Breathing Apparatus with Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode for Air Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional facemasks are ineffective in blocking airborne pathogens, particularly viruses smaller than 0.3 microns, and are uncomfortable to wear due to blockage of the main air passageway, leading to reduced effectiveness and leakage, which discourages their use.
Innovation Solution
A breathing apparatus with a facemask portion that includes a flow chamber with UV LEDs emitting light in the ultraviolet range, positioned between inhalation and exhalation openings, to disinfect the air by exposing it to high-intensity shortwave ultraviolet light, ensuring minimal UV radiation escapes and maximizing air exposure to the disinfecting radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional facemasks use fabric layers to block pathogens, then large liquid droplets are contained, but airborne viruses smaller than 0.3 microns pass through the fabric pores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (fabric layers) with an optical/energetic system (UV-C LEDs emitting at 280nm). Instead of relying on physical blockage, the invention uses ultraviolet radiation to inactivate pathogens, achieving reliable protection against airborne viruses without depending on fabric pore size
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from mechanical parameter (pore size) to energetic parameter (wavelength 280nm UV-C radiation). By using UV-C wavelength that is absorbed by viral RNA/DNA, the system achieves effective pathogen inactivation regardless of virus size, resolving the limitation of fabric filtration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If facemasks block the main air passageway with fabric layers, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but the mask becomes uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical obstruction method (fabric blocking air passage) with a chemical/energetic method (UV-C irradiation). Air flows freely through the mask while being disinfected by UV-C LEDs, eliminating the discomfort caused by restricted breathing while maintaining pathogen protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the air passage blocking function from the protection mechanism. Instead of using fabric to simultaneously filter and block air flow, the design separates these functions: the open structure allows free air flow while UV-C LEDs provide the protection, removing the source of discomfort
3Ease of operation
If facemasks are not face-fitted, then comfort is improved, but air leakage through the periphery significantly reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sealing requirement (face-fitting to prevent leakage) with an active disinfection system (UV-C irradiation). Since UV-C light inactivates pathogens in the air regardless of where the air enters or exits, the mask maintains effectiveness even with peripheral gaps, allowing non-face-fitted comfortable wear
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-C radiation acts as an intermediary that neutralizes pathogens in the air path. Instead of relying on the mask structure to prevent pathogen entry, the UV-C mediator inactivates pathogens before they can infect, making the system effective regardless of fit 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 apparatus effectively reduces the risk of respiratory infections by directly disinfecting inhaled and exhaled air, providing better protection than conventional masks without the need for a completely sealed fit, making it more comfortable and encouraging wider use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode configured to emit light having a peak wavelength in the ultraviolet range
Implementation Method 2
high-intensity shortwave ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing apparatus according to embodiments of the invention includes a facemask portion sized to cover a lower portion of a wearer's face. The facemask portion includes a flow chamber. The flow chamber includes a first opening disposed near a first end of the flow chamber, a second opening disposed near a second end of the flow chamber, and a serpentine passage disposed between the first opening and the second opening. At least one light emitting diode configured to emit light having a peak wavelength in the ultraviolet range is disposed in the serpentine passage. The at least one light emitting diode is disposed off center relative to a centerline oriented along a direction of air flow through the serpentine passage.