Body-Worn Air Treatment With Germicidal Pathogen Deactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solutions for preventing the inhalation and exhalation of pathogens, such as masks and face shields, do not effectively deactivate pathogens and can become carriers of active pathogens, highlighting a need for body-worn air-treatment devices that can actively neutralize pathogens near respiratory tracts.

Innovation Solution

Body-worn air-treatment devices comprising a body configured to be selectively coupled to a respiratory tract inlet and a pathogen-deactivating mechanism, which can include light sources emitting germicidal spectra or electric fields to deactivate pathogens entering or exiting the respiratory tract.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If masks and face shields are used to provide physical barriers, then the inhalation and exhalation of pathogens is prevented, but the pathogens are not deactivated and the masks may become carriers of active pathogens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen transmissionVSAvoidpathogen deactivation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical barrier system (masks and face shields) with an active deactivation system using UV-C light sources. The mechanical barrier is supplemented by electromagnetic radiation that chemically/biologically deactivates pathogens, transforming a passive physical block into an active neutralization system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces UV-C light as an intermediary substance between the mask and the pathogen. Instead of relying solely on the mask material to block pathogens, the UV-C light acts as a mediating agent that deactivates pathogens in the air stream passing through or around the mask, ensuring pathogen neutralization without compromising the mechanical barrier function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional masks are used as physical barriers, then pathogen inhalation is reduced, but the masks become accumulators of active pathogens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen inhalationVSAvoidpathogen accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful accumulation of pathogens on mask surfaces into a beneficial deactivation process. By positioning UV-C light sources within or near the mask structure, the accumulated pathogens are exposed to germicidal radiation that deactivates them, transforming the mask from a pathogen reservoir into a pathogen neutralization zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary deactivation action by exposing pathogens to UV-C light before they can accumulate on mask surfaces or be inhaled. The light sources are positioned to treat the air stream upstream of the mask, pre-neutralizing pathogens before they contact the mask material, thereby preventing accumulation in the first place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If body-worn air-treatment devices with pathogen-deactivating mechanisms are implemented, then pathogens are deactivated proximate to respiratory tract inlets, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen deactivation efficacyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single wearable device structure. The mask or face shield simultaneously provides mechanical barrier protection and houses UV-C light sources for pathogen deactivation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices, effectively managing complexity by combining rather than adding components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds the pathogen-deactivating light sources within the structure of the mask or face shield. The UV-C sources are nested inside the mask housing or integrated into the frame, utilizing the existing structural space rather than adding external components. This nesting approach minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining both barrier and deactivation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

These devices effectively render pathogens ineffective by using germicidal light or electric fields, reducing the risk of disease transmission and ensuring the pathogen-deactivating mechanism is positioned to address pathogens at the respiratory tract inlet, thereby enhancing personal protection.

Implementation Method 1

The pathogen-deactivating mechanism 14 comprises at least one light source 54 that is configured to emit light within a germicidal spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGermicidal light: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

a pathogen-deactivating mechanism that is supported by the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS11806558B2Body-worn air-treatment devices and methods of deactivating pathogens

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 CLEAR BLEW

AI summary

Body-worn air-treatment devices include a body that is configured to be selectively coupled proximate to a respiratory tract inlet of a living individual, and a pathogen-deactivating mechanism that is supported by the body. Methods include deactivating pathogens proximate to a respiratory tract inlet of a living individual.