Charged Particle Emitter and Collector for Pathogen Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices using charged particle emitters and collectors are ineffective in preventing and mitigating pathogen transfer across wide spaces due to interference effects and reliance on slow gravitational forces, rather than particle acceleration.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs one or more charged particle emitters and collectors, controlled by a temporal and spatial pattern activation system, to effectively neutralize and collect pathogens across wider areas, utilizing charged particles such as oxygen radicals and negative air ions, and includes a downdraft mechanism to accelerate particles towards collectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current charged particle devices are used in wide spaces, then pathogen neutralization is attempted, but interference effects reduce efficacy and range
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the wide space into multiple treatment zones using multiple emitter arrays positioned at different locations. Each emitter array independently neutralizes pathogens in its local zone, avoiding the interference effects that occur when attempting to cover the entire wide space with a single emitter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces charged particle collectors as intermediary elements between emitters and pathogens. These collectors enhance the neutralization process by providing additional collection points for charged particles, thereby improving pathogen neutralization efficacy without requiring the particles to travel across the entire wide space where interference effects would reduce their effectiveness.
2Area of stationary object
If charged particles are emitted across wide spaces, then pathogen transfer mitigation is attempted, but particle acceleration is not utilized effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-accelerates charged particles using electromagnetic fields within each emitter array before they are released into the treatment zone. This preliminary acceleration ensures that particles achieve high velocities immediately upon emission, enabling them to traverse the coverage area effectively without relying on slow gravitational forces or post-emission acceleration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs dynamic electromagnetic field configurations that can be adjusted to optimize particle acceleration for different coverage areas. By dynamically controlling the field strength and distribution across multiple emitter arrays, the system maintains high particle velocities throughout the entire coverage area, overcoming the limitation of static acceleration mechanisms.
3Reliability
If closed devices with constant charged particle output are used, then pathogen neutralization occurs, but the devices are not suitable for wide spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wide space into multiple zones, each served by its own emitter array maintaining constant charged particle output. This segmentation allows each local zone to receive consistent neutralization treatment while collectively covering the entire wide space, thereby maintaining reliability across the full coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus merges multiple independent emitter arrays, each producing a constant output of charged particles, into a coordinated system. By combining the outputs of multiple arrays positioned throughout the wide space, the system achieves both the consistent neutralization reliability of closed devices and the extended coverage area required for wide space applications.
4Device complexity
If open devices with emitter only are used, then device simplicity is achieved, but interference effects reduce pathogen neutralization effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges emitter arrays with corresponding collector arrays in each treatment zone, creating coordinated pairs that work together to enhance pathogen neutralization. This combination maintains relative structural simplicity while overcoming the interference effects that plague emitter-only systems, as the collectors provide additional functional capability without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collectors serve as intermediary elements that enhance the neutralization effectiveness of the emitters. By introducing these additional components, the system compensates for the interference effects that would otherwise reduce effectiveness, while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus structure that builds upon the basic emitter-collector configuration.
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
This solution enhances the range and efficacy of pathogen transfer mitigation, allowing for effective prevention and reduction of pathogen transmission in various environments by overcoming interference effects and utilizing accelerated charged particles for efficient pathogen neutralization and collection.
Implementation Method 1
Charged particles bind and/or neutralize pathogens
Implementation Method 2
collecting charged particles that have bound and/or neutralized pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an invention relating to pathogen transfer mitigation and prevention apparatuses. Described herein are embodiments comprising one or more charged particle emitters, collectors, power circuits, and controllers. The invention described herein can effectively, for example, prevent, stop, and/or minimize the transfer of pathogens such as, for example, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and/or worms. The invention described herein has application in many fields, including, for example, the agriculture, restaurant, food, livestock, pet, sports, entertainment, travel, and/or transportation industries. The invention described herein is of particular relevance given the recent and ongoing international coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic.