Multi-function air purifying and sterilizing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purifiers lack the ability to ensure a sufficient time duration for the destruction of active micro-organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, which is crucial for achieving high air quality in living environments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function air purifying and sterilizing system that utilizes electrostatic means with spiked surfaces to induce corona discharge and produce ozone molecules, which are then converted to hydroxyl radicals by an ultraviolet energy source, effectively disinfecting and inhibiting biological contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air purifiers are used, then basic particle filtering is achieved, but sufficient time duration for destruction of active micro-organisms is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sterilization mechanisms (UV irradiation, ozone generation, photocatalytic oxidation) within a single air purifier system. The UV lamp irradiates micro-organisms directly, while simultaneously generating ozone that further oxidizes and destroys micro-organisms. This multi-mechanism approach ensures sufficient destruction effectiveness within the required time duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a photocatalytic layer that changes the chemical parameters of the air treatment process. When UV light interacts with the photocatalytic material (such as titanium dioxide), it generates highly reactive oxygen species and free radicals that dramatically enhance the destruction of micro-organisms. This parameter change from simple UV irradiation to photocatalytic oxidation significantly improves sterilization effectiveness.
2Productivity
If air purifier processes micro-organisms quickly, then productivity is improved, but destruction effectiveness of active micro-organisms is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges three sterilization approaches (UV irradiation, ozone generation, photocatalytic oxidation) that work simultaneously and synergistically. UV light provides immediate germicidal effect, ozone continues oxidation in the air stream, and photocatalytic surfaces destroy micro-organisms that contact them. This combination maintains high processing speed while ensuring complete destruction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous sterilization action through multiple mechanisms operating simultaneously throughout the air flow path. The UV lamp continuously irradiates passing air, ozone is continuously generated and distributed, and photocatalytic surfaces continuously destroy micro-organisms. This continuous multi-faceted action ensures both high productivity and reliable destruction effectiveness.
3Reliability
If electrostatic means with spiked surfaces are used to produce ozone, then sterilization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ozone generation function with the existing UV lamp structure. The spiked surfaces are integrated into the UV lamp housing or positioned in close proximity, allowing the same electrical discharge mechanism to both generate ozone and facilitate UV irradiation. This merging approach improves sterilization capability while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV lamp assembly serves multiple functions: it provides germicidal UV irradiation, generates ozone through electrical discharge at the spiked surfaces, and supports photocatalytic material for enhanced oxidation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving sterilization capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 achieves a high filtering efficiency of 95% or higher for particles 0.01 microns and larger, and ensures the destruction of micro-organisms within a sufficient time duration, providing enhanced air quality and sterilization capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
inducing corona discharge and/or cold plasma when high voltage is applied, said corona discharge and/or said cold plasma producing ozone molecules
Implementation Method 2
converting said ozone molecules to hydroxyl radicals, said hydroxyl radicals disinfecting and inhibiting said biological contaminants
Implementation Method 3
electrostatic means for attracting particulate matter including biological contaminants, and thus, for removing said particulate matter and said biological contaminants from an air stream
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function air purifying and sterilizing system for filtering and/or sterilizing air comprises: (a) a casing having an air inlet at one end of the casing and an air outlet at the other end of the casing, (b) electrostatic means for attracting particulate matter including biological contaminants, and thus, for removing the particulate matter and the biological contaminants from an air stream passing therethrough, the electrostatic means comprising at least one spiked surface, the at least one spiked surface inducing corona discharge and/or cold plasma when high voltage is applied, the corona discharge and/or the cold plasma producing ozone molecules, (c) at least one energy source for producing rays, the at least one energy source is inter-displaced within the electrostatic means to have the produced rays in close proximity to the electrostatic means for maximizing the at least one energy source efficiency in demolishing the particulate matter and the biological contaminants depositing on the electrostatic means, and/or converting the ozone molecules to hydroxyl radicals, the hydroxyl radicals disinfecting and inhibiting the biological contaminants and/or odors, and/or gases in the air stream, the hydroxyl radicals is spreadable within a confined space, thus, disinfecting biological contaminants and/or odors, and/or gases within a confined space.