Multi-chamber hypochlorous acid dispenser with Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is highly unstable and has a short shelf-life, limiting its use due to degradation issues and the need for onsite generation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chambered container system that allows for on-site preparation and long-term stable storage of hypochlorous acid by separating its components and using buffering agents to maintain a stable pH, thereby preventing degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypochlorous acid is produced and stored, then disinfectant effectiveness is achieved, but stability and shelf-life deteriorate due to rapid degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple separate chambers, each holding different components (hypochlorite source, acid source, water) required to generate hypochlorous acid. These components remain physically separated during storage, preventing premature reaction and degradation, while enabling on-demand mixing at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The necessary components for hypochlorous acid generation are pre-prepared and stored in their respective chambers in advance. Buffering agents are also pre-added to maintain optimal pH. When needed, these pre-positioned components are simply mixed together through user activation, eliminating the need for complex on-site production equipment while ensuring immediate availability of effective disinfectant.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If hypochlorous acid is stored for long periods, then distribution and availability are improved, but degradation increases reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hypochlorous acid into separate stable precursor components stored in different chambers, the system enables long-term storage without degradation. The individual components remain stable for extended periods, and hypochlorous acid is generated fresh at the point of use, maintaining full effectiveness regardless of how long the container has been stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of the disinfectant from pre-formed hypochlorous acid (unstable) to separate precursor components (stable), then reconstructs it fresh at use. Buffering agents are used to maintain pH within the optimal range (pH 3-8, preferably pH 4-6) where hypochlorous acid remains stable and effective, preventing degradation even during extended storage periods.
3Ease of operation
If pH is not controlled, then storage simplicity is improved, but hypochlorous acid degrades forming toxic byproducts
Solution Approach 1:
Buffering agents serve as intermediaries that automatically maintain pH within the safe and effective range (pH 3-8). These buffers neutralize excess acid or base that would otherwise cause pH drift, preventing the formation of toxic chlorine gas at low pH or toxic hypochlorite anions at high pH, while requiring no complex monitoring or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the pH parameter within the optimal range (pH 3-8, preferably pH 4-6) where hypochlorous acid remains stable and effective. Buffering agents are incorporated to automatically maintain this pH range during storage and after mixing, preventing degradation and toxic byproduct formation without requiring complex monitoring systems, thus achieving both simplicity and safety.
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 system provides a stable and effective HOCl-based disinfectant with a long shelf-life, suitable for various industrial and healthcare applications, while minimizing the need for frequent production and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-way valve that permits fluid flow from the first compartment to the third compartment
Implementation Method 2
a second one-way valve that permits fluid flow from the second compartment to the third compartment
Implementation Method 3
the first compartment contains a compound that generates a hypochlorite anion (OCl—) in the presence of water
Implementation Method 4
the second compartment contains a compound that generates a proton (H+) in the presence of water
Implementation Method 5
the two compounds can enter the third compartment together and produce hypochlorous acid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a skin disinfectant for treating skin with eczema, preventing bacterial proliferation, and removing biofilm. Compositions of the invention include hypochlorous acid, acetic acid, water, and one or more additives or excipients. The formulation process removes metal ions, reduces ionic strength, controls pH, and reduces exposure to air, thus improving stability and lengthening shelf-life.