Decontamination system having a modular decontamination unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination systems for large enclosed volumes, such as rooms, face challenges in efficiently diffusing vaporized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) due to limited air flow and inadequate mixing, leading to potential condensation and material failure, and are often complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A modular decontamination system that recirculates air from the contaminated space, using a fan to create airflow and an H2O2 supply device to introduce hydrogen peroxide into the air flow, with detachable outlet and inlet modules for flexible connection to air channels or direct discharge/discharge, allowing for efficient diffusion and distribution of the H2O2-air mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate H2O2 pumps and fans are used to spray H2O2 gas into a space, then decontamination capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the H2O2 supply function and air circulation function into a single integrated unit. The H2O2 supply device is positioned within the air flow path created by the fan, eliminating the need for separate spraying apparatus. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining decontamination capability through the integrated H2O2-air mixture generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination unit is designed as a universal device that can be applied to various spaces and configurations. The detachable inlet and outlet modules allow the same unit to serve different decontamination scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If limited low carrier air flow is used to evaporate H2O2, then energy consumption is reduced, but H2O2 diffusion and mixing within the space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The H2O2 is introduced into the air flow inside the unit before discharge, allowing preliminary mixing to occur within the controlled environment of the decontamination unit. This preliminary action ensures adequate mixing without requiring excessive air flow or energy input during the actual space treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination unit acts as an intermediary device that pre-mixes H2O2 with carrier air in a controlled manner. This intermediary mixing chamber allows efficient diffusion preparation without requiring high energy input, and the pre-mixed gas is then discharged into the space for effective distribution.
3Device complexity
If H2O2 is insufficiently mixed with carrier gas prior to introduction, then device complexity is reduced, but H2O2 condensation on surfaces occurs causing material failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The H2O2 supply device is integrated within the air flow path of the fan unit, creating an inherent mixing zone where H2O2 vaporizes and mixes with carrier air before discharge. This merging of supply and circulation functions ensures adequate mixing without adding complex separate mixing apparatus, while preventing condensation through proper mixture preparation.
4Reliability
If additional fans, heating, drying, and filtering components are added for proper H2O2 diffusion, then H2O2 diffusion efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the single decontamination unit: the fan provides air circulation, the H2O2 supply device provides chemical delivery, and the integrated chamber provides mixing and diffusion. This consolidation achieves proper H2O2 diffusion without requiring separate heating, drying, or filtering components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining diffusion efficiency.
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
Enables effective decontamination of large spaces with improved diffusion and mixing of H2O2, reducing the risk of condensation and material failure, while simplifying the system and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional air treatment components.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for creating an air flow from the inlet arrangement to the discharging arrangement
Implementation Method 2
H2O2 supply device for introducing H2O2 into the air flow inside the unit
Implementation Method 3
the discharge arrangement comprises at least one detachable outlet module through which the H2O2-air mixture is discharged out of the unit
Data Source
AI summary
A decontamination system for sterilizing a contaminated space, comprising at least one decontamination unit through which the air of the contaminated space is recirculated, which unit comprisesan inlet arrangement for introducing air from the contaminated space into the unit,a discharge arrangement for discharging gas out of the unit,a fan for creating an air flow from the inlet arrangement to the discharging arrangement,H2O2 supply device for introducing H2O2 into the air flow inside the unit, where the decontamination unit comprises at least one ofthe discharge arrangement comprises detachable at least one outlet module through which the H2O2-air mixture is discharged out of the unit, orthe inlet arrangement comprises at least one detachable inlet module for receiving air from a space into the unit.