Fractal Graphene Electrode Virus Protection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protection devices, such as masks, are inadequate in preventing the ingress of viral particles, as they do not effectively incapacitate or filter out viruses, leading to potential infection even with low viral loads.
Innovation Solution
A virus protection device incorporating flexible graphene electrodes arranged in a fractal structure, connected to an electrical power source, which creates a uniform electric field to incapacitate viruses by allowing them to pass through spaces between opposed electrodes, preventing further transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional masks are used, then the device structure is simple, but the protection effectiveness against viruses is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into multiple functional layers including a base layer, conductive layer, and insulating layer. The conductive layer is further segmented into multiple electrodes arranged in specific patterns to create electric fields in different regions, allowing targeted virus incapacitation while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter of the mask by incorporating conductive materials and electrodes that generate electric fields. This parameter change transforms the mask from a passive mechanical barrier to an active electrostatic protection device, significantly improving virus protection effectiveness without substantially increasing structural complexity.
2Area of moving object
If the electrode arrangement is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but the surface area and volume of the electric field are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional electrode patterns to three-dimensional electric field structures by stacking conductive and insulating layers. This dimensional change creates volumetric electric fields that increase the effective surface area and volume for virus incapacitation while maintaining relatively simple planar electrode patterns that are easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structure employs nested layers where conductive layers with electrodes are embedded within insulating layers, which are themselves embedded within the overall mask structure. This nesting arrangement maximizes the electric field volume within the constrained mask thickness while keeping the electrode patterns simple and manufacturable.
3Reliability
If more viral particles are required for infection, then the protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical filtration system with an electrostatic system. By incorporating electrodes that generate electric fields, the mask uses electrical forces to incapacitate viruses, providing enhanced protection against low viral loads without requiring complex multi-layer mechanical filtration structures.
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 device significantly enhances the surface area and volume of the electric field, effectively incapacitating viruses and reducing the risk of infection by ensuring all viruses entering the field are neutralized, providing improved protection compared to conventional masks.
Implementation Method 1
the first and the second flexible electrodes being configured and arranged in one of an interdigitated and a fractal arrangement wherein the first and the second flexible electrodes together define multiple nodes of opposed positive electrodes and negative electrodes which are spaced an equal distance apart from one another, thereby to define predetermined spaces there between, through which electrical current is capable of flowing between the positive and negative flexible electrodes
Implementation Method 2
through which electrical current is capable of flowing between the positive and negative flexible electrodes
Implementation Method 3
the first and the second flexible electrodes being configured and arranged in one of an interdigitated and a fractal arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A virus protection device 16 for protecting a user from a virus 14 includes a first flexible electrode 22 and a second flexible electrode 24 both formed of graphene and connected to a battery. The electrodes 22,24 are configured in a fractal arrangement and define a fractal-like structure 25 comprises a main branch 27 of electrodes 22, 24 and a plurality of side branches 28, secondary branches 30, tertiary branches 32, and subsequent branches 34 extending outwardly from the branch 27. The branches 27,28 30, 32 and 34 together form multiple nodes of flexible opposed positive electrodes 36.1 and negative electrodes 36.2 which are spaced an equal distance apart from one another, to define predetermined spaces there between, through which electrical current is capable of flowing between the electrodes 36.1, 36.2 for incapacitating viruses contacting the device 16 or passing through the spaces between the electrodes 36.1 and 36.2.