Portable Air Treatment Using Compression Heating for Continuous Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air treatment methods are inadequate for continuous sterilization of breathable air, particularly against pathogens like viruses and bacteria, often requiring additional processing, are bulky, costly, and inefficient, and do not effectively reduce pathogens in shadow regions.
Innovation Solution
A portable air treatment system that compresses incoming air to elevate temperature to kill pathogens and then decompresses it to breathable temperature, using a combination of compression and decompression cycles to achieve rapid sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filtration methods (HEPA filters, N95 masks) are used to remove pathogens from air, then pathogen removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase requiring additional processing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems (HEPA filters, N95 masks) with a thermal field-based pathogen inactivation system. Instead of physically blocking pathogens with filters, the system uses compressed heated air to thermally inactivate pathogens, eliminating the need for complex filtration mechanisms and reducing device bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the air to achieve pathogen inactivation. By compressing air to increase its temperature to specific thresholds (e.g., 100-200°C), the system creates thermal conditions that effectively kill pathogens without requiring mechanical filtration components.
2Reliability
If ultraviolet light or ozone is used to treat air, then pathogen removal is improved, but treatment time increases and additional processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature as the key parameter for pathogen inactivation, achieving effective sterilization through thermal field exposure. By controlling air temperature to specific ranges (100-200°C) during compression, the system achieves rapid pathogen death without the extended treatment times required for UV or ozone methods.
3Reliability
If heat treatment is applied to sterilize air, then pathogen inactivation is improved, but air temperature must be decreased back to breathable levels requiring additional cooling processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic compression and decompression cycles of air. During compression, air is heated to sterilizing temperatures; during decompression, air cools to breathable temperatures. This periodic action naturally provides both heating for sterilization and cooling for breathability without requiring separate cooling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression and decompression process itself provides the cooling effect needed after heating. The system uses its own operational cycles (compression followed by decompression) to naturally cool the air, eliminating the need for external cooling devices or additional processing steps.
4Reliability
If extreme fine mesh filters are used to protect against viruses, then pathogen removal is improved, but pressure drop in air flow increases requiring pumps to assist airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical filtration systems (including fine mesh filters) by using thermal field-based pathogen inactivation. Instead of blocking viruses with filters that create pressure drops, the system heats air to temperatures that kill pathogens, removing the need for pump assistance entirely.
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 continuous, efficient, and portable air sterilization, effectively killing 99.99% of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, with minimal energy use and reduced waste, and is more effective than N95 masks.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor positioned within the first enclosure and configured to compress the atmospheric air passing into the first enclosure via the air inlet, wherein the air compressor is configured to compress the atmospheric air to a minimum pressure of three times atmospheric pressure at an air inflow rate of at least 2 liters/min, thereby increasing a temperature of the atmospheric air to a minimum temperature of 100° C.
Implementation Method 2
an air decompressor positioned within the second enclosure and configured to decompress the compressed atmospheric air passing out of the air chamber, wherein the air decompressor is configured to expand the compressed atmospheric air to approximately atmospheric pressure, thereby decreasing the temperature of the compressed atmospheric air to a temperature less than 50° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable air treatment system configured to be carried by an individual and deliver air, via a mask, to the individual, is provided. The system includes an air inlet allowing atmospheric air to enter at an air flow rate ranging between 2 liters/min to 10 liters/min, an air compression system connected with the air inlet for compressing the incoming air, thereby increasing the temperature of the air to a minimum temperature of 170° C., a hot air chamber connected with the air compression system for receiving the heated air from the air compression system and retaining the heated air for a period of 30-100 milliseconds, an air decompression system connected with the heated air chamber for expanding the heated air thereby decreasing the temperature of the heated air to a temperature ranging between 14° C. to 45° C., and an air outlet connected with the air expansion system for directing the cooled air to the individual via the mask.