Hydroxyl ion generator apparatuses for ceiling mount or walk through

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods to control the spread of coronaviruses, such as COVID-19, in enclosed spaces are inadequate, particularly in reducing airborne and surface-borne pathogens, with existing solutions like face masks and constant cleaning being insufficient to prevent transmission effectively.

Innovation Solution

A portal apparatus that generates hydroxyl ions using a hydroxyl ion generator, UV light, and titanium dioxide, emitting these ions through orifices to treat individuals and surfaces, and a system for distributing hydroxyl ions in enclosed areas to reduce or eliminate pathogens like coronaviruses, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If face masks and constant cleaning are used to control virus spread, then some pathogen reduction is achieved, but transmission prevention remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen reduction effectivenessVSAvoidtransmission prevention efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydroxyl ions (•OH), which are highly reactive oxygen species, to oxidize and destroy viral particles, bacterial cells, and other pathogens. The hydroxyl ion generator produces concentrated streams of these ions that rapidly degrade organic matter, achieving superior pathogen elimination compared to conventional cleaning methods. This strong oxidizing action directly addresses the insufficiency of traditional防控措施 in reliably reducing pathogens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

2Reliability

If hydroxyl ion generator is deployed in enclosed spaces, then pathogen elimination is significantly improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen elimination effectivenessVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydroxyl ion generation system is divided into separate functional modules: a hydroxyl ion generator unit, a distribution system with nozzles or vents, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation, maintenance, and scaling. The generator can be positioned remotely from the treatment area, reducing structural complexity in the enclosed space while maintaining effective pathogen elimination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces air or gas as an intermediary medium to transport hydroxyl ions from the generator to the target environment. Instead of directly exposing surfaces or individuals to the ion source, the ions are carried through airflow patterns into the enclosed space, simplifying the device structure while ensuring effective pathogen contact. This intermediary approach also enhances safety and reduces structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If hydroxyl ions are emitted through orifices to treat individuals, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but contact time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidcontact time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters to reduce contact time requirements: increasing hydroxyl ion concentration in the emitted stream, adjusting airflow velocity to enhance ion delivery, and optimizing orifice geometry to maximize ion dispersion. By changing these parameters, the system achieves effective pathogen elimination in shorter exposure times, addressing the time loss issue while maintaining high treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hydroxyl ion generator may incorporate composite materials that enhance ion production efficiency and stability. These composite structures allow for more effective ion generation in shorter time periods, reducing the required contact time while maintaining or improving treatment effectiveness. The composite materials may combine different catalysts or reactive substances to accelerate pathogen degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 hydroxyl ion system effectively reduces or eliminates pathogens by up to 90% within 60 minutes, providing a safe and efficient method for decontaminating surfaces and air, thereby minimizing the risk of virus transmission in public and indoor settings.

Implementation Method 1

A portal apparatus that generates hydroxyl ions using a hydroxyl ion generator, UV light, and titanium dioxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto-oxidation: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

A fan is positioned adjacent the atomizer system. The fan is configured to direct the water droplets from the atomizer system into the hydroxyl ion generator.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow: