Filter Medium With Ion Exchanger For Microorganism Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filter media in vehicle air-conditioning systems face challenges with the growth and multiplication of microorganisms, such as bacteria, germs, fungi, and algae, which can be harmful to vehicle occupants, and the ineffective continuous release of antiallergenic and antibacterial active substances in biofunctional coatings.
Innovation Solution
A filter medium is developed with an anti-pathogenic substance and an ion exchanger that forms an acidic environment when combined with water, inhibiting microorganism growth and activity, and a polymeric cross-linking agent fixes these substances within the filter material for controlled release of antimicrobial and antiallergenic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter medium is used to filter air in a passenger compartment, then particles and some impurities are retained, but microorganisms can accumulate and multiply in the filter material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of microorganisms by incorporating substances that transform the filter medium from a nurturing environment for microorganisms into an antimicrobial environment. The filter medium is treated with substances that release antimicrobial agents, effectively converting the filter from a potential source of contamination to an active defense against microorganisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (antimicrobial agents and ion exchangers) that mediate between the filter material and microorganisms. These substances are incorporated into the filter medium structure and act as intermediaries that prevent direct interaction between the filter material and microorganisms, thereby preventing microbial accumulation while maintaining filtration performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antiallergenic and antibacterial substances are added to filter media, then harmful microorganisms are inhibited, but the release of these active substances is not continuous and predetermined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-incorporating ion exchangers and antimicrobial substances into the filter medium structure during manufacturing. These substances are positioned and prepared in advance within the filter matrix, ensuring they are ready for controlled release. The ion exchangers are pre-loaded with buffering agents that will be released in a predetermined manner as air passes through the filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous release of active substances through the integration of ion exchangers with buffering capacity into the filter medium. As air continuously passes through the filter, the ion exchangers continuously exchange ions and release buffering agents, maintaining a sustained antimicrobial effect rather than a one-time release. This ensures prolonged protection against microorganisms throughout the filter's service life.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple substances are incorporated into the filter medium to achieve antimicrobial and antiallergenic effects, then protection is enhanced, but the complexity of the filter structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated filter medium structure. Instead of using separate layers or components for filtration, antimicrobial protection, and allergen neutralization, the invention incorporates all these functions into one homogeneous filter material. The ion exchangers, antimicrobial substances, and filtration matrix are combined in a single structure, simplifying the overall filter design while maintaining multiple protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing the filter medium to simultaneously perform filtration, antimicrobial protection, and allergen neutralization. The ion exchangers serve multiple purposes: they provide structural support, enable controlled release of buffering agents, and contribute to the overall filtration capacity. This universal design allows a single filter component to address multiple air quality concerns without requiring additional separate elements.
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 acidic environment effectively reduces the biological activity of microorganisms, and the controlled release of active substances ensures prolonged antimicrobial and antiallergenic protection, preventing harmful organisms from entering the vehicle interior.
Implementation Method 1
an ion exchanger which, combined with water, forms an acidic environment
Implementation Method 2
an ion exchanger which, combined with water, forms an acidic environment reducing the biological activity of microorganisms
Implementation Method 3
a polymeric cross-linking agent which fixes the anti-pathogenic substance and the ion exchanger in the filter material
Implementation Method 4
a filter layer for the retention of particles
Data Source
AI summary
A coating solution for producing a biofunctional surface coating and/or depth coating of a filter medium may include a solvent, an anti-pathogenic substance, an ion exchanger, and a polymeric cross-linking agent. The ion exchanger may be hygroscopic and may include functional cation exchanger groups with sulphonic acid groups.