Evaporator Core Antimicrobial Screening for Air-Conditioner Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-conditioning systems suffer from offensive odors due to the proliferation of molds and bacteria on evaporator cores, which current antimicrobial agents and air fresheners fail to effectively address, as they do not specifically target the microorganisms causing these odors.
Innovation Solution
A method for screening and inhibiting the growth of specific microorganisms such as Microbacterium trichothecenolyticum, Methylobacterium dankookense, and Sphingomonas dokdonensis, using antimicrobial agents that are applied directly to the evaporator core to prevent biofilm formation and odor production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercially available antimicrobial agents are used, then general antimicrobial effects against common pathogens are achieved, but specific control of molds and bacteria proliferating on evaporator core is not realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by developing antimicrobial agents with specific spectral activity patterns matched to the vulnerability profiles of different microorganisms found on evaporator cores. Each agent is designed to target specific microbial groups (molds, bacteria) based on their unique biological characteristics, rather than using broad-spectrum agents that lack specificity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by measuring and analyzing the growth inhibition rates of various antimicrobial agents against specific microorganisms. The spectral data (growth inhibition percentages across different microbial types) are used to select agents with optimal parameters for controlling evaporator core microbiota, transforming qualitative antimicrobial effects into quantifiable selectable parameters.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If air fresheners are used to remove offensive odor, then temporary odor dilution is achieved, but fundamental removal of molds and bacteria is not accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful presence of microorganisms into a beneficial selection criterion. By measuring growth inhibition rates against specific molds and bacteria, the patent identifies antimicrobial agents that specifically target odor-causing microorganisms. This transforms the problem of unknown microbial composition into a benefit by using these microorganisms as test subjects to screen effective agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by conducting in vitro screening of antimicrobial agents against cultured evaporator core microorganisms before actual application. This preliminary testing phase identifies effective agents in advance, ensuring that the selected agent will fundamentally eliminate the source of offensive odors rather than merely masking them.
3Adaptability or versatility
If broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents are used, then coverage against common pathogens is achieved, but effectiveness against specific evaporator core microorganisms is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the selection criterion from broad-spectrum coverage to targeted effectiveness by measuring growth inhibition rates as a quantitative parameter. The spectral activity pattern (effectiveness across different microbial types) becomes the selection parameter, allowing optimization for specific evaporator core microorganisms while maintaining adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the measured growth inhibition data to guide the selection of antimicrobial agents. The in vitro test results provide feedback on which agents effectively control specific microorganisms, allowing iterative optimization of agent selection based on actual performance data rather than theoretical broad-spectrum 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
Significantly reduces offensive odors in air-conditioning systems by effectively controlling the growth of identified microorganisms, creating a more pleasant indoor environment.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a sample to be analyzed with the microorganism; measuring the inhibition of the growth of the microorganism
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for screening an antimicrobial agent which is capable of controlling microorganisms causing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system and a method for removing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system are provided. The method for screening an antimicrobial agent and the method for removing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system may be used for various purposes of industrial application. For example, they may be used to develop a novel antimicrobial agent capable of inhibiting the growth of the microorganisms or to develop an air freshener for removing offensive odor by elucidating the chemical properties of the metabolites of the microorganisms. In addition, they may be used to fundamentally remove the cause of offensive odor by providing an air-conditioning system with an environment where the microorganisms may not live.