Modular Ozone Disinfection System with Replaceable Water Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ozone-based disinfection systems lack flexibility, safety controls, and maintenance simplicity, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns in various environments, particularly in refrigerated spaces and environments with intermittent occupancy.
Innovation Solution
A modular ozone-based disinfection system using a sealed, replaceable water cartridge with an electrochemical ozone generator, combined with a titanium dioxide-coated surface and manganese dioxide treatment module, to generate and safely neutralize ozone, featuring a controller for intelligent operation and adaptable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ozone-based disinfection systems are used, then disinfection function is provided, but flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including a replaceable water cartridge, electrochemical ozone generator, titanium dioxide coating module, and controller. Each module can be independently replaced or configured, enabling flexible adaptation to different disinfection needs without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical ozone generator can operate in multiple modes (aqueous ozone generation, gaseous ozone generation) and the system can be configured for different applications (air disinfection, water disinfection, surface treatment) using the same core components, providing universal functionality across various disinfection scenarios.
2Reliability
If ozone generation is continuous, then disinfection effectiveness is maintained, but safety risks increase due to ozone accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller manages ozone generation in periodic cycles rather than continuous operation. The system alternates between ozone generation phases and decomposition phases where the titanium dioxide coating breaks down residual ozone, ensuring both effective disinfection and safe ozone levels in the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The titanium dioxide coating is used to convert the harmful residual ozone into beneficial hydroxyl radicals through photocatalysis. This process not only eliminates the safety hazard of ozone accumulation but also creates additional reactive species that enhance the disinfection effectiveness.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration systems are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water cartridge is designed as a separate, replaceable module that can be easily removed and replaced by users without requiring technical expertise. This segmentation allows simple user-level maintenance while keeping the core system manufacturable as a standardized unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The water cartridge is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component with a limited service life. Once depleted or contaminated, the entire cartridge is replaced rather than serviced, simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing the need for complex repair capabilities.
4Device complexity
If manual water refilling is required, then system cost is reduced, but contamination risk and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water cartridge is pre-filled and sealed during manufacturing, then replaced as a complete unit when depleted. This disposable approach eliminates the need for manual refilling operations that could introduce contamination, while keeping the cartridge design simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The water cartridge is pre-filled with treated water and sealed before delivery to the user. All water treatment and filling operations are completed in advance under controlled conditions, eliminating the need for users to perform potentially contaminating refilling operations.
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 safe, on-demand oxidizing treatment across various environments with modular adaptability, ensuring ozone levels are reduced to safe concentrations, simplifying maintenance, and supporting flexible installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical ozone generator that produces ozone from the supplied water
Implementation Method 2
titanium dioxide-coated surfaces for ozone reduction
Implementation Method 3
manganese dioxide treatment module, to generate and safely neutralize ozone
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to modular ozone-based disinfection systems that generate hydroxyl radicals from gaseous ozone and water vapor using a manganese dioxide treatment module. A sealed, replaceable water cartridge supplies water to an electrochemical ozone generator, producing gaseous ozone for introduction into an airflow path within a housing. An air circulation subsystem directs the ozone-containing airflow across the manganese dioxide treatment module, which catalytically generates hydroxyl radicals and reduces residual ozone to levels safe for human exposure. In some embodiments, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element preheats airflow to enhance radical production. A controller manages ozone generation, airflow, heating, and operational modes, and may track cartridge usage, transmit data, or enforce geofencing. The modular design supports various water sources, portable or fixed installation, and integration into refrigerated or enclosed spaces, providing safe, on-demand oxidizing treatment of air, surfaces, and water systems while ensuring compliance with exposure limits.