Ozone-Assisted Surface Disinfection With Ambient Ozone Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization, disinfection, and decontamination methods face challenges such as complexity, high cost, large environmental footprint, and the need for specialized training due to direct tissue interaction, as well as inefficiencies in covering large surface areas and maintaining geometric stability, particularly in non-thermal plasma devices.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a housing with filters, a chamber, an ozone generation system, an evaporator, and a nebulizer is used to convert hydrogen peroxide into vapor, with an ozone generator and ambient ozone sensor to control ozone concentration, ensuring effective disinfection and sterilization without direct tissue interaction, and a method involving conditioning, disinfection, and clearing phases to manage airflow and ozone levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sterilization methods (steam, chemicals, radiation) are used, then effective microbial reduction is achieved, but complexity, cost, and environmental footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ozone (O3) as a strong oxidant to achieve sterilization and disinfection. The ozone generation system converts oxygen to ozone, which then acts on microorganisms through oxidation, effectively reducing microbial burden without requiring complex equipment or specialized training. This resolves the contradiction by providing a simple yet effective method using a naturally occurring strong oxidant.
2Reliability
If direct tissue interaction methods are used, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but specialized training and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ozone as an intermediary substance that can be generated on-site and applied to both tissues and surfaces. This intermediary approach allows therapeutic and sterilization effects to be achieved without direct interaction requiring specialized training. The ozone generation system handles the complexity, while operation remains simple - essentially requiring only activation of the system.
3Reliability
If conventional disinfection methods are used on large surfaces, then microbial reduction is achieved, but time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Ozone's strong oxidizing properties enable rapid microbial inactivation across large surface areas. The gas phase ozone can penetrate and contact microorganisms quickly, achieving effective disinfection faster than conventional liquid chemical methods. This accelerates the disinfection process while maintaining effectiveness, resolving the productivity contradiction.
4Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used, then microbial reduction is achieved, but environmental impact and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Ozone serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to persistent chemical disinfectants. It decomposes back to oxygen after use, eliminating the environmental accumulation and waste disposal issues associated with traditional chemicals. This resolves the contradiction by providing effective disinfection without harmful environmental residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates ozone on-site from ambient oxygen, eliminating the need to store, transport, and dispose of chemical disinfectants. This self-sufficient approach reduces environmental footprint and operational costs related to chemical procurement and waste management, while maintaining disinfection 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 system effectively reduces microbial viability on surfaces with controlled ozone levels, achieving efficient disinfection and sterilization across large areas without specialized training or complex setup, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator with an inlet, an outlet, and a reservoir... the nebulizer can convert hydrogen peroxide into a vapor
Implementation Method 2
an ozone generation system with a duct comprising an inlet and an outlet and an ozone generator positioned along the length of the duct
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reducing the viability of microorganisms on a surface is provided herein. The system includes a housing with a front panel and a rear panel, an inlet filter and an exhaust filter, a chamber for receiving an item to be disinfected/sterilized, a cartridge engagement for receiving a disinfectant/sterilant cartridge, an ozone generation system comprising a duct and an ozone generator, an evaporator including an inlet, outlet and a reservoir, a nebulizer, the nebulizer fluidly connected to the reservoir of the evaporator, a ducting with a blower and four pathways for receiving and delivering airflow, a vent positioned on the rear panel of the housing, wherein airflow exits the housing through the vent, and an ambient ozone sensor to detect a presence of ozone at a preset threshold value within the airflow, wherein airflow exiting the housing through the vent is to first flow past the ambient ozone sensor.