Respiratory Mask Sterilization via Bi-directional Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory masks used by multiple individuals pose a risk of cross-contamination with highly contagious pathogens, and existing sterilization methods are inadequate for high-end oxygen masks with sensitive electronics and pure oxygen supply lines.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization apparatus with an articulating mask support, bi-directional fan system, and sterilization agent generator using ionized hydrogen peroxide or UV light to simulate human breathing and ensure thorough sterilization of masks, including UV lighting for additional disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (wiping with sanitizing solutions) are used, then the mask surface is cleaned, but highly contagious pathogens may still pass through the mask
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wiping with chemical vapor sterilization. The sterilization chamber introduces vaporized sterilant (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, ozone, or peracetic acid) that penetrates through the mask material and internal components, eliminating pathogens without requiring physical contact or manual wiping of complex internal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the sterilant from liquid to vapor phase. By vaporizing the sterilant and introducing it into the sealed chamber containing the mask, the sterilant can penetrate all surfaces including internal valves, tubing, and electronics at controlled temperature and concentration levels that achieve sterilization without damaging mask components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chlorine-based sanitizers are used, then surface disinfection is achieved, but sensitive electronics and oxygen supply lines are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sterilization agent by using vapor phase delivery at controlled concentrations and temperatures. This allows the use of more effective sterilants like hydrogen peroxide or ozone that can penetrate electronics without causing corrosion, unlike liquid chlorine-based sanitizers which are highly reactive and damaging to electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor phase acts as an intermediary that allows the sterilant to reach all surfaces including internal components without the aggressive properties of liquid form. The vapor delivers the sterilizing effect while the controlled environment prevents direct liquid contact with sensitive electronics, avoiding damage while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable masks are used, then cross-contamination is prevented, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary sterilization action by treating masks with vaporized sterilant before reuse. This pre-sterilization process ensures that masks are free of pathogens before being placed back into service, enabling safe repeated use without disposable replacement. The sterilization chamber performs the sterilization function in advance, allowing masks to be reused multiple times.
4Productivity
If masks are shared among multiple users, then resource utilization improves, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous sterilization capability by integrating the sterilization chamber into the mask system workflow. Masks can be sterilized between uses without interruption to service, maintaining continuous availability of sanitized masks for multiple users. The automated sterilization process ensures that each mask is treated consistently before being returned to service, enabling safe sharing among multiple users.
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
Effectively prevents the transmission of highly contagious pathogens between users by thoroughly sterilizing respiratory devices, including sensitive electronics and areas inaccessible to conventional sanitizers, while protecting the masks from contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-directional fan system capable of moving air through an air passage to and from an oxygen mask
Implementation Method 2
a sterilization agent generator capable of providing a sterilization agent into the sterilization chamber
Implementation Method 3
UV lighting system within the sterilization chamber to provide a secondary sterilization agent
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization apparatus for sterilizing a respiratory mask is described. The sterilization apparatus comprises a sterilization chamber, an articulating mask support disposed inside the sterilization chamber, a bi-directional fan system disposed inside the sterilization chamber and configured to move air through an air passage to simulate human breathing, and a sterilization agent generator coupled to the sterilization chamber. The bi-directional fan system pumps air that includes the sterilization agent back and forth through the oxygen mask via the air passage, to mimic normal breathing of an individual using the mask.