Odorless Microbial Coating for Evaporator Core Odor Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air-conditioning systems suffer from odors due to microbial volatile organic compounds produced by molds and bacteria on the evaporator core, with existing solutions only temporarily masking the issue rather than addressing the root cause.

Innovation Solution

A composition containing odorless microorganisms, such as Methylobacterium and Acinetobacter species, is used to form a biofilm on the evaporator core, preventing the growth of odor-causing microorganisms and maintaining a odorless environment for an extended period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If aromatic substances are used to mask the odor, then the unpleasant odor is temporarily diluted, but the molds and bacteria are not removed and the odor returns quickly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffensive odorVSAvoidduration of odor prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful role of microorganisms into a beneficial one by selecting odorless or fragrant microorganisms (such as certain bacteria and fungi) to colonize the evaporator core. These beneficial microorganisms compete with odor-causing pathogens for space and nutrients, preventing the growth of harmful molds and bacteria that produce offensive odors. This transforms the problem of microbial contamination into a solution using controlled microbial communities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a preliminary action by pre-coating the evaporator core with selected odorless microorganisms before the air conditioning system operates. This creates a protective biofilm layer that establishes a competitive barrier against odor-causing pathogens, preventing them from colonizing the surface in the first place. The preliminary colonization ensures long-term odor prevention rather than temporary masking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If general antibacterial agents are used, then common pathogens are inhibited, but they do not specifically target the molds and bacteria causing odor on the evaporator core

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor-causing microorganismsVSAvoidspecificity against target microorganisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific microorganism strains that are particularly effective against the types of molds and bacteria commonly found on evaporator cores. Instead of using a general antibacterial agent, the invention employs specially selected odorless microorganisms (such as certain Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, or fragrant fungi) that have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing odor-causing microbial growth in air conditioning environments. This targeted approach provides specificity where general agents fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the evaporator core is cleaned mechanically, then visible biofilm is removed, but the underlying cause of odor generation remains and biofilm quickly reforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiofilm and odorVSAvoidtime until odor recurrence

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-establishing a protective layer of odorless microorganisms on the evaporator core before odor-causing pathogens can colonize. This preventive colonization creates biological competition that actively inhibits the growth of harmful microbes. Rather than merely removing biofilm mechanically and allowing it to reform, the invention establishes a protective microbial community that prevents odor-causing biofilm from establishing in the first place, significantly extending the time before odor recurrence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-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 biofilm formed by odorless microorganisms effectively prevents the proliferation of offensive odor-generating microorganisms, significantly reducing foul odors in air-conditioning systems and maintaining odorlessness for up to 60 days.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiofilm formation:

Implementation Method 2

The biofilm formed by odorless microorganisms effectively prevents the proliferation of offensive odor-generating microorganisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobial competition:

Data Source

PatentEP2937414B1Composition for preventing odors including odorless microorganisms

Publication Date: 2018.12.12 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition for preventing odors containing odorless microorganisms or a culture thereof. The present invention also relates to a method for preventing odors including coating the composition for preventing odors. When a biofilm is formed by coating an object offensive odor-generating microorganisms can inhabit with the composition for preventing odors of the present invention, odors can be effectively prevented by significantly preventing the inflow and inhabitation of outside microorganisms that may generate offensive odors.