Facepiece Electrostatic Recharging for Restored Filtration Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

N95 filtering facepiece respirators experience reduced effectiveness due to deterioration of electrostatic charge over time, especially when exposed to liquids, leading to decreased filtration capacity and pressure drop issues.

Innovation Solution

A facepiece electrostatic charging device with a receptacle system, electrostatic charging system, and support structure that can detachably receive and securely charge the respirator, using a moveable guide system to position the respirator for efficient electrostatic charging, allowing for recharging to original or enhanced filtration specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If liquid aerosols or other liquids are used to sanitize respirators, then sanitization is achieved, but the electrostatic charge deteriorates and filtration capacity reduces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesanitizationVSAvoidelectrostatic charge

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful liquid sanitization step by introducing an alternative electrostatic charging system that transfers charge directly to the filtration layer without requiring liquid contact, thereby preserving the electrostatic charge while achieving sanitization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of charge transfer by using an electrostatic charging system with electrodes that can apply controlled electrostatic fields to restore and enhance the electrostatic charge on the filtration layer, transforming the approach from liquid-based to field-based charge restoration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple layers are added to increase filtration efficiency, then filtration efficiency improves, but pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameter of the filtration layer by applying electrostatic charge to the dielectric polymer fibers, creating coulomb force that attracts small particles without requiring additional physical layers, thus maintaining low pressure drop while achieving high filtration efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the respirator is used for extended periods, then service life extends, but electrostatic charge deteriorates and effectiveness reduces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidelectrostatic charge

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing an electrostatic charging system that can proactively restore charge to the filtration layer before complete deterioration occurs, allowing extended service life through periodic recharging cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by designing a system where the respirator can be recharged multiple times to the same or enhanced levels, allowing the electrostatic charge to be restored and maintained throughout the extended service period without degrading the original filtration capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively recharges weakened respirators to maintain or exceed original filtration efficiency, enabling quick and safe recharging of large volumes, extending the life of respirators and enhancing filtration capabilities comparable to N99 masks.

Implementation Method 1

The electrostatic charging system is configured to transfer an electrostatic charge to the facepiece when energized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge transfer: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the respirator uses the filtration layer comprising dielectric polymer fibers that have an electrostatic charge applied to filter out smaller particulate matter utilizing the coulomb force which results in the attraction of the small particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoulomb force: Coulomb's Law

Data Source

PatentUS11786853B2Facepiece electrostatic charging devices and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 F N SMITH CORP

AI summary

A facepiece charging device comprising a receptacle system, an electrostatic charging system, and a support structure. The receptacle system is configured to detachably receive and secure a facepiece. The electrostatic charging system is configured to transfer an electrostatic charge to the facepiece when energized. The support structure has a moveable guide system coupled to at least one of the receptacle system or the electrostatic charging system. The moveable guide system has at least an engaged position where the receptacle system is adjacent the electrostatic charging system to electrostatically charge the facepiece and a disengaged position where the receptacle system is spaced from the electrostatic charging system.