Particle Deflection Pad With Perpendicular Gas Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining sterile surfaces in environments like surgical procedures and manufacturing processes are ineffective in preventing airborne particle sedimentation, as they often blow air directly onto the surfaces, potentially reintroducing contaminants and being costly to install and operate.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pad with gas-flow directing channels and nozzles that emit a perpendicular flow of purified air to deflect airborne particles away from the surface, using a hose connected to a conditioning source for cleaning and temperature control, ensuring the surface remains sterile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If air is blown directly onto surfaces to prevent particle sedimentation, then particle deflection is achieved, but contaminants may be reintroduced and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the air flow into multiple perpendicular jets through separate nozzles positioned at different locations on the pad, rather than using a single large air blow. Each nozzle creates a focused perpendicular jet that collectively covers the entire surface area, achieving particle deflection while simplifying the overall system design
Solution Approach 2:
The pad incorporates nozzles with specific orientations and positions tailored to local requirements. Each nozzle is configured to direct air flow perpendicular to the surface at its specific location, creating localized particle deflection zones that collectively protect the entire surface without requiring complex global control mechanisms
2Reliability
If complex air handling systems are used to maintain sterile surfaces, then particle prevention is improved, but installation and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is designed as a self-contained unit where the nozzles are integrated directly into the pad structure. The pad itself serves as both the air distribution medium and the mounting structure for nozzles, eliminating the need for separate air handling infrastructure, complex piping, and specialized installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The pad utilizes a flexible thin film structure that can be easily manufactured, transported, and installed. This flexible membrane design allows for simple integration into existing environments without requiring complex structural modifications or expensive installation procedures, while still maintaining effective particle deflection performance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional air blow methods are used, then particle deflection is attempted, but the air flow may not be sufficiently purified and controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary purification and conditioning of the air flow before it reaches the nozzles. The air is filtered and conditioned upstream, ensuring that only clean, controlled air is delivered through the nozzles to the surface. This preliminary action prevents contaminant introduction while optimizing energy efficiency by avoiding the need for excessive air flow rates
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
Effectively prevents airborne particle sedimentation on surfaces by directing a controlled flow of purified air perpendicular to the surface, reducing the risk of infection and contamination while being more cost-efficient than existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
nozzles are situated in the openings such that a portion of each nozzle is an outlet for directing a Jetstream of gas in essentially a perpendicular direction away from the top surface of said pad
Implementation Method 2
a conditioning source that brings the gas into the hose after cleaning it
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method of making and using the device for preventing sedimentation of airborne particles on a surface. The device includes a pad comprising with top surface, where openings are formed in the top surface, where a plurality of nozzle is situated in the openings such that a portion of the nozzle is an outlet for directing a stream of gas in an essentially perpendicular direction away from the top surface. The device also includes a hose connected to the nozzle such that the hose supplies the nozzles in the pad with the gas and a conditioning source that brings the gas into the hose after cleaning it. The flow requirements are automatically adjusted by the system (e.g., based on characteristics of the particle load).