Dense Phase Carbon Dioxide Allergen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing dust mite allergen levels in homes are ineffective due to the inability to penetrate deep into carpets, the resistance of dust mites to conventional cleaning methods, and the persistence of allergenic proteins after dust mites are dead, leading to ongoing allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.
Innovation Solution
The use of dense phase carbon dioxide, combined with surfactants and acaricides, to denature and remove allergenic proteins and dust mites from substrates, including carpets, through high-pressure treatment or the application of dry ice particles to loosen and kill dust mites, followed by vacuuming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning methods (vacuuming, washing) are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but cleaning depth and effectiveness deteriorate due to inability to penetrate deep into carpets and kill dust mites
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and parameters of carbon dioxide by pressurizing it to dense phase conditions (high pressure and temperature) to enable penetration into carpets and substrates where conventional cleaning methods fail, thereby achieving deeper cleaning effectiveness without significantly increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pressurized dense phase carbon dioxide as a fluid medium to deliver acaricides and penetrate deep into carpets and substrates, utilizing pneumatic principles to achieve effective distribution and cleaning where mechanical vacuuming and washing cannot reach
2Reliability
If high water temperature washing is used, then dust mite mortality increases, but fabric damage and shrinkage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter to low temperature conditions while using dense phase carbon dioxide to deliver acaricides, achieving effective mite elimination through chemical action rather than thermal destruction, thereby preventing fabric damage and shrinkage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal washing system with a chemical delivery system using dense phase carbon dioxide to transport acaricides directly to dust mites, substituting physical agitation and heat with targeted chemical action that preserves fabric integrity
3Reliability
If dense phase carbon dioxide with surfactants and acaricides is used, then cleaning effectiveness and mite elimination improve, but device complexity and treatment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes dense phase carbon dioxide serve multiple functions simultaneously: as a cleaning agent, as a carrier for acaricides, as a penetrant for deep substrate access, and as a low-temperature treatment medium, thereby achieving high effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite treatment system combining dense phase carbon dioxide with surfactants and acaricides, where the components work synergistically to achieve enhanced cleaning and mite elimination effectiveness while managing system complexity through integrated formulation
4Quantity of substance
If dust mites are killed by conventional methods, then mite population decreases, but allergenic proteins persist and continue to cause allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies acaricides through dense phase carbon dioxide to dust mites before they can produce significant allergenic proteins, and simultaneously delivers agents that break down existing proteins, preventing the persistence problem that occurs when mites are killed by conventional methods after allergen production has already occurred
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
This method achieves significant reduction in dust mite populations and allergen levels, providing deeper cleaning than conventional methods and reducing the risk of allergic reactions, thereby alleviating asthma symptoms and improving air quality.
Implementation Method 1
The use of dense phase carbon dioxide, combined with surfactants and acaricides, to denature and remove allergenic proteins
Implementation Method 2
the application of dry ice particles to loosen and kill dust mites
Implementation Method 3
the inability to penetrate deep into carpets
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for making a treatment composition by loading active components into a high pressure vessel and pressurizing the high pressure vessel with carbon dioxide to reach a pressure within the high pressure vessel of about 400 pounds per square inch to about 1,070 pounds per square inch. The active components can include a protein denaturant and a surfactant, and optionally an acaricide. In one particular embodiment, this method can be used to clean a substrate, by loading the substrate into the high pressure vessel prior to pressurizing with carbon dioxide. Methods are also provided for treating a substrate to clean it from dust mites by delivering dry ice particles to the substrate, and vacuuming the substrate. Treatment compositions are also generally provided.