Device and method for disinfecting air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air disinfection methods, such as ozonization and ionization, face limitations in efficiency and safety, particularly in maintaining effective concentrations over time and ensuring safe exposure for occupants, while also dealing with the accumulation of particles and odors.
Innovation Solution
A dry disinfection device that combines UV radiation, ozonization, ionization, and the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) within a ventilation system, utilizing UV radiators emitting at different wavelengths and an ionizer to produce ozone and negative ions, which react to form hydroxyl radicals, effectively decontaminating air by oxidizing organic molecules and eliminating microbes and odors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high ozone concentrations are used for efficient sterilization, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but toxicity to occupants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the harmful ozone molecules generated by UV irradiation and converts them into beneficial hydroxyl radicals through reaction with water vapor. The ozone that would otherwise be toxic to occupants is transformed into a more effective disinfectant (hydroxyl radical) that works at much lower concentrations, thus resolving the contradiction between disinfection effectiveness and ozone toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical form parameter of the disinfectant from ozone (O3) to hydroxyl radicals (OH). This parameter change allows the system to achieve effective disinfection at concentrations that are safe for human occupancy, as hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and effective at much lower levels than ozone.
2Reliability
If UV irradiation and ionization are used to generate disinfectants, then disinfection capability is improved, but particle accumulation in air increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of particle accumulation into a beneficial process. Instead of particles settling and accumulating on surfaces, the negative ions cause particles to adhere to each other and to the air stream, facilitating their removal through the ventilation system and preventing surface contamination.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous use of ozone generators is implemented, then disinfection effectiveness is maintained, but safety for occupied spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the active disinfectant parameter from ozone to hydroxyl radicals, which are highly reactive and effective at extremely low concentrations. This allows continuous operation in occupied spaces because the hydroxyl radicals work effectively at levels that are safe for human occupancy, unlike ozone which requires high concentrations for effective disinfection.
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 solution provides efficient air decontamination with minimal particle accumulation, low energy consumption, and safe operation, capable of maintaining effective disinfection even in occupied spaces with reduced ozone toxicity and no harmful byproducts, allowing for continuous use in environments with stringent hygiene requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a UV radiator (185 nm) arranged to emit at a first wavelength and arranged to produce ozone
Implementation Method 2
a UV radiator (254 nm) arranged to emit at a second wavelength, which second wavelength is different from the first wavelength
Implementation Method 3
an ionizer (10 kV) arranged to generate ions for the process chamber
Implementation Method 4
The ionization produces such reactive oxygen species which are not harmful to the human body. Consequently, ionization does not involve such concentration limits as ozonization.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A dry disinfection device for disinfecting air, the device comprising at least a process chamber 6 that comprises at least a UV radiator 2 arranged to emit at a first wavelength and arranged to produce ozone, as well as an ionizer 1 arranged to produce ions into the process chamber. The process chamber 6 also comprises a UV radiator 3 arranged to emit at a second wavelength, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength.