Article and method for controlling odors from odoriferous nitrogen-containing compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor control methods for nitrogen-containing compounds in public restrooms are ineffective as they require retroactive post-treatment and cannot promptly address the pungent odors caused by urine contamination due to high usage and insufficient cleaning resources.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating bacilli bacteria on surfaces, such as restroom mats, using a bonding agent to bind the bacteria, which can digest odoriferous nitrogen-containing compounds, and applying them in areas prone to contamination, allowing the bacteria to remain dormant until activated by odor sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If retroactive post-treatment cleaning is used, then odor control is attempted, but it cannot promptly address odors due to high usage and insufficient cleaning resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating surfaces with bacilli bacteria before contamination occurs. The bacteria are applied to surfaces in advance and remain dormant until activated by nitrogen-containing compounds from urine, at which point they automatically begin digesting the odoriferous compounds. This eliminates the need for retroactive cleaning and enables immediate odor control upon contamination.
2Reliability
If more cleaning resources are allocated, then odor control improves, but costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling surfaces to treat their own contamination automatically. The pre-applied bacilli bacteria activate upon contact with urine, digest the odoriferous nitrogen-containing compounds, and eliminate odors without requiring external cleaning intervention. This self-contained system improves odor control reliability while eliminating the need for additional cleaning resources and reducing system complexity.
3Reliability
If frequent cleaning is performed, then odor control is maintained, but time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuous odor control through the persistent presence of bacilli bacteria on surfaces. Once applied, the bacteria remain active and continuously monitor for nitrogen-containing compounds, immediately digesting any odoriferous substances upon contact. This continuous protective action maintains consistent odor control without requiring repeated cleaning interventions, thereby eliminating time and resource consumption associated with frequent cleaning.
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 solution effectively controls odors by allowing bacilli bacteria to consume odoriferous nitrogen-containing compounds over time, providing continuous odor management without the need for immediate post-treatment cleaning, even in high-traffic areas like public restrooms.
Implementation Method 1
bacilli bacteria may digest odoriferous nitrogen-containing compounds when present on surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a bonding agent, and bacilli bacteria
Data Source
AI summary
An article includes a surface adapted for presence in an environment containing odoriferous nitrogen-containing compounds, a bonding agent, and bacilli bacteria. A method for binding bacilli to a surface is also disclosed. First, the surface is provided. The surface is then heated and placed under pressure. Then, the bacilli and a bonding agent may be applied to the surface, either alone or as a pre-mixed composition. The pre-mixed composition may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion. A method for controlling odors from odoriferous nitrogen-containing compounds is also disclosed. The method includes applying bacilli bacteria to a surface and placing the surface in an area likely to include odoriferous nitrogen-containing compounds.