Devices for decreasing human pathogen transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing the airborne transmission of human pathogens causing respiratory tract infections are inadequate, as vaccines take time to develop an antibody response and effective medications are not available for most viral and some non-viral pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A facial mask with a fabric treated with a binding substance, such as sulfated or sulfonated cellulose, that chemically binds human pathogens like influenza viruses, combined with multivalent metallic ions like copper and zinc, which are viricidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal, to reduce pathogen transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaccines are used to prevent pathogen transmission, then protection against specific pathogens is achieved, but time is required for antibody response development
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric is pre-treated with binding substances (sulfated or sulfonated cellulose) and multivalent metallic ions (copper and zinc) before use, creating immediate pathogen-inactivating capabilities without requiring time for biological response development like vaccines do
Solution Approach 2:
The binding substances and metallic ions act as intermediary agents on the fabric that directly bind to and inactivate pathogens, providing a mechanical-chemical barrier that does not rely on the host's immune system response time
2Reliability
If traditional germicidal agents are used on masks, then microbial activity is reduced, but toxic compounds are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using naturally occurring binding substances (sulfated/sulfonated cellulose) and food-grade metallic ions (copper and zinc) instead of synthetic toxic germicidal agents, maintaining antimicrobial efficacy while eliminating toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful pathogens into harmless substances by using the natural viricidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties of copper and zinc ions, which are safe for human contact while effective against microbes
3Reliability
If chemical binding substances are added to fabric, then pathogen binding capability is improved, but fabric breathability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The binding substances and metallic ions are applied to the fabric surface in controlled amounts, providing pathogen-binding capability at the interface where pathogens contact the mask, while the bulk fabric structure maintains its breathability and comfort properties
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 facial mask effectively decreases the transmission of human pathogens by chemically binding and trapping virus particles, providing immediate protection without the need for antibody development and without the use of toxic antimicrobial compounds, while maintaining breathability and safety for users.
Implementation Method 1
a fabric treated with a binding substance, such as sulfated or sulfonated cellulose, that chemically binds human pathogens like influenza viruses
Implementation Method 2
combined with multivalent metallic ions like copper and zinc, which are viricidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal
Data Source
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AI summary
A facial mask for use in decreasing the transmission of one or more than one human pathogen to and from a human wearer of the facial mask, the facial mask comprising a facepiece; where the facepiece comprises three or more than three layers; where one or more than one of the three or more than three layers comprises a fabric comprising one or more than one binding substance comprising one or more than one human pathogen binding group for chemically attaching the human pathogen to the binding substance; where the fabric further comprises one or more than one type of multivalent metallic ion or metallic salt; and where one or more than one of the three or more than three layers comprises a heat-moldable fabric.