Filter Unit Sterilization Heating Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter sterilization methods are costly, hazardous, and inefficient, particularly due to the use of harmful chemicals and complex UV irradiation equipment, which also disrupt the sterile environment and require filter removal for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with an integrated heating device that uses hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing agent, activated by heat, to kill microorganisms within the filter, allowing for efficient and cost-effective sterilization while maintaining a sterile environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfectants like formaldehyde are used for filter sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but health hazards and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the sterilization process by using hydrogen peroxide vapor instead of liquid chemical disinfectants. The hydrogen peroxide is applied as a vapor at controlled temperatures and concentrations, transforming it into a safer substance that decomposes into water and oxygen, eliminating the health hazards associated with traditional chemical disinfectants while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful hydrogen peroxide into a beneficial sterilizing agent by using it in vapor form at controlled concentrations. The vapor phase allows for uniform distribution and effective penetration, while the controlled decomposition into harmless water and oxygen transforms a potentially dangerous chemical into a safe sterilization method.
2Reliability
If UV irradiation equipment is used for filter sterilization, then sterilization capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical UV irradiation system with a simpler thermal-vaporization system. Instead of using UV lamps, reflectors, and control circuits, the invention uses a heating element to vaporize hydrogen peroxide, which then sterilizes the filter through chemical oxidation. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining sterilization capability.
3Ease of operation
If filters are removed from housing for sterilization, then sterilization accessibility is improved, but operational disruption and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the filter to be sterilized in situ within its housing without removal. The heating element and hydrogen peroxide delivery system are integrated into the housing, allowing the filter to sterilize itself while remaining installed. This self-service approach eliminates operational disruption and safety risks associated with handling removed filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sterilization function with the filter housing by integrating the heating element and vapor delivery system directly into the housing structure. This combination allows sterilization to occur in place, eliminating the need to remove the filter from its housing and thereby maintaining continuous operation and reducing safety risks.
4Temperature
If external heating devices are used for sterilization, then activation temperature control is improved, but energy loss and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the filter housing by integrating the heating element directly into the housing structure. This integration eliminates energy losses associated with external heating devices and thermal transfer through air gaps. The heating element heats the housing and filter directly, improving energy efficiency while maintaining precise temperature control for hydrogen peroxide activation.
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
Enables reliable and economical sterilization of air filters, simplifies maintenance, and provides temperature-controlled, sterile air supply directly to the system, reducing the need for external heating devices and minimizing exposure risks.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (4) for heating the air to be filtered
Implementation Method 2
a vaporous or liquid sterilizing agent which can be activated by supplying a certain amount of heat T, which heats it above an activation temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A process for sterilizing a filter unit (1) and a filter unit (1) for cleaning the air with at least one filter layer (5, 7) is provided, which enables reliable and successful sterilization of the filter and is simultaneously producible at economically viable cost. This is achieved by virtue of a vaporous and/or liquid sterilization medium being introduced into the filter unit (1) and/or into the at least one filter layer (5, 7), and, thereafter, the sterilization medium being activated by means of a gaseous medium having a temperature above the activation temperature of the sterilization medium, the gaseous medium being heated by means of a heating device (4) provided within the filter unit.