Carbon-Based Filter for Pathogen Inactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and air filtration systems lack the ability to effectively trap and inactivate pathogens, such as tuberculosis bacteria and viruses, due to inadequate filtration and lack of thermal treatment capabilities, posing a significant risk to healthcare workers and others.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a carbon-based material, such as carbon veil or carbon nanotube sheets, into PPE and air filtration systems, which can be heated to a pathogen inactivation temperature using electrodes, wires, and a power source to enhance filtration and inactivation of pathogens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional metal-based heaters are implemented into facemasks or filters, then heating capability is provided, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidfacemask weight

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional metal-based heating elements with a carbon-based heating system that utilizes electrical resistance heating. The carbon-based material serves dual purposes: as a structural component of the filter and as the heating element, eliminating the need for separate metal heating components and thereby reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The carbon-based material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the filtration medium and the heating element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate metal heater components, reducing weight while maintaining both filtration and heating capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If conventional metal-based heaters are implemented into facemasks or filters, then heating capability is provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon-based material serves dual purposes as both filtration medium and heating element, eliminating the need for separate metal heater components. This integration reduces part count, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers overall production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of carbon-based composite materials allows the same material to provide both structural filtration properties and electrical resistance heating properties, replacing expensive metal heater assemblies with a more cost-effective integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional filters are used, then pathogen trapping is provided, but pathogen inactivation capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen trappingVSAvoidpathogen inactivation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system performs both pathogen trapping through physical filtration and pathogen inactivation through thermal treatment. The carbon-based heating element enables the filter to actively eliminate pathogens, transforming the system from single-function (trapping only) to multi-function (trapping plus inactivation).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the trapped pathogens, which would otherwise remain viable in the filter, into inactivated remnants through thermal treatment. The heat generated by the carbon-based heating element destroys the pathogens that are captured by the filter, preventing their release and ensuring complete neutralization.

Inventive Principle:

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

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 carbon-based material provides enhanced filtration and thermal inactivation of pathogens, significantly improving protection for individuals by reducing the risk of infection and eliminating airborne hazards.

Implementation Method 1

heating to a pathogen inactivation temperature using electrodes, wires, and a power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

thermal treatment... eliminate pathogens via thermal treatment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20220296949A1Carbon-based filters for use in eliminating pathogens

Publication Date: 2022.09.22 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

AI summary

The present invention relates to a carbon-based material for use in a piece of personal protective equipment and an air filtration system. The carbon-based material may function as a filter by providing a tortuous path for a pathogen to traverse. The carbon-based material may be used as a carbon-based heater that can reach a pathogen inactivation threshold temperature to enable heat inactivation of one or more pathogens. In embodiments where a piece of personal protective equipment includes a carbon-based heater, an insulating layer may be included to attenuate the temperature generated by the carbon-based heater from the face of a user.