Microbe-Mitigating Architectural Barrier Emulsion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional architectural barriers fail to effectively control air flow and prevent the growth of mold and other microbes in building structures, especially in humid environments.

Innovation Solution

A microbe-mitigating architectural barrier comprising a bitumen product, elastomeric polymer, or their combinations, combined with biocides, applied as an emulsion to architectural surfaces to form a barrier that reduces microbial growth through direct action or inhibition of cell division and respiration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional architectural barriers are used to control air flow, then air leakage is reduced, but mold and microbe growth continues in humid environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow controlVSAvoidmold and microbe growth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines air barrier properties with biocidal properties into a single integrated coating system. The coating includes polymers providing air flow control alongside biocides that prevent mold and microbe growth, allowing both functions to be achieved simultaneously rather than requiring separate treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material formulations that integrate multiple functional components: polymers for air barrier performance, biocides for microbial protection, and potentially other additives for enhanced durability and performance. This composite approach allows the single coating to deliver both air flow control and biological protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If architectural surfaces are exposed to moisture, then water vapor diffusion occurs, but corrosion and structural integrity erosion result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture exposureVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a thin film coating to architectural surfaces that acts as a protective barrier. This flexible film adheres to the surface and provides protection against moisture ingress while allowing the underlying structure to maintain its natural expansion and contraction, preventing corrosion and preserving structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Quantity of substance

If air leakage paths are not controlled, then moisture collection increases, but comprehensive microbial protection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture collectionVSAvoidmicrobial protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The biocidal coating is applied in advance to architectural surfaces before moisture-related problems develop. This preliminary protection ensures that when moisture does collect due to air leakage or diffusion, mold and microbes are already inhibited, preventing biological degradation before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively prevents or reduces microbial growth on architectural surfaces, providing a comprehensive barrier against mold and other microorganisms, enhancing the structural integrity and hygiene of buildings.

Implementation Method 1

The barrier may be effective in preventing or reducing the growth of mold and other microbes through direct action or inhibition of cell division and respiration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiocidal action:

Implementation Method 2

drying and/and or curing the emulsion to form a barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

drying and/and or curing the emulsion to form a barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCuring:

Data Source

PatentUS9758679B2Microbe mitigating architectural barriers, compositions for forming such barriers and related methods

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 HENRY COMPANY LLC

AI summary

The invention includes a microbe-mitigating architectural barrier that includes a barrier forming material, and at least one biocide. The barrier forming material may be a bitumen product, an elastomeric polymer and combinations thereof. The microbe-mitigating architectural barrier may be formed by applying an emulsion composition directly to an architectural surface, or may be pre-formed and adhered or otherwise secured to the architectural surface in the form of a sheet or film.The invention also includes architectural assemblies and/or building envelopes that include the microbe-mitigating barrier. Related methods encompassed within the invention include a method of preparing an architectural barrier that includes: (a) preparing an emulsion that comprises a barrier forming material chosen from a bitumen product, an elastomeric polymer and combinations thereof, and at least one biocide, (b) applying the emulsion to at least one architectural surface, and (c) drying and/and or curing the emulsion to form a barrier.