Ionized Cleaning Liquid Supply for Surface Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning technologies, such as carpet extractors, fail to sanitize surfaces effectively as they do not adequately remove microorganisms, molds, and pathogens, and the use of harsh chemicals or heat can damage surfaces or complicate the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a metal ion generator that introduces silver, zinc, or copper ions into the cleaning liquid using a pair of electrodes connected to a power supply, which is applied to the surface to enhance antimicrobial properties without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If harsh chemicals are used to sanitize surfaces, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but surface damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by introducing metal ions (silver, zinc, or copper) at controlled concentrations (e.g., 0.1-10 ppm silver ions) to achieve antimicrobial effects without the need for harsh chemicals. This parameter modification allows the cleaning solution to sanitize surfaces while maintaining surface integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite cleaning solution that combines conventional cleaning agents with metal ions. This composite formulation provides both cleaning and sanitizing functions while being gentler on surfaces than traditional harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach.
2Reliability
If heat is used to sanitize surfaces, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal/mechanical heat generation system with an electrochemical system that introduces metal ions into the cleaning solution. This substitution eliminates the need for complex steam generation equipment and high energy consumption while achieving effective sanitization through the antimicrobial properties of metal ions.
3Reliability
If metal ions are introduced into cleaning liquid, then antimicrobial properties are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary device - a metal ion generator that employs electrolysis to produce metal ions from metal electrodes. This intermediary system simplifies the overall device by replacing complex chemical storage and handling systems with a straightforward electrochemical generation process that can be integrated into existing cleaning equipment.
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 apparatus effectively sanitizes surfaces by introducing controlled concentrations of metal ions, providing antimicrobial effects against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while maintaining the integrity of the cleaned surface and improving the efficiency of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a metal ion generator having a pair of metallic electrodes in spaced disposition, said metal ion generator being adapted to introduce metal ions into the cleaning liquid when coupled to the power supply and power is supplied to the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Surface cleaning includes applying a metal ion solution onto a surface to be cleaned, wherein the metal ion concentration in the cleaning solution as applied to the surface is effective to at least inhibit growth of microbes on the surface to be cleaned. An apparatus includes a metal ion generator that generates metal ions that are applied to a surface for disinfecting the surface. The metal ion generator is coupled to a liquid distribution system and power supply for generating metal ions and introducing the metal ions into a cleaning liquid. The metal ions can be distributed over the surface during application of the cleaning liquid to the surface.