Electro-ionic devices for improved protection from airborne biopathogens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration technologies, such as N95 masks, are inadequate in preventing airborne transmission of viruses like COVID-19, as they may trap viral particles but fail to kill them, potentially re-releasing them back into the respiratory system, and do not effectively address the transmission of small particles that can bypass the nasal and oral mucous membranes.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electro-ionic device with a fibrous filter and electrical conductors that apply varying voltages to generate ozone and attract charged airborne particles, using a combination of sensors to detect inspiration and expiration, and a portable DC power supply to ensure continuous operation, effectively capturing and killing viral particles in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fibrous filter is used to trap viral particles, then particle capture is improved, but the filter may become a secondary reservoir that re-releases trapped viruses back into the respiratory system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the filter from a passive trapping mechanism to an active neutralization system. Electrical conductors are integrated into the filter to apply high voltage (e.g., 15,000-30,000 volts) that ionizes airborne particles and generates ozone, fundamentally changing the filter's operational parameters from mechanical filtration to electro-chemical neutralization, thereby eliminating the re-release problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical filtration system with an electro-ionic system. Instead of relying solely on physical fiber entanglement to trap particles, the system introduces electrical fields and chemical oxidation (ozone generation) to actively neutralize and destroy viral particles, substituting mechanical retention with electro-chemical destruction
2Reliability
If high voltage is applied continuously to generate ozone and kill viruses, then viral deactivation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using sensors to detect user breathing cycles and modulating the high voltage application accordingly. The system applies full voltage during exhalation phases when virus neutralization is most critical, and reduces or modulates voltage during inhalation phases, creating a periodic operation pattern that maintains effectiveness while reducing average energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor breathing patterns and airflow conditions. This feedback allows the control system to adjust voltage application in real-time based on actual usage conditions, optimizing the balance between virus neutralization effectiveness and energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary high voltage application during low-risk periods
3Duration of action of moving object
If a wearable electro-ionic device is designed for continuous operation, then protection duration is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the device adaptable and adjustable rather than static. The high voltage output can be modulated in real-time based on sensor feedback, allowing the system to operate at different power levels. This dynamic operation enables extended battery life by using lower power modes when full neutralization capacity is not required, while maintaining the capability for high-performance operation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular functional components: a fibrous filter section, integrated electrical conductors, sensor modules, and a portable DC power supply. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates efficient power distribution, reducing overall system complexity while enabling continuous operation through coordinated function of discrete modules
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 device achieves a 99.8% reduction in viral penetration, providing effective protection against airborne pathogens by continuously capturing and killing viral particles during both inhalation and exhalation, with a battery life of at least 8 to 12 hours and minimal user discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit configured to apply a first voltage between the two conductors during inspiration and a second voltage greater than the first voltage during expiration
Implementation Method 2
electrical conductors that apply varying voltages to generate ozone and attract charged airborne particles
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-ionic device configured for being worn on the face of a person is disclosed. The electro-ionic device includes at least two electrical conductors spaced apart from each other defining at least a portion of a respiratory pathway therebetween and a circuit configured to apply a first voltage between the two conductors during inspiration and a second voltage greater than the first voltage during expiration.