Phased-Array Microwave Sanitizing for Recirculated Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Air handling systems in closed environments are a significant vector for the transmission of airborne respiratory pathogens, as pathogens can remain viable and infectious in aerosol form for hours and on surfaces for days, posing a challenge in effectively sanitizing these environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electronically steered antenna (ESA) elements that produce directed beams of microwave radiation to sterilize surfaces and volumes of air, increasing RF energy density in targeted areas, with configurations that include parabolic reflectors and multiple scanning patterns to ensure thorough pathogen destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air handling systems are used for pathogen transmission, then air circulation is maintained, but pathogen viability and transmission risk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes pathogens from the air circulation system by introducing microwave radiation that targets and destroys pathogens while allowing air flow to continue. The pathogen removal function is separated from the air handling function, enabling both clean air circulation and pathogen elimination to occur simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microwave radiation as an intermediary agent between the air handling system and pathogen destruction. The microwave energy acts as a mediator that transfers energy to pathogens, heating and destroying them without directly interfering with air flow, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining air circulation and preventing transmission.
2Reliability
If microwave radiation is applied to sterilize air volumes, then pathogen destruction increases, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies microwave radiation locally to specific zones where pathogens are present rather than uniformly treating entire air volumes. The system targets pathogen-laden aerosols and surfaces with focused microwave energy, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective pathogen destruction in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed microwave radiation rather than continuous exposure. By applying microwave energy in periodic bursts, the system achieves cumulative pathogen destruction while allowing energy dissipation between pulses, thereby reducing peak power requirements and overall energy consumption compared to continuous irradiation.
3Reliability
If high RF energy density is applied to achieve rapid pathogen destruction, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but risk of damage to equipment and materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies microwave energy at levels that are excessive for pathogen destruction but controlled to avoid damage to equipment and materials. By using pulsed or periodic application, the system delivers sufficient energy to destroy pathogens while limiting cumulative exposure that could harm sensitive equipment, thus achieving effective sterilization without excessive damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent protects sensitive equipment and materials beforehand by identifying them and providing protective measures before microwave exposure. This may include shielding, positioning adjustments, or selective exclusion from the irradiation zone, ensuring that high RF energy density used for pathogen destruction does not inadvertently damage protected components.
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 neutralizes pathogens in aerosol form by increasing RF energy density and dwell time, achieving high pathogen destruction rates, particularly effective against coronavirus and influenza, with configurations suitable for both air and equipment sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
The ESA elements produce directed beams of microwave radiation to sterilize surfaces or volumes of air
Implementation Method 2
The directivity gain associated with the beam forming increases RF energy density in the area where the beam is steered
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sterilizing recirculated airflow in closed environments, as well as certain types of material equipment includes electronically steered antenna (ESA) elements. The ESA elements operate in radio frequencies (RF). The ESA elements produce directed beams of microwave radiation to sterilize surfaces or volumes of air. The directivity gain associated with the beam forming increases RF energy density in the area where the beam is steered.