Copper-Silver Ionization Siphon Trap Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital sink drains, particularly the trapped water in siphon systems, are significant sources of bacterial contamination due to biofilms, leading to nosocomial infections, and existing disinfection methods are either ineffective, costly, labor-intensive, or energy-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection system utilizing copper-silver ionization, where electrodes within the siphon trap generate copper and silver ions to disrupt microbial growth, with a control system regulating ion release based on water flow and stagnation time to maintain effective concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong disinfectants are poured into the drain, then temporary bacterial reduction is achieved, but the organisms in the bio-film remain extremely hard to kill and regrowth begins within days or weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the disinfection process by using copper and silver ions at controlled concentrations (copper ions at 0.1-1.0 ppm and silver ions at 0.01-0.1 ppm) instead of traditional strong disinfectants. This parameter change allows for continuous, long-term disinfection effectiveness without the rapid regrowth seen with conventional methods, as the ions continuously release from the electrodes to maintain biocidal concentrations in the trap water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of periodically pouring disinfectants with an automated electrochemical system. Electrodes generate copper and silver ions through electrolysis, providing continuous automatic disinfection without human intervention. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated manual applications and ensures consistent ion release over extended periods, achieving lasting disinfection effect.
2Reliability
If high heat and vibration are applied to the drain, then bacteria are killed continuously and bio-film formation is prevented, but the method consumes a high amount of energy and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration system with an electrochemical ionization system. Instead of using mechanical vibrators to prevent bio-film formation, the system uses copper and silver ions to chemically disrupt bacterial cell walls and inhibit bio-film development. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining continuous bacterial control, as the electrochemical process operates at low power levels compared to mechanical vibration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters from high-temperature thermal processing to ambient temperature electrochemical processing. The ionization process occurs at or near ambient water temperature, eliminating the need for high-heat application. This parameter change reduces energy consumption significantly while achieving continuous bacterial deactivation through the biocidal action of copper and silver ions.
3Reliability
If ozone sterilization is used, then effective disinfection is achieved, but the method is irritant and unhealthy for humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical agent from ozone gas to copper and silver ions in aqueous solution. This parameter change maintains effective disinfection through the biocidal properties of the metal ions while eliminating the respiratory irritant effects associated with ozone. The ionic disinfection method is safer for human occupancy as it does not produce the same harmful atmospheric effects as gaseous ozone sterilization.
4Reliability
If traditional disinfection methods are used, then temporary bacterial reduction is achieved, but labor-intensive and costly procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service disinfection system where the electrodes automatically generate copper and silver ions through electrolysis when water flows through the trap. The system self-regulates based on water flow, requiring no manual intervention for disinfectant application, dosage control, or timing. This automated ion generation provides continuous bacterial control while eliminating the labor-intensive aspects of traditional disinfection methods.
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 effectively deactivates bacteria and biofilms in standing water, providing long-term protection against recontamination with reduced maintenance and energy consumption, while being cost-effective and non-corrosive.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention uses an electrochemical treatment to disinfect the trapped water. It is well known that ions of heavy metals such as copper or silver are biocidal for many bacteria.
Implementation Method 2
Copper-silver ionization process is brought about by electrolysis. An electric current is created through copper-silver, causing positively charged copper and silver ions to form.
Implementation Method 3
Electrically charged copper ions (Cu2+) in the water attract particles of opposite polarity, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Positively charged copper ions form electrostatic compounds with negatively charged cell walls of microorganisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfection device for a trapped-liquid comprising of a drain trap for a liquid flow having an inner surface to trap a volume of the trapped-liquid and a helical coil capable of generating metal ions to eliminate biological cells attached to said drain trap. An electric valve is connected to a tap water and the helical coil and a power supply provides a current and a voltage to the helical coil for a period of ionization and a sensor system installed in the drain trap to sense flow of a liquid through the drain trap. A timer system to determine the length of a stagnant-time that the trapped-liquid is stagnant in the drain trap; and to determine the length of an ionization-time for the period of ionization.