Microdrop Biocide Atomization for Biofilm Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for microbiological cleaning of interior spaces are inefficient against biofilms, require repeated treatments, and fail to eliminate odors, while using aggressive chemicals that are detrimental to the environment and pose safety risks due to residual peroxides and recolonization by resistant microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
A two-step method involving automatic atomization of a biocide followed by a benign biological culture of Bacillus species to decontaminate and stabilize surfaces and air, using microdrops of 5-10 microns to reach all areas and prevent recolonization, combined with a deodorizing agent to address odor issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional aggressive chemical antimicrobial means are used, then decontamination effect is improved, but environmental harm and odour increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using peroxide-based biocides instead of traditional aggressive chemicals. This substitution maintains decontamination effectiveness while reducing environmental harm and eliminating obnoxious odours, as peroxides decompose into water and oxygen without leaving harmful residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of persistent chemical residues into a benefit by using peroxides that naturally decompose into harmless substances. The biocide action is maintained during the treatment phase, but the decomposition phase produces only water and oxygen, transforming the potential harm of chemical persistence into the benefit of complete degradation
2Area of stationary object
If peroxide atomization is used for decontamination, then decontamination coverage is improved, but residual peroxide requires extended waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a benign biological culture before allowing reoccupation. This biological culture acts as a catalyst to accelerate the decomposition of residual peroxide into water and oxygen, ensuring that the space is safe for reoccupation sooner while maintaining complete decontamination coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a benign biological culture as an intermediary substance that facilitates the decomposition of peroxide residues. This intermediary accelerates the conversion of harmful peroxide into harmless water and oxygen, reducing the waiting time before the space can be safely reoccupied
3Device complexity
If single decontamination treatment is applied, then treatment simplicity is improved, but recolonization by resistant microorganisms occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the decontamination process into two distinct phases: first, a chemical decontamination phase using peroxide atomization to eliminate existing microorganisms; second, a biological stabilization phase using benign spore-forming bacteria to prevent recolonization. This segmentation maintains treatment simplicity while ensuring long-term effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a protective biological barrier before recolonization can occur. The benign spore-forming bacteria are introduced to colonize surfaces first, creating a protective layer that prevents pathogenic microorganisms from establishing themselves, thereby preventing future infections
4Volume of moving object
If microdrops of 5-10 microns are used for atomization, then penetration into cracks and corners is improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by atomizing the biocide in controlled cycles, allowing the microdrops to penetrate into cracks and corners during each cycle. The automated atomization system delivers the biocide in periodic pulses, ensuring thorough penetration while minimizing total treatment time through efficient cycling
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 method effectively decontaminates surfaces and air, prevents recolonization, reduces the need for repeated treatments, allows for quicker reoccupation of treated spaces, and neutralizes both biological and non-biological odors, using environmentally friendly peroxides and benign sporeformers.
Implementation Method 1
automatic atomization of a biocide that decontaminates... the atomization in both steps delivers microdrops of 5 to 10 microns
Implementation Method 2
a standing time of 2 hours is in order in which all the atomized hydrogen peroxide particles, that measure about 5 to 10 microns form microdrops that slowly fall down
Implementation Method 3
The hydrogen peroxide particles do not leave any residu
Implementation Method 4
peroxides can be applied as environmentally friendly biocides to decontaminate interior spaces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for the microbiological cleaning of an interior space (1), characterized in that the method consists of a first step, being the automatic atomization (3) of a biocide (2) that decontaminates and a following second step, being the atomization (3) of a benign biological culture (4) of benign aerobic spore formers for biological stabilization, whereby the atomization in both steps delivers microdrops of 5 to 10 microns.