Chlorine Dioxide Generator with Segmented Removable Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating and dispersing chlorine dioxide are inefficient and expose users to dangerous conditions due to the explosive and hazardous nature of chlorine dioxide at high concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A chlorine dioxide generating and dispersing apparatus comprising a housing, removable trays with compartments, and a fan that directs the generated chlorine dioxide gas, allowing for controlled dispersion and minimizing user exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine dioxide is generated and dispersed in large areas, then the disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the user exposure to hazardous conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the treatment area into multiple zones using removable trays with separate compartments. Each compartment can be independently filled with chlorine dioxide generating chemicals, allowing targeted treatment of specific areas rather than exposing the entire area at once. This segmentation reduces overall exposure risk while maintaining effective disinfection in each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The chlorine dioxide generating chemicals are stored in removable trays that can be taken out of the housing for refilling. This extraction allows users to replace chemicals without being exposed to chlorine dioxide gas, as the trays are removed from the generation chamber. The fan continues to operate safely without requiring user presence during chemical replacement.
Solution Approach 3:
The housing acts as an intermediary chamber between the chlorine dioxide generating chemicals and the user. Chemicals are contained within the housing, and the fan mediates the dispersion process by controlling the flow of chlorine dioxide gas through controlled openings. This intermediary structure prevents direct user contact with hazardous concentrations while still enabling effective area-wide treatment.
2Reliability
If chlorine dioxide is generated at high concentrations, then the disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the explosive risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses periodic action through the fan that operates in cycles to disperse chlorine dioxide. Rather than generating and releasing all chlorine dioxide at once, the fan creates periodic airflow pulses that gradually distribute the gas throughout the treatment area. This periodic dispersion prevents the formation of explosive concentrations by spreading the gas over time and space.
Solution Approach 2:
The device controls the concentration parameter of chlorine dioxide through the fan's airflow rate and the openings' size. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains chlorine dioxide concentrations at effective levels for disinfection while preventing them from reaching explosive thresholds. The removable trays also allow control over the rate of chemical addition, further managing concentration levels.
3Ease of operation
If a housing with removable trays is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into modular components: a main housing body and multiple removable trays with compartments. This segmentation allows the trays to be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the entire device. The standardized interface between trays and housing simplifies the removal process, making chemical replacement easy despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable trays serve multiple functions: they contain the chlorine dioxide generating chemicals, provide structural support within the housing, and act as removable barriers that can be taken out for refilling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the added operational flexibility.
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 efficiently generates and disperses chlorine dioxide gas and liquid, effectively treating and eliminating odors, mold, and pathogenic microorganisms while reducing the risk of exposure to hazardous chlorine dioxide concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
a fan in communication with the interior of the housing and the exterior of the housing for directing a current of chlorine dioxide gas that is generated from chemicals that are positioned within the removeable tray(s)
Implementation Method 2
chlorine dioxide gas that is generated from chemicals that are positioned within the removeable tray(s)
Implementation Method 3
The chlorine dioxide generating apparatus includes a housing, at least one tray having a plurality of compartments that can be retained within the housing, and a fan in communication with the interior of the housing that is capable of directing a current of chlorine dioxide gas generated from chemicals that are positioned within the tray(s) contained within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating and dispersing chlorine dioxide which includes a housing, at least one removeable tray having a plurality of compartments contained within an interior of the housing, and a fan in communication with the interior of the housing and the exterior of the housing for directing a current of chlorine dioxide gas that is generated from chemicals that are positioned within the removeable tray(s).