Mobile purification device having heated filter for killing biological species, including COVID-19
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration and germicidal irradiation technologies are inadequate in effectively purifying air to eliminate small-sized pathogens like COVID-19, which can persist in circulating air and spread through aerosols, making existing strategies costly, inefficient, and inaccessible to the general public.
Innovation Solution
A mobile purification device equipped with a heated filter using nickel foam/mesh and ultraviolet (UV) light sources, designed to be affordable, easily installable, and accessible for both residential and commercial settings, effectively targeting and eliminating pathogens by combining thermal conduction and UV-C light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HEPA filters are used to filter air, then particles with diameter of 0.3 microns or larger are filtered over 99 percent, but pathogens (virions, bacteria, etc.) of very small size (0.05-0.2 microns) are not stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the filter medium by using electrostatically charged fibers instead of conventional neutral fibers. This parameter change enables the filter to capture sub-micron pathogens through electrostatic attraction forces, achieving over 99.9% efficiency for particles as small as 0.05-0.2 microns while maintaining airflow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite filter structure combining multiple layers including an electrostatically charged HEPA filter layer, a pre-filter layer, and a post-filter layer. This composite approach integrates the mechanical filtration capability of traditional HEPA filters with the electrostatic capture mechanism, achieving both high efficiency and reliable pathogen blocking.
2Reliability
If UV germicidal lights are used to stop pathogens, then bacteria, viruses, and mold are damaged or killed, but the system becomes expensive and requires professional installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges UV germicidal irradiation technology with standard HVAC filter replacement procedures. The UV-C LED module is integrated into a cartridge that can be installed in the same location as conventional filters, allowing homeowners to install it themselves during routine filter changes. This combination maintains reliable pathogen elimination while dramatically improving ease of manufacture and installation accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable UV-C LED modules integrated with replaceable filters. These modules are designed to be replaced periodically along with the filter, eliminating the need for complex maintenance and professional servicing. This approach makes the system affordable and accessible to the general public while maintaining effective pathogen elimination capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If social distancing is implemented to prevent COVID-19 spread, then direct contact transmission is reduced, but aerosolized virus carried by airflow persists and spreads infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary purification system installed in HVAC equipment that actively removes and kills airborne pathogens before they can spread through building airflow. This intermediary device captures aerosolized viruses on electrostatically charged filter media and eliminates them using UV-C irradiation, breaking the transmission chain for airborne COVID-19 while social distancing measures address direct contact transmission.
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 mobile purification device significantly reduces the transmission of infectious pathogens by achieving a 100-fold decrease in active virus and a 100% kill rate of COVID-19, providing a practical and effective defense against airborne pathogens in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
achieve a 100-fold decrease in active virus and a 100% kill rate of COVID-19... by combining thermal conduction and UV-C light exposure
Implementation Method 2
Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lights can stop pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. The UV germicidal lights produce ultraviolet radiation, which can then damage the genetic material of the microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus used with supplied power for treating air in an environment and method of use. A housing is mobile in the environment and has an intake and an exhaust. At least one prime mover is disposed in the housing and is operable to move the air in the environment through the housing from the intake to the exhaust. At least one ultraviolet light source is disposed in the housing, is in electrical communication with the supplied power, and is configured to generate ultraviolet radiation in at least one a portion of the housing through which the moved air passes from the intake to the exhaust. At least one permeable barrier is disposed in the housing and is configured to impede the moved air flow therethrough up to an impedance threshold. The permeable barrier is in electrical communication to the supplied power and is heated to a surface temperature.