Surface Decontamination Using Indicator Marking for Targeted CWA Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current decontamination methods are inefficient and resource-intensive, often requiring large amounts of water and decontamination solutions, and may not effectively locate or remove chemical warfare agents (CWAs) from surfaces, leading to potential health risks and logistical burdens.

Innovation Solution

A method using a device or indicator, such as Agentase Disclosure Spray, to detect and mark the location of contamination on surfaces, allowing for targeted decontamination efforts and post-validation of effectiveness, potentially automated with robotic systems, reducing resource usage and minimizing exposure for personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire surface is treated with decontaminating solutions, then decontamination coverage is improved, but water and decontamination formulation consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecontamination coverageVSAvoidwater and decontamination formulation consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies indicators locally to specific areas where contamination is suspected or detected, rather than treating the entire surface uniformly. This allows decontamination resources to be concentrated on contaminated zones only, reducing overall consumption while maintaining effective coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses detection methods (such as indicators or sensing devices) to identify contamination locations before applying decontamination solutions. This preliminary detection step ensures that decontamination resources are applied only where needed, optimizing both coverage and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If operators wear Hazmat suits for decontamination, then personnel protection is improved, but maneuverability and operational ease deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonnel protection from contaminationVSAvoidmaneuverability in Hazmat suits

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs automated or self-directed decontamination systems that reduce the need for operators to physically maneuver in contaminated zones. Detection and application systems can operate with minimal human intervention, allowing personnel to remain protected without the physical constraints of full Hazmat suit operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If decontamination is performed without prior contamination location detection, then decontamination speed is improved, but resource waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecontamination speedVSAvoidwaste of water, decontamination formulation, and manpower

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a preliminary detection phase using indicators or sensing technology to map contamination distribution before decontamination begins. This upfront information allows for optimized resource allocation, ensuring that water and decontamination formulations are applied only to contaminated areas, thereby reducing waste while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If conventional decontamination methods are used, then decontamination process simplicity is improved, but contamination detection precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecontamination process simplicityVSAvoidcontamination location detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces indicators as intermediary substances that react with or reveal the presence of contamination. These indicators serve as a bridge between the invisible contamination and the operator, providing visual or detectable signals that precisely mark contaminated areas without complicating the overall decontamination process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach significantly reduces water and decontaminant usage, minimizes exposure risks, and saves resources by focusing decontamination efforts on contaminated areas, ensuring effective removal of CWAs and reducing the environmental impact of decontaminants.

Implementation Method 1

providing a response that is colorimetric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColorimetric response: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

decontaminating the location of the contamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical decontamination: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS10730083B2Decontamination of personnel and objects

Publication Date: 2020.08.04 TELEDYNE FLIR DETECTION INC

AI summary

A method for efficiently decontaminating surfaces is provided comprising applying an indicator to a surface wherein the indicator provides an observable or machine readable response when a contamination is present on the surface, wherein the response is located relative to a location of the contamination; and decontaminating the location of the contamination, and optionally rechecking the location of the initial contamination post decontamination to ensure that the surface is free of contamination.