Filter Element Metal Oxide Particles Microorganism Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilation system filters become infiltrated with dirt and organic material, which serves as nutrition for microorganisms like bacteria and molds, posing a health risk as these organisms are conveyed through the system and exposed to humans.
Innovation Solution
Treating conventional filters with a media containing metal or metal oxide particles, such as micronized silver, which are adhered to the fibers, reducing microorganism presence by interacting with their outer membranes and degrading them, and optionally using UV light to enhance effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional filters are used in ventilation systems, then air filtration is provided, but microorganisms grow on the filter using trapped organic material as nutrition and are conveyed to humans
Solution Approach 1:
Metal or metal oxide particles (such as silver, zinc, copper, or their oxides) are applied to the filter fibers as an intermediary substance. These particles interact with microorganisms through chemical mechanisms (including interaction with outer membranes and enzymatic systems) to inhibit growth and degrade organisms, preventing direct contact between microorganisms and the organic nutrition source on the filter while maintaining filtration function
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition of the filter surface is changed by coating fibers with metal or metal oxide particles. This parameter change transforms the filter from a passive mechanical barrier to an active biocidal surface that chemically interacts with and degrades microorganisms, changing the fundamental mechanism from physical filtration only to combined physical-chemical action
2Object-affected harmful factors
If metal or metal oxide particles are applied to filter fibers, then microorganism degradation is enhanced, but the filter structure and manufacturing process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Metal or metal oxide particles are applied to the filter fibers during the manufacturing process or as a preliminary treatment before the filter enters service. This preliminary action ensures that the biocidal properties are already embedded in the filter structure, eliminating the need for additional complex equipment or post-installation modifications to achieve microorganism degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes readily available, inexpensive metal or metal oxide particles (such as silver, zinc, copper particles or their oxides) that can be easily applied to filter fibers. These materials are cost-effective and can be incorporated into standard filter manufacturing processes without requiring expensive specialized equipment, making the complexity increase acceptable given the low cost of the additive materials
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 the amount of microorganisms in the air, thereby minimizing health risks for individuals in ventilated spaces by degrading microorganisms and inhibiting mold growth, especially in areas with limited organic nutrients.
Implementation Method 1
It is presently believed that silver nanoparticles interact with the outer membrane of microorganisms, causing structural changes that lead to degradation and eventually death of the microbe.
Implementation Method 2
An ultra violet ray lamp irradiates the photo catalytic element containing titanium dioxide. An ultra violet ray lamp irradiates the photo catalytic element to clean the air.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing a filter element having metal or metal oxide particles adhered to the fibers of the fiber element. The filters may be used in a ventilation system for reducing the amount of microorganisms in the air.