Microwave Steam-Jet Sterilization for Reusable PPE Fabrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing fabric-based masks and medical garments using microwave energy often result in burning, singeing, or wetting of the materials, compromising their integrity and effectiveness as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Innovation Solution
A fabric sterilization unit with an integral water basin, steam-jet nozzles, material holders, and a canopy cover that generates high-pressure, high-temperature steam jets without droplets, along with ventilation slots and drainage ridges to manage moisture, ensuring effective sterilization without damaging the fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microwave energy is used to sterilize fabric masks, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the fabric material is burnt or singed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance that absorbs microwave energy and converts it to steam. This steam then serves as the actual sterilizing agent that contacts the fabric mask, rather than direct microwave exposure. The water-steam acts as a mediator between the microwave energy source and the fabric material, enabling indirect sterilization that avoids burning while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to steam through microwave heating. The water in the basin absorbs microwave energy, undergoes phase change to steam, and this steam then contacts the fabric mask for sterilization. This phase transition mechanism allows controlled heat transfer that prevents fabric burning while achieving sterilization temperatures
2Reliability
If water is added to the microwave oven for steam generation, then sterilization is achieved, but the mask becomes wet and integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses steam as an intermediary between the water source and the fabric mask. Instead of direct water contact, the water is converted to steam which then contacts the mask surface. This intermediary phase (steam) provides sterilization without the wetting problems associated with liquid water contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition from liquid water to gaseous steam to resolve the wetting issue. The steam phase allows heat and sterilization agents to contact the fabric without the liquid water that would cause wetting and potential damage to the fabric integrity
3Reliability
If high temperature is applied to sterilize the mask, then microbial deactivation is improved, but the fabric integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces steam as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the microwave energy source and the fabric mask. This indirect heating through steam contact allows controlled temperature application that achieves microbial deactivation while preventing the excessive localized heating that would compromise fabric strength and integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The phase transition of water to steam provides a controlled mechanism for heat transfer. The steam condensation process releases latent heat at a controlled rate, enabling sufficient temperature for microbial deactivation while preventing overheating that would damage the fabric structure
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 enables safe and efficient sterilization of masks and medical garments, maintaining their integrity and reusability as PPE by preventing burning, singeing, or wetting, while achieving thorough microbial deactivation.
Implementation Method 1
a) heating water in a basin with microwave radiation
Implementation Method 2
heating water in a basin with microwave radiation
Implementation Method 3
b) generating steam from the heated water
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention discloses devices and methods for sterilizing protective facial masks and medical garments using microwave energy. Devices include: a fabric sterilization unit for serving as a housing; a water basin disposed inside the sterilization unit, the water basin configured for generating steam in the water basin when exposed to the microwave energy; a nozzle array plate disposed inside the sterilization unit above the water basin, the nozzle array plate configured for increasing the pressure of the steam by restricting escape of the steam; an array of steam-jet nozzles configured for directing a flow of high-pressure, high-temperature steam jets exiting from the nozzles toward at least one fabric material; and material holders for individually positioning and supporting the material such that the steam jets impinge on the material for: sterilizing the material from microbial transmission and/or reproduction; and enabling reusability of the material as suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).