Heated HEPA Filter with Permeable Barrier for Pathogen Elimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration and germicidal irradiation systems are ineffective in eliminating pathogens like COVID-19, which can persist in circulating air and spread through convection, and existing solutions are costly, inaccessible to the general public, and require professional installation.
Innovation Solution
A purification device combining a heated filter with a permeable metal barrier and UV-C light source, integrated into HVAC systems, to instantaneously eradicate pathogens by thermal conduction and UV exposure, providing affordable and accessible air purification in residential and commercial settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HEPA filters are used to filter air, then particles of 0.3 microns or larger are removed over 99 percent efficiency, but pathogens of very small size (0.05-0.2 microns) are not stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of temperature to kill pathogens. The heating element raises the temperature of the air passing through the filter to above 200°C, which thermally inactivates viruses and bacteria that have been captured by the HEPA filter, thereby addressing the limitation of HEPA filters against very small pathogens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines HEPA filter media with a heating element to create a composite air purification system. This composite structure integrates the physical filtration capability of HEPA filters with the thermal disinfection capability of the heating element, achieving both particle removal and pathogen killing
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV germicidal lights are used to stop pathogens, then bacteria, viruses, and mold are damaged, but the systems are costly and require professional installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the UV germicidal light system with a thermal heating system. Instead of using ultraviolet radiation to kill pathogens, the invention uses a heating element to raise the temperature of air and pathogens to above 200°C, achieving pathogen elimination through thermal conduction rather than electromagnetic radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple heating element that can be integrated into existing HVAC filters, replacing expensive UV lamp systems. The heating element is a cost-effective, easily replaceable component that provides continuous pathogen killing without the high installation and maintenance costs of professional UV systems
3Productivity
If current air purification strategies are implemented, then some pathogen removal is achieved, but they are inefficient and do not kill COVID-19 virus effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the air purification process to above 200°C, which is sufficient to kill COVID-19 virus and other pathogens. This temperature elevation transforms the purification process from merely trapping particles to actually destroying viruses, achieving both high productivity and reliability
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 effectively kills pathogens such as COVID-19 by heating air to above 200°C and exposing it to UV-C light, reducing infectious transmission and providing a defense against airborne infections in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The permeable barrier can have an active surface area configured to interact with a pathogen of the air flow and can be heated by the supplied power to a surface temperature directed to kill the pathogen
Implementation Method 2
The UV germicidal lights produce ultraviolet radiation, which can then damage the genetic material of the microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
A purification device and method for treating air flow of an air handling system. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can be disposed across a plenum of the purification device that is configured for passage of the air flow. A heater can be disposed across the plenum and may have a permeable barrier that is configured to allow the air flow to pass therethrough. A metal material of the permeable barrier can be connected in electrical communication to a supplied power. The permeable barrier can have an active surface area configured to interact with a pathogen of the air flow and can be heated by the supplied power to a surface temperature directed to kill the pathogen.