Ozone Decontamination Control for Enclosed Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enclosed spaces, particularly public spaces, require effective decontamination methods to destroy viruses and bacteria in the air and on surfaces, but existing systems lack efficient and automated solutions for achieving this.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving ozone generators, sensors, and a control unit to introduce ozone into enclosed spaces, maintaining a predetermined ozone concentration for decontamination, and then dissipating it when unoccupied to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ozone is introduced into an enclosed space to decontaminate viruses and bacteria, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential ozone exposure to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs decontamination cycles during unoccupied periods before occupants return. The control unit schedules ozone generation to occur only when the space is unoccupied, eliminating exposure risk while maintaining decontamination effectiveness. Occupancy sensors or timers trigger the ozone generator to operate during safe time windows.
Solution Approach 2:
Ozone sensors continuously monitor the enclosed space and provide feedback to the control unit. When ozone concentration reaches target levels for decontamination, the system automatically shuts off the ozone generator. This feedback mechanism ensures sufficient decontamination while preventing excessive ozone accumulation that would pose safety risks to occupants.
2Productivity
If manual decontamination methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors ozone concentration levels and controls the ozone generator without human intervention. The control unit receives feedback from ozone sensors and autonomously adjusts generator operation to maintain optimal decontamination levels, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and control while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual decontamination processes are replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and microcontrollers to manage ozone generation. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control increases productivity while the modular design keeps system complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If ozone concentration is increased to improve decontamination, then pathogen destruction effectiveness increases, but safety hazards increase for occupied spaces
Solution Approach 1:
High-concentration ozone decontamination is performed in advance during unoccupied periods. The system generates elevated ozone levels to effectively destroy pathogens on surfaces and in air, then allows complete dissipation before occupants return, achieving both high effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Ozone sensors provide real-time feedback on concentration levels, enabling the control unit to precisely regulate ozone generation. When target concentrations for effective pathogen destruction are reached, the system automatically shuts off the generator, preventing excessive ozone accumulation that would create safety hazards upon occupant return.
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 effectively decontaminates enclosed spaces by maintaining a controlled ozone level to neutralize viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of pathogen spread with reduced labor and costs, as ozone levels dissipate quickly when unoccupied.
Implementation Method 1
The decontamination system employs at least one ozone generator located within an enclosed space
Implementation Method 2
at least one ozone sensor for measuring ozone concentration within the enclosed space
Implementation Method 3
the object of destroying viruses and bacteria
Data Source
AI summary
A decontamination system employs at least one ozone generator located within an enclosed space, at least one ozone sensor and a control system for controlling the operation of the at least one ozone. During a decontamination cycle, the at least one ozone generator is operated to disperse ozone within the enclosed space until the at least one ozone sensor indicates that a desired decontamination ozone level has been reached.