Organic Acid Allergen Neutralization via Aerosol Droplets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for neutralizing airborne allergens, such as HEPA filtration systems and anti-allergen sprays, are either ineffective in addressing airborne allergens or pose challenges in delivering safe and effective formulations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an anti-allergen formulation with an organic acid having specific vapor pressure and solubility characteristics, combined with a device that generates droplets of the formulation with a median particle size of no greater than 120 micrometers for effective delivery into the air environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-allergen sprays are used to neutralize allergens, then surface allergen neutralization is improved, but effectiveness against airborne allergens deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the formulation by incorporating organic acids with specific vapor pressure ranges (0.001 Pa to 172 Pa at 25°C) and high aqueous solubility (≥24.99 g/100 g water). These parameter changes enable the formulation to transition from surface-only application to airborne delivery capability, resolving the contradiction between surface effectiveness and airborne adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes aerosolization technology to deliver the organic acid formulation into the air as fine droplets. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach transforms the delivery mechanism from surface contact to airborne dispersion, enabling the formulation to neutralize airborne allergens while maintaining the chemical effectiveness of organic acids
2Reliability
If HEPA filtration systems are used to remove airborne allergens, then airborne allergen removal is improved, but safety and effectiveness of chemical neutralization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects organic acids with specific parameter ranges: vapor pressure between 0.001 Pa to 172 Pa and aqueous solubility ≥24.99 g/100 g water. These parameter constraints ensure the chemicals are effective for airborne neutralization while maintaining safety through controlled volatility and solubility characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a chemical formulation approach that provides immediate, short-term neutralization of airborne allergens through aerosolized organic acids. This disposable-like chemical intervention offers rapid effectiveness without the ongoing operational complexities and safety concerns associated with mechanical filtration systems
3Reliability
If organic acid formulation is delivered as aerosol droplets, then airborne allergen neutralization is improved, but delivery complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aerosolization technology to generate fine droplets of the organic acid formulation for delivery into the air. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach enables effective airborne dispersal of the neutralizing agent while utilizing well-established delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the droplet median particle size (Dv50) to be no greater than about 120 micrometers. This parameter control optimizes the balance between droplet stability for effective delivery and small enough size for adequate airborne dispersal and contact with allergens, managing the complexity of the delivery system
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 statistically significant reduction in airborne allergens, with the formulation effectively neutralizing greater than 50% of airborne allergens present in the air environment within 15 minutes of initial delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The aqueous formulation comprises an organic acid having a vapor pressure between 0.001 Pa and 172 Pa and an aqueous solubility of at least about 24.99 grams organic acid per 100 grams water, both at room temperature and standard pressure... effective to neutralize greater than 50% of one or more airborne allergens
Implementation Method 2
a device that generates droplets of the formulation to be delivered to an air environment... The device can generate droplets of the formulation having a median particle size (Dv50) of no greater than about 120 micrometers
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an anti-allergen formulation and a device that generates droplets of the formulation to be delivered to an air environment. The aqueous formulation includes an organic acid having a vapor pressure between 0.001 Pa and 172 Pa and an aqueous solubility of at least 24.99 grams organic acid per 100 grams water, both at room temperature and standard pressure. The device can generate droplets of the formulation having a median particle size (Dv50) of no greater than 120 micrometers. The formulation delivered as droplets in an air environment can provide a statistically significant reduction, over a control, in one or more airborne allergens as measured by an enzyme linked immunoassay. In addition, the formulation delivered as droplets in the air environment can be effective to neutralize greater than 50% of one or more airborne allergens present in the air environment.