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 to irradiate the fluid and expose contaminants to chemical oxidation, thereby increasing dwell time and effectiveness of pathogen deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a central HVAC system is used for infection prevention, then broad-spectrum coverage is achieved, but the system is economically unfeasible and leaves many indoor areas untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the infection prevention system into distributed modular units that can be placed at local points of contamination rather than relying on a single central system. Each module independently treats fluid flow in its local area, making the overall system economically feasible while maintaining broad coverage through multiple decentralized units.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a centralized horizontal deployment model to a distributed multi-point deployment model, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the system architecture. This allows infection prevention to occur at multiple locations simultaneously, increasing coverage area without proportionally increasing cost.
2Reliability
If existing sterilization systems are used, then pathogen deactivation is achieved, but the systems take too long and use high-voltage AC electronics that are unreliable and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple sterilization mechanisms (UV irradiation, chemical oxidation, and physical filtration) into a single integrated module. This multi-pronged approach achieves reliable pathogen deactivation more quickly than single-method systems by attacking pathogens through multiple simultaneous mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces high-voltage AC electronic sterilization systems with a low-voltage DC system that uses UV LEDs and chemical oxidation. This substitution maintains or improves reliability while reducing complexity, cost, and sterilization time.
3Productivity
If the fluid flow is moved quickly through the filter, then productivity is improved, but the dwell time for UV irradiation and chemical oxidation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests multiple functional layers (filtration, UV irradiation, chemical oxidation) within a compact modular structure. This nested arrangement allows fluid to pass through all three sterilization mechanisms in sequence within a small space, maintaining high processing rates while ensuring sufficient dwell time at each stage through optimized layer thickness and arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates localized zones within the filter module where fluid flow is temporarily concentrated or slowed to maximize exposure to UV irradiation and chemical oxidation. Different regions of the module provide different functions (filtration vs. irradiation vs. oxidation), ensuring each pathogen encounters appropriate treatment conditions regardless of overall flow rate.
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 radiation and chemical oxidation, which leads to improved pathogen deactivation efficiency while reducing backpressure and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a source of radiation configured to generate radiation at a working wavelength in a chamber of the filter system
Implementation Method 2
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
Implementation Method 3
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, which has passed through the first structural layer and then through the second structural layer in a direction of the normal
Implementation Method 4
additionally exposing the contaminant to chemical oxidation
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.