Metallic Ion Dilution Reservoir for Stable Antimicrobial Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial treatments are ineffective in providing lasting protection against pathogens, can be harmful, lead to immunization of pathogens, and are not economically viable for widespread use, particularly in water treatment and healthcare settings, resulting in the spread of infectious diseases.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates and distributes a metallic ion antimicrobial agent, using a process water supply and metallic ion supply connected to a dilution reservoir, with a pump and electronics control module for precise concentration control, ensuring a lasting and immune-resistant antimicrobial effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concentrated chemicals are used for antimicrobial treatment, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but harmful effects to people and environment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using highly concentrated metallic ion solutions (e.g., 1-10% silver nitrate) that are then diluted in situ. This allows the system to achieve effective antimicrobial concentrations at the point of use while storing and transporting highly concentrated solutions that require minimal volume, thereby reducing transportation and storage hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful concentrated chemical from the distribution system by generating highly concentrated metallic ion solutions on-demand at the point of use through electrolysis or chemical reaction, rather than distributing pre-diluted solutions. This eliminates the need to store and transport large volumes of harmful concentrated chemicals.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional antimicrobial treatments are applied, then initial antimicrobial action is achieved, but lasting protection deteriorates due to pathogen immunization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic delivery system that provides continuous or periodic supplementation of metallic ions to maintain effective concentrations over time. The system can adjust dosing rates based on contamination levels and usage patterns, ensuring sustained antimicrobial pressure that prevents pathogen adaptation and immunization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous antimicrobial action through constant circulation and supplementation of metallic ion solutions in the distribution system. The system maintains persistent low-level concentrations that continuously inhibit pathogen growth and prevent the development of immune strains, rather than providing intermittent high-dose treatments.
3Area of stationary object
If dilute antimicrobial solutions are distributed widely, then coverage area is improved, but solution stability and concentration control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distribution system into multiple independent zones or terminals, each with its own concentration control mechanism. This allows wide geographic coverage while maintaining stable concentrations at each location, as local adjustment mechanisms can compensate for variations in demand, temperature, and usage patterns without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control systems at distribution terminals that monitor solution concentration, flow rate, and usage conditions. Sensors detect deviations from target concentrations and automatically adjust dosing rates, circulation speeds, or mixing parameters to maintain stable effective concentrations despite variations in demand or environmental conditions across the wide distribution network.
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 system provides a lasting, immune-resistant antimicrobial effect, effectively reducing the spread of infectious diseases in water and healthcare settings by ensuring consistent and controlled distribution of metallic ions, enhancing safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a metallic ion supply connected to the process water supply to provide a high ion concentrate
Implementation Method 2
A pump is connected to an output of the reservoir. A manifold connected to the pump provides a dilute concentrate
Data Source
AI summary
An antimicrobial supply system employs a process water supply and incorporates a metallic ion supply connected to the process water supply to provide a high ion concentrate to an output. A dilution reservoir is connected to the metallic ion supply output and has an input from the process water supply. A pump is connected to an output of the reservoir. A manifold connected to the pump provides a dilute concentrate to at least one washing system and a recirculation loop to the dilution reservoir for enhanced mixing of the dilute concentrate. An electronics control module is connected to a first flow controller between the process water supply and the metallic ion supply and a second flow controller between the metallic ion supply and the reservoir for dilution control establishing a desired metallic ion concentration.