Closed-Loop ClO2 Generation and Sensing for Enclosed-Space Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating antimicrobial gases like chlorine dioxide (ClO2) are impractical for household or personal use, and existing systems for producing ClO2 from precursor chemicals are slow and produce low-quality solutions, failing to effectively disinfect airborne pathogens and surfaces in enclosed spaces.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system that generates and monitors antimicrobial gases, using a microprocessor-controlled network of sensors and generators to maintain target concentrations of ClO2 in enclosed spaces, ensuring effective disinfection of both air and surfaces through continuous monitoring and on-demand gas production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current methods are used to generate antimicrobial gases from precursor chemicals, then ClO2 can be produced, but the generation process is slow and produces low-quality solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the precursor chemicals from solid/liquid to gas phase, enabling rapid mixing and reaction. This parameter change transforms the slow chemical reaction of solid/liquid precursors into a fast gas-phase reaction that produces high-quality ClO2 solution immediately
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition by converting precursor chemicals into gas form and then condensing them into liquid solution. The gas-phase precursors are mixed rapidly and then condensed to form the ClO2 solution, achieving both speed and quality through this phase transition process
2Reliability
If large-scale ClO2 generation systems are used, then effective disinfection can be achieved, but the systems are impractical for household or personal use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-scale generation system into small modular units that can be distributed throughout a space. Each module generates ClO2 locally and independently, maintaining disinfection effectiveness while enabling portability and suitability for household use
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from centralized large-scale generation to distributed multi-point generation. By placing multiple small generators throughout a space rather than one large generator, the system achieves both effectiveness and portability through spatial distribution
3Reliability
If ClO2 concentration is increased for effective disinfection, then pathogens are killed, but safety risks increase for occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic cycling between high-concentration disinfection mode and low-concentration maintenance mode. During unoccupied periods, high concentrations are used for effective disinfection; during occupied periods, concentrations are reduced to safe levels, achieving both disinfection capability and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor ClO2 concentration and automatically adjusts generation rates. When concentration reaches target levels for disinfection, the system reduces or stops generation to maintain safe levels, providing feedback control that balances effectiveness and safety
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 system provides a safe and effective means to quickly generate and maintain antimicrobial gas concentrations, effectively sanitizing and disinfecting enclosed spaces, reducing airborne pathogens and protecting occupants from contagions.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing sub-system samples air from the volume under treatment continuously or at intervals and measures the concentration of the antimicrobial present in the air from the volume under treatment
Implementation Method 2
a reactor including a mixing chamber, wherein two or more reagents are combined in the mixing chamber to create an antimicrobial
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for generating and monitoring an antimicrobial is provided, the system including: a microprocessor and/or a microcontroller; an external communications device; a computational system; an antimicrobial sensor and/or an environmental sensor; and an antimicrobial generator, wherein the external communications device, the computational system, the antimicrobial generator, and the antimicrobial sensor and/or the environmental sensor are operatively connected to the microprocessor and/or the microcontroller. The system may further include a separate sensor sub-system comprising: a sensor sub-system microprocessor and/or a sensor sub-system microcontroller; a sensor sub-system external communications device; a sensor sub-system antimicrobial sensor and/or a sensor sub-system environmental sensor; and a sensor sub-system computational system. The system may further include a separate generation sub-system comprising: a generation sub-system microprocessor and/or a generation sub-system microcontroller; a generation sub-system external communications device; and a generation sub-system antimicrobial generator.