Device and method for trapping and inactivating micro-organisms and viruses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airborne microbe/virus removal apparatuses face issues such as re-scattering of microbes and viruses due to electric field application and increased pressure loss across multiple filters, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a high-voltage application electrode, counter electrode, and a hydrophilic filter sandwiched between a second high-voltage electrode and counter electrode, utilizing corona discharge and dielectric polarization to charge and capture airborne microorganisms with low pressure loss, and inactivate them using discharge products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an electric field is applied to capture airborne microorganisms, then capture performance is improved, but microbes and viruses are re-scattered leading to reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two separate functional units: a first unit for capturing microorganisms using electrostatic attraction, and a second unit for inactivating them using corona discharge. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, preventing re-scattering while maintaining capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs capture first, then inactivation. By capturing microorganisms on the filter before applying the corona discharge, the system ensures that microorganisms are securely held in place before the more aggressive discharge process, preventing re-scattering while still achieving effective inactivation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple filters are used to maintain capture function, then capture performance is improved, but pressure loss increases leading to energy loss and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The filter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the capture medium for electrostatic attraction and the substrate for corona discharge inactivation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate capture and inactivation filters, reducing pressure loss while maintaining high capture performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus merges the capture and inactivation functions into a single integrated system where the same filter is used for both purposes. By combining these functions, the system reduces the number of filter stages required, thereby reducing pressure loss and associated energy consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If a filter is used to capture microorganisms, then capture performance is improved, but maintenance is required to prevent microbial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The corona discharge unit continuously inactivates microorganisms on the filter surface, providing ongoing sterilization that prevents microbial growth and reproduction. This continuous action eliminates the need for periodic maintenance to prevent microbial proliferation, as the inactivation process operates continuously alongside capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-sterilization through the corona discharge process, which automatically inactivates microorganisms on the filter without requiring external intervention or maintenance. The filter effectively cleans itself by having microorganisms inactivated in place, eliminating the need for separate maintenance operations.
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 captures and inactivates airborne microbes and viruses with low pressure loss, maintaining a clean state and achieving high capture rates while minimizing re-scattering and energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
a first high-voltage application electrode to be supplied with a voltage to charge airborne microorganisms introduced in the air path housing
Implementation Method 2
a second high-voltage application electrode to be supplied with a voltage to polarize the filter and inactivate the airborne microorganisms captured by the filter
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (100) includes an air path housing (10), a charging-unit high-voltage electrode (2) to charge airborne microorganisms introduced in the air path housing (10), a charging-unit ground electrode (3) disposed so as to face the charging-unit high-voltage electrode (2), a hydrophilic filter (6) to capture the airborne microorganisms charged by the charging-unit high-voltage electrode (2), a capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode (5) to polarize the hydrophilic filter (6), and a capturing/inactivating-unit ground electrode (7) disposed so as to face the capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode (5).