Pathogen sensing filters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems lack effective solutions for detecting and isolating airborne pathogens, such as coronavirus, within shared ventilation systems, leading to potential spread across multiple rooms.
Innovation Solution
A smart filter apparatus equipped with sensors sensitive to pathogens, a control unit, and ultraviolet light sources, which can be integrated into existing HVAC systems to detect pathogens and initiate isolation responses or alert users, while using existing air circulation to sample air without additional flow mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pathogen detection sensors are integrated into HVAC systems, then pathogen detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pathogen detection sensors, UV-C light sources, and control units into an integrated smart filter apparatus that merges multiple functions (detection, disinfection, and control) into a single HVAC component, thereby improving pathogen detection capability while managing system complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The smart filter apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters particulates, detects pathogens through sensitive sensors, inactivates pathogens via UV-C light, and provides alerting capabilities. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to address multiple HVAC safety needs without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If UV light sources are added to inactivate pathogens, then pathogen inactivation capability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C light sources can be activated periodically or on-demand based on pathogen detection events rather than operating continuously. The control unit receives indications from sensors and triggers UV-C activation accordingly, providing reliable pathogen inactivation while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where sensor detections of pathogens trigger UV-C light activation. This feedback mechanism ensures UV-C energy is consumed only when needed for pathogen inactivation, optimizing the balance between reliability of pathogen killing and energy efficiency
3Reliability
If smart filters are placed in multiple rooms, then pathogen isolation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the HVAC system into multiple independent smart filter units deployed in different rooms or zones. Each unit operates autonomously with its own sensors and control capabilities, enabling localized pathogen detection and isolation. This segmentation allows scalable deployment where each unit provides independent protection without requiring complex centralized coordination
4Productivity
If existing air circulation is used for sampling, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the HVAC system's existing air circulation infrastructure to provide airflow through the smart filters, eliminating the need for separate air sampling mechanisms. The sensors are positioned to intercept pathogens naturally present in the circulated air, achieving efficient air sampling while maintaining detection precision through sensitive sensor technology and strategic placement within the airflow path
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
Enables rapid detection and isolation of pathogens within HVAC systems, reducing the spread of contaminants across multiple rooms, and can be installed without intensive modifications, compatible with various sensing mechanisms and environments.
Implementation Method 1
sensors that are sensitized to detect pathogens, e.g., coronavirus, influenza, varicella, rhinovirus, etc., in air incident on the sensors
Implementation Method 2
ultraviolet (UV) light (100-400 nm) sources to inactivate or effectively kill pathogens
Implementation Method 3
UVGI (254 nm), far-UVC (222 nm) or any other UV wavelength
Implementation Method 4
an air filter configured to filter particulates from air passing through the filter
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations are directed to a smart filter apparatus including an air filter, a sensor supported by the air filter and sensitive to a pathogen, and a control unit in data communication with the sensor and operable to perform operations including receiving, from the sensor, an indication of the pathogen present in air incident on the sensor, generating, by the control unit, a pathogen alert response, and providing, by the control unit, the pathogen alert response.