties.

Implementation Method 1

passing the at least one filter medium through a sonochemical bath for depositing therein at least one of nanoparticles having anti-microbial characteristics and microparticles having anti-microbial characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSonochemistry: Sonochemistry

Implementation Method 2

son chemically-deposited at least one of nanoparticles having anti-microbial characteristics and microparticles having anti-microbial characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250058258A1Air filters having Anti-microbial characteristics and systems and methods of manufacture thereof

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 ALONIM FILTERS MARKETING LTD

AI summary

An air filter including at least one filter medium including sonochemically-deposited at least one of nanoparticles having anti-microbial characteristics and microparticles having anti-microbial characteristics, and a method for manufacturing an air filter including providing a roll of at least one filter medium, in a roll-to-roll manner, passing the at least one filter medium through a sonochemical bath for depositing therein at least one of nanoparticles having anti-microbial characteristics and microparticles having anti-microbial characteristics and thereafter, drying the at least one filter medium, including sonochemically-deposited at least one of nanoparticles having anti-microbial characteristics and microparticles having anti-microbial characteristics.