Conductive Mask With Periodic Electric Field for Microorganism Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and respirators may allow microorganisms to remain active on their surfaces, potentially causing contamination when touched or left on surfaces, and existing PPE do not effectively inactivate microorganisms in aerosols without evaporating them.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of PPE with conductive layers and a power source to generate a periodic electric field, which inactivates microorganisms by disrupting their DNA or RNA without evaporating aerosols, using fabrics with embedded nanoparticles or nanofibers of different metals to create an electric field when aerosols come into contact with them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtering materials are used in face masks, then air can pass through for breathing, but microorganisms can remain active on the surface causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration systems with an electrical field-based inactivation system. Conductive layers embedded in the PPE generate electrical fields that actively inactivate microorganisms on contact, transforming the passive mechanical filtration approach into an active electrical disinfection mechanism that prevents contamination without blocking airflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of the PPE material by embedding conductive layers or conductive particles within the fabric structure. This parameter change enables the material to generate electrical fields that inactivate microorganisms, transforming ordinary non-conductive filtering material into an active antimicrobial surface while maintaining breathability
2Reliability
If high voltage is applied to inactivate microorganisms, then microorganisms are effectively disabled, but aerosols may be evaporated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electrical fields rather than continuous high voltage application. This periodic action allows microorganisms to be inactivated during the pulse phases while providing rest phases that prevent excessive heating and evaporation of aerosols, achieving selective inactivation without thermal damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the electrical field parameters including voltage amplitude, pulse duration, and frequency to achieve selective inactivation. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system delivers sufficient electrical stress to disrupt microorganisms while keeping the thermal energy below the threshold for aerosol evaporation
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 solution effectively inactivates microorganisms on PPE surfaces and within aerosols, providing additional protection against viruses, bacteria, and fungi without the need for evaporation, enhancing the safety and hygiene of PPE.
Implementation Method 1
a power source configured to generate a periodic electric field that inactivates a microorganism that passes through the periodic electric field
Implementation Method 2
using fabrics with embedded nanoparticles or nanofibers of different metals to create an electric field when aerosols come into contact with them
Data Source
AI summary
A macro electrically active mask includes two conductive layers separated by at least one filtering and insulating layer. The conductive layers are connected to each other by a power source. The power source includes an oscillator and a high voltage transformer. The power source generates a periodic voltage with a fundamental frequency and multiple harmonic frequencies. The power source is connected between the two conductive layers and the periodic voltage generates a periodic electric field between the two conductive layers. The fundamental frequency, the duty cycle, and the amplitude of the periodic voltage are configured to inactivate the microorganism that pass through the electric field.