Decontaminating Formulation With Microfiber Trapping and Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand sanitizers face challenges such as inefficiency against certain germs, require skillful application, and can cause skin irritation due to alcohol evaporation and odor, while UV disinfection is limited by surface exposure and hidden contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A decontaminating formulation comprising a volatile solvent, non-volatile encapsulating agent, and microfiber composition forms a three-dimensional microfiber network that traps contaminants as the solvent evaporates, providing physical immobilization and optional chemical encapsulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional alcohol-based hand sanitizers are used, then germ killing effectiveness is improved, but alcohol evaporation causes loss of active substance and reduced protection over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of alcohol from liquid to vapor through encapsulation. The alcohol is enclosed within capsule structures that control its release, allowing it to transition phases gradually on the skin surface rather than evaporating immediately. This maintains the active germ-killing substance for prolonged periods while preventing premature loss through evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capsules as an intermediary carrier between the alcohol and the environment. These capsules protect the alcohol from rapid evaporation while allowing controlled release onto the skin surface. The capsule structure acts as a mediator that manages the alcohol's volatility, maintaining effectiveness without the harmful rapid evaporation characteristic of traditional formulations.
2Reliability
If high concentration alcohol is used to ensure sufficient contact time, then germ killing efficiency is improved, but skin irritation and unpleasant odor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulated alcohol undergoes controlled phase transition on the skin surface, releasing the active ingredient gradually rather than all at once. This controlled release maintains sufficient concentration for germ killing while reducing the intensity of skin irritation and odor compared to direct application of high concentration alcohol.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule structures form flexible shells that contain and gradually release the alcohol. These thin film encapsulations control the release rate, allowing the alcohol to maintain effective concentration for germ killing while reducing peak concentrations that cause skin irritation and strong odors.
3Reliability
If UV radiation is used for virus control, then germ elimination is improved, but material degradation and hidden contamination areas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the UV radiation mechanical/physical system with a chemical system based on encapsulated alcohol. Instead of using UV light that causes material degradation, the invention uses chemically encapsulated alcohol that can be applied directly to surfaces and skin, providing germ elimination without the harmful side effects of UV exposure.
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 formulation effectively immobilizes germs and contaminants on surfaces, ensuring broad-spectrum protection without alcohol-related issues, maintaining efficacy regardless of contact time and surface exposure.
Implementation Method 1
there is also a significant decrease in alcohol content during this time due to evaporation
Data Source
AI summary
A first decontaminating formulation includes a volatile solvent, a non-volatile encapsulating agent that is soluble in the volatile solvent, and a microfiber composition dispersed in the volatile solvent, wherein the microfiber composition forms a three-dimensional microfiber network within the volatile solvent. A second decontaminating formulation includes a volatile solvent and a non-volatile encapsulating agent that is soluble in the volatile solvent, wherein the non-volatile encapsulating agent has a melt point above 37 degrees Celsius. As the volatile solvent evaporates, the microfiber network collapses to trap a contaminant and/or the non-volatile encapsulating agent solidifies around the contaminant to immobilize and eliminate the contaminant.