Purification device having heated filter for killing biological species, including COVID-19
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration and purification technologies are ineffective in eliminating the COVID-19 virus from circulating air, particularly due to its small size and persistence in aerosolized form, leading to ineffective protection against airborne transmission.
Innovation Solution
A purification device that combines a heated filter using nickel foam/mesh, raised to temperatures proven to kill pathogens, with an ultraviolet (UV) light source, integrated into a flame retardant filtration system, to effectively filter and purify air in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If HEPA filters are used to filter air, then particles with diameter of 0.3 microns or larger can be filtered over 99 percent, but pathogens (virions, bacteria, etc.) of very small size cannot be stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of temperature by heating the filter media to high temperatures (e.g., 200-500°C) to alter its functional properties. This thermal parameter change enables the filter to kill pathogens that would otherwise pass through the physical filtration barriers, thus resolving the contradiction between particle filtration efficiency and pathogen blocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining multiple filter media layers (e.g., HEPA filter, activated carbon, photocatalytic coatings) with different functional properties. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of fine particle filtration and pathogen inactivation, as each layer contributes specific functions that complement each other.
2Reliability
If UV germicidal lights are used to stop pathogens, then bacteria, viruses, and mold can be damaged, but the system requires professional installation and is not accessible to the general public
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges UV germicidal lighting functionality with standard HVAC filter replacement procedures. By integrating the UV source into a filter-like cartridge that can be installed by consumers during routine filter changes, the system combines pathogen destruction capability with ease of installation, eliminating the need for professional installation while maintaining reliable pathogen inactivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service installation by designing the purification device as a replaceable filter cartridge that consumers can install themselves during regular filter maintenance. This self-service approach makes the advanced pathogen destruction technology accessible to the general public without requiring professional installation services.
3Loss of substance
If current filter and air-purification technologies are used, then dust, pollen, mold, and particulates can be removed, but aerosolized COVID-19 cannot be killed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the temperature parameter of the filtration system by heating the filter media to high temperatures (200-500°C). This parameter change transforms the filter from a passive particulate separator into an active pathogen killer, as the thermal energy directly inactivates viruses while maintaining particulate filtration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The heated filter media acts as an intermediary substance that transfers thermal energy to airborne pathogens. This thermal intermediary mechanism allows the system to kill viruses without directly heating the entire air volume, providing efficient virus inactivation while maintaining energy efficiency and system safety.
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 reduces the infectious transmission of viruses like COVID-19 by achieving a 100-fold decrease in active virus and a 100% kill rate, providing a primary defense against airborne transmission in populated environments.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier heater or heated filter that uses targeted thermal conduction of high efficiency nickel foam/mesh raised to temperatures proven to kill pathogens
Implementation Method 2
Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lights can stop pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. The UV germicidal lights produce ultraviolet radiation, which can then damage the genetic material of the microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is used with supplied power for treating air flow of an air handing system of a facility. A frame has a plenum with an inlet and an outlet. The frame is configured to position in the air flow of the air handing system for passage of the air flow therethrough. A filter is disposed in the plenum and is configured to filter the air flow therethrough up to a filtration threshold. An ultraviolet light source disposed in the plenum is connected in electrical communication with the supplied power and is configured to generate ultraviolet radiation in the plenum. A permeable metal barrier disposed in the plenum is configured to impede the air flow therethrough up to an impedance threshold. The barrier is connected in electrical communication to the supplied power and is heated to a surface temperature.