Multilayered Fabric with Electrode Bearing Surface for Pathogen Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks do not effectively neutralize pathogens on their surface, leading to potential transmission of infectious agents when reused without disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered fabric with an electrode bearing surface connected to a voltage source, generating an electric field to neutralize pathogens upon contact, with a rechargeable battery providing a tunable charge for varying electric field strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PPE fabrics are used without electric field generation, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to neutralize pathogens is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating conductive fibers, electrode layers, and porous matrix materials into a multilayered fabric structure. This composite approach enables the fabric to generate electric fields while maintaining flexibility and wearability, thus improving pathogen neutralization capability without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses porous cloth or polymer matrix materials as the fabric base structure. The porous structure allows pathogens to contact the electric field generating components effectively while maintaining breathability and comfort, enabling pathogen neutralization without compromising fabric functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed charge voltage source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different pathogen types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by providing a tunable voltage source that can adjust the charge level applied to the electrode bearing surface. This allows the electric field strength to be optimized for different pathogen types and environmental conditions, improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable device complexity through simple control mechanisms
3Reliability
If high charge levels are applied to the electrode surface, then the effectiveness of pathogen neutralization increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the charge level applied to the electrode surface based on specific pathogen types and environmental conditions. Rather than continuously applying high charge levels, the system adjusts parameters to achieve effective pathogen neutralization with minimized energy consumption, extending battery life while maintaining effectiveness
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 fabric effectively reduces the infectivity and viability of pathogens on contact, providing a safe and reusable PPE solution by inactivating microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, minimizing health risks.
Implementation Method 1
upon application of a charge the electrode bearing surface will generating an electric field to neutralize pathogens and other microorganisms coming in contact with the material
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is directed to a multilayered fabric that comprises an electrode bearing surface that is electrically connected to a voltage source, wherein upon application of a charge, the electrode bearing will generating an electric field to neutralize pathogens and other microorganisms coming in contact with the material.