Antimicrobial Batch Dilution System for Pathogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial treatments are ineffective in providing lasting protection against pathogens, can be harmful, lead to immunization of pathogens, and are not economically viable for widespread use, especially in water treatment and textile disinfection, resulting in the spread of infectious diseases.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates and dilutes metallic ions for use as an antimicrobial agent, which is immune to pathogen immunity, incorporating a metallic ion supply connected to a water supply system with a dilution reservoir and electronic control module for precise concentration control, ensuring effective distribution and recirculation for enhanced antimicrobial action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concentrated chemicals are used for antimicrobial treatment, then antimicrobial effect is achieved, but harm to people and environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical form from concentrated antimicrobial chemicals to metallic ions (such as silver ions) at controlled concentrations. The system generates metallic ions in situ and dilutes them to effective but safe concentrations, transforming the parameter of chemical concentration from high and harmful to low and safe, while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional antimicrobial treatments are applied, then initial antimicrobial action is provided, but lasting protection is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous generation and replenishment of metallic ions through the chemical reaction between metallic material and acidified water. This continuous action ensures that antimicrobial protection is maintained over time rather than being a one-time effect, as the metallic ions are constantly regenerated and distributed to treated surfaces.
3Reliability
If repeated use of same antimicrobial treatment occurs, then initial effectiveness is maintained, but pathogen immunization develops
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses metallic ions (particularly silver ions) which have different mechanisms of action compared to conventional antimicrobial chemicals. Metallic ions disrupt multiple cellular functions simultaneously and can generate reactive oxygen species, creating a multi-target effect that makes it difficult for pathogens to develop resistance, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness over repeated use.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If dilution of metallic ion concentrate is performed, then safe concentration is achieved, but mixing uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary dilution reservoir that receives the metallic ion concentrate and mixes it with acidified water before distribution. This intermediary stage ensures thorough mixing and uniform distribution of metallic ions at safe concentrations throughout the treatment system, preventing both under-dosing and over-concentration in any single location.
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 provides a lasting, effective antimicrobial solution that cannot be immunized by pathogens, effectively reducing the spread of infectious diseases in water and textile systems, particularly in high-risk environments like hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a metallic ion supply connected to the process water supply to provide a high ion concentrate
Implementation Method 2
A pump is connected to an output of the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a recirculation loop to the dilution reservoir for enhanced mixing of the dilute concentrate
Data Source
AI summary
An antimicrobial supply system employs a process water supply and incorporates a metallic ion supply connected to the process water supply to provide a high ion concentrate to an output. A dilution reservoir is connected to the metallic ion supply output and has an input from the process water supply. A pump is connected to an output of the reservoir. A manifold connected to the pump provides a dilute concentrate to at least one washing system and a recirculation loop to the dilution reservoir for enhanced mixing of the dilute concentrate. An electronics control module is connected to a first flow controller between the process water supply and the metallic ion supply and a second flow controller between the metallic ion supply and the reservoir for dilution control establishing a desired metallic ion concentration.