Ceramic-Metal Composite for Light-Independent Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sterilizing and deodorizing agents are limited by requiring UV light, having short durations of effectiveness, being toxic, and not being environmentally friendly, and they lack specificity in decomposing organic materials, leading to potential substrate damage and environmental burden.

Innovation Solution

A ceramic-metal composite is developed using thermal, pressure, or thermal/pressure bonding of TiO2 with silver, which is applied to various substrates and carriers, allowing for long-lasting sterilization and deodorization without light dependency, with a non-toxic and environmentally safe formulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photocatalysts are used for sterilization and deodorization, then sterilizing effect is achieved, but they require UV light and do not function in dark environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilizing effectVSAvoidlight dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines photocatalyst particles with light-sensitive compound particles in a single composition. The photocatalyst (e.g., TiO2) provides sterilizing capability when activated by light, while the light-sensitive compound (e.g., organic peroxide) decomposes in darkness to generate oxidizing radicals, enabling continuous sterilization both in light and dark conditions without requiring separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system consisting of photocatalyst particles, light-sensitive compound particles, and binder particles. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit dual functionality: photocatalytic activity under light and chemical decomposition activity in darkness, resolving the contradiction between sterilizing effectiveness and adaptability to different lighting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If liquid sterilizing agents are used, then no light is required, but they evaporate quickly and function only for short periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveno light requiredVSAvoideffectiveness duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs porous particles as carriers for the liquid sterilizing agent. The porous structure provides high surface area and capillary action, allowing the liquid agent to be retained within the particle matrix and released slowly over time through diffusion and evaporation from the porous surfaces, thereby extending the duration of effectiveness from hours to days or weeks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The composition maintains continuous sterilizing action through multiple mechanisms: the photocatalyst reacts continuously when exposed to light, the light-sensitive compound decomposes continuously in darkness, and the liquid sterilizing agent evaporates or diffuses continuously from the porous carrier. This ensures uninterrupted sterilizing effect across varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If strong oxidation-reduction reaction is used for decomposition, then sterilizing effect is enhanced, but substrate and organic materials crumble due to excessive reaction intensity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilizing effectVSAvoidsubstrate damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent generates oxidizing radicals locally at the surface of photocatalyst particles and light-sensitive compound particles rather than throughout the entire substrate. This localized radical generation confines the strong oxidation-reduction reactions to specific sites where bacteria and organic matter are present, avoiding widespread damage to the underlying substrate while maintaining effective sterilization at the target locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local 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 ceramic-metal composite effectively decomposes organic matter and odors over extended periods without environmental harm, maintaining effectiveness in both light and dark conditions, and is suitable for diverse applications including medical and hygiene contexts.

Implementation Method 1

bacteria, viruses, allergens, and various odor causing organic materials are decomposed by radicals, they are produced through the oxidation-reduction reaction occurring on the surfaces of photocatalysts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS11033026B2Sterilizing agents, their method of manufacture and uses

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 SHINSHU CERAMICS

AI summary

The sterilizing and deodorizing agents target bacteria, odors, toxic substances, etc. and are made from silver as metal particles and titanium dioxide as ceramic particles by (1) thermal bonding or (2) pressure bonding or (3) thermal/pressure bonding and mixing the resultant with hydroxyapatite as an adsorptive material. The agent can be mixed with ink, bonding agents and paints and applied to a variety of substrates.