Fluid-flow sterilization engine and method for using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preventing the transmission of pathogens and viruses through fluid flow, such as HVAC systems, are economically unfeasible, inefficient, and often leave indoor areas untreated due to central location and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a three-layer structural design that includes a first array of rods, a second array of staggered rods, and a third layer to reduce pressure, combined with a UV-generating apparatus that increases contaminant-irradiation time and exposes contaminants to chemical oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized HVAC infection prevention device is used, then broad-spectrum infection prevention is provided, but many indoor areas remain completely untreated due to device location and physical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the indoor space into multiple treatment zones by distributing multiple UV-C irradiation devices throughout the space, with each device treating a local area. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of all indoor areas rather than relying on a single centralized device that cannot reach all regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point centralized treatment approach to a distributed multi-point approach by placing devices at various locations including ceiling mounts, wall mounts, and portable positions. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions ensures that every area of the indoor space receives adequate UV-C irradiation.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing infection-prevention apparatus is centrally located, then it is easier to install, but it is too far from the local point of contamination and takes too long to prevent infection
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the infection prevention function into multiple distributed devices that can be installed at or near contamination sources. Each device independently treats local areas, reducing the time delay associated with centralized systems that must transport or irradiate contaminants over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable UV-C devices can be positioned in advance at anticipated contamination points or high-traffic areas before contamination occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures immediate treatment capability when contamination events occur, eliminating the time lag inherent in centralized systems.
3Power
If existing systems are powered by high-voltage AC electronics, then sufficient power is available, but the systems are unreliable and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex high-voltage AC electronic power systems with simpler low-voltage DC power sources such as battery packs or power banks. This substitution eliminates the need for complex voltage conversion electronics, reducing points of failure and improving reliability while maintaining sufficient power output for UV-C LED operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters from high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC, operating UV-C LEDs directly from battery voltages (e.g., 18V, 36V, or 54V DC). This parameter change simplifies the power architecture, removes the need for high-voltage electronics, and improves overall system reliability while providing adequate power for effective UV-C irradiation.
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 solution effectively increases the dwell time of fluid in the system, enhancing the exposure of pathogens to UV light and chemical oxidation, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of pathogen deactivation while reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a UV-generating apparatus with a filter system judiciously designed to not only increase the amount of time during which the flow of fluid containing an organic contaminant (pathogen, virus) is irradiated with the UV light
Implementation Method 2
The third structural layer is separated from the first structural layer by the second structural layer, and is being dimensioned to reduce pressure of a flow of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
a second array of second rods that extend substantially along the first axis, and that are substantially staggered with respect to the first rods when viewed along a normal to the first structural layer to cause impact between a component of the fluid passing through the first structural layer towards the second structural layer
Data Source
AI summary
Efficient sterilization of a flow of fluid containing a pathogen/virus contaminant is achieved by filtering the fluid while exposing the contaminant to mechanical abrasion against a component of the filter system, ionization with material formed as a result of interaction of UV-radiation with an element of the filter system, and direct irradiation of the contaminant with UV-radiation.