Aqueous Ozone Generator Controller with Electrolytic Cartridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aqueous ozone generation systems face challenges in achieving uniform and efficient delivery of ozone to water, often resulting in high concentrations that can cause tissue damage and inefficiencies in microbial disinfection, particularly for small-scale applications like hand sanitizing devices.

Innovation Solution

A control system with a replaceable ozone generator cartridge that produces aqueous ozone directly within a water stream using electrolytic action, incorporating sensors and drivers for precise concentration control, data logging, and safety features to ensure uniform distribution and minimize off-gassing, allowing for targeted microbial reduction without excessive oxidative stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If gaseous ozone is produced from air or liquid oxygen, then high ozone concentration can be achieved, but uniform distribution and dissolution in water becomes difficult and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveozone concentrationVSAvoiduniform distribution of dissolved ozone

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of ozone from gaseous to dissolved form by using electrolytic generation directly in water. This parameter change enables uniform distribution throughout the water stream while maintaining effective ozone concentration for sanitization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of gas dissolution and distribution with an electrochemical process. Instead of mechanically mixing gaseous ozone into water, the system uses electrolysis to generate ozone directly in the aqueous phase, eliminating distribution uniformity problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If high concentration aqueous ozone is used for sanitization, then microbial killing effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial disinfection effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage from excessive oxidative stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control through sensors that monitor ozone concentration in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain ozone levels within the optimal range for microbial disinfection while preventing excessive concentration that could cause tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts ozone generation based on real-time monitoring of water flow rate, temperature, and ozone concentration. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to varying conditions and maintain safe yet effective ozone dosing for different application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If gaseous ozone generation is used for small-scale applications, then system simplicity is maintained, but cost-effectiveness and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcost-effectiveness and efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-contained electrolytic ozone generator that produces ozone directly within the water stream. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate gas generation, storage, and dissolution systems, making the technology cost-effective and efficient for small-scale applications while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 delivers a consistent 0.8 ppm aqueous ozone concentration for a 3 log reduction in microorganisms, enhancing sanitization efficacy while minimizing ozone decay and ensuring safety through controlled delivery and monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

produce aqueous ozone directly by electrolytic action within a water stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

at least one aqueous ozone quality sensor located within the replaceable ozone generator cartridge and providing a first sensor data signal to the controller corresponding to a measured parameter of operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction potential measurement: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS11638768B2Aqueous ozone generator controller and methods

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 COBB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

AI summary

An illustrative control system for use with a replaceable ozone generator cartridge for use with an aqueous ozone delivery device, for example, for sanitizing objects, including hands, hands and forearms, feet, other tissue, instruments, or other object sanitizing. One embodiment of the control system calculates and transmits usage data to a memory device of the ozone generator cartridge, and also includes various sensors and drivers for controlling an aqueous ozone concentration. The control system also provides other data logging, error detection, and identity verification of the replaceable ozone generator cartridge.