Moisture-Activated Disinfectant Pouch with Apertured Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for delivering disinfectants to surfaces and air are inefficient, as they often leave untreated areas, require user activation, and are limited in their ability to rapidly and effectively sanitize entire spaces without electricity.

Innovation Solution

A portable disinfectant system comprising a pouch with a moisture-activated reagent that releases disinfecting vapor when exposed to moisture, combined with a moisture transfer element and a container with apertures for controlled release, allowing for variable disinfectant delivery rates without electricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If spray bottles are used to deliver disinfectant to surfaces, then the disinfectant can be applied directly to surfaces, but portions of surfaces may remain untreated and the system is ineffective at removing airborne pathogens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of applicationVSAvoidthoroughness of disinfection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pressurized gas (pneumatics) to propel disinfectant particles through a series of chambers and out through discharge openings. This pneumatic delivery system ensures uniform dispersion of disinfectant throughout the enclosed space, eliminating untreated areas and effectively treating both surfaces and airborne pathogens without requiring manual spraying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If aerosol disinfectant delivery systems are used, then airborne pathogens can be addressed, but the systems can only deliver disinfectant for a limited time and to a limited area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairborne pathogen removalVSAvoidcoverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the disinfectant delivery system into multiple sequential chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) with multiple discharge openings in each chamber. This segmentation allows the disinfectant to be dispersed through multiple zones simultaneously, greatly expanding the effective coverage area and duration compared to single-chamber aerosol systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where multiple chambers are arranged in sequence within a single device, with each chamber containing discharge openings. This nested multi-chamber design allows compact packaging while achieving extensive spatial coverage, enabling the system to treat large areas and maintain disinfectant delivery over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If plug-in or wall mounted units are used for deodorizing, then deodorizing particles can be released, but the units have limited portability and require electricity to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor removalVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-contained design where the disinfectant is stored in sealed containers within the device, eliminating the need for external electricity or constant user activation. The system is portable and can be moved to different locations, providing self-service deodorizing and disinfection without requiring wall mounting or electrical outlets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If constant release of disinfectant is used, then rapid disinfection of entire spaces can be achieved, but the release rate cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of disinfectionVSAvoidrelease rate control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple chambers with different discharge characteristics, allowing the system to dynamically adjust the release rate. By controlling which chambers are active and their respective discharge rates, the system can provide rapid initial disinfection followed by sustained lower-rate release, achieving both speed and controllability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides a portable and effective means to rapidly or slowly sanitize spaces by releasing disinfecting vapors, ensuring thorough disinfection of surfaces and air without the need for constant user activation or electricity.

Implementation Method 1

A moisture transfer element defining a slit is included, the pouch being removeably insertable within the slit. A container defining a plurality of apertures is included, the pouch and the moisture transfer element being received within the container.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture transfer: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a pouch enclosing a first moisture activated reagent, the first reagent releasing a disinfecting vapor when exposed to moisture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

releasing a disinfecting vapor when exposed to moisture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS9078939B2Disinfectant system
Publication Date: 2015.07.14 STAR BRITE DISTRIBUTING LLC
  • US9078939B2 patent drawing
  • US9078939B2 patent drawing
  • US9078939B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A disinfectant system including a pouch enclosing a first reagent, the first reagent releasing a disinfecting vapor when exposed to moisture. A moisture transfer element is included engageable with the pouch.