Phased Array Microwave Air Sanitization for Aerosol Pathogens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air handling systems in closed environments are a significant vector for the transmission of airborne pathogens, as they facilitate the spread of aerosolized pathogens that remain viable and infectious for extended periods, necessitating a more effective sterilization method.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electronically steered antenna (ESA) elements that produce directed microwave beams to sterilize surfaces and air volumes, employing RF energy to neutralize pathogens by irradiation with specific frequency configurations and scanning patterns to ensure thorough pathogen destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional chemical cleaning agents are used to sanitize equipment, then surfaces can be cleaned, but the pathogens can still spread through air handling systems and aerosols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning agents with microwave radiation technology. The microwave system uses electromagnetic energy to heat and destroy pathogens directly, eliminating the need for chemical substances. This substitution addresses the limitation of chemical agents that cannot prevent airborne transmission by providing a physical destruction mechanism that works on both surfaces and aerosols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sanitization parameter from chemical concentration to microwave power and exposure time. By controlling microwave power levels and duration of exposure, the system achieves pathogen destruction without relying on chemical agents. This parameter change enables effective sanitization of both surfaces and airborne pathogens simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If air handling systems operate continuously to maintain air quality, then air circulation is maintained, but pathogens can spread through the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the air handling system's continuous operation from a pathogen spread vector into a delivery mechanism for microwave treatment. The existing air circulation that was problematic is now used to transport aerosols through the microwave irradiation zone, where pathogens are destroyed. The same air movement that spreads pathogens now delivers them to the destruction zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microwave radiation as an intermediary between the air handling system and pathogen destruction. The microwave system acts as a mediator that intercepts aerosols carried by air handlers and destroys pathogens within them, breaking the transmission chain without stopping air circulation.
3Productivity
If microwave power is increased to improve pathogen destruction, then pathogen neutralization efficiency increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic microwave pulses rather than continuous high-power operation. The system delivers microwave energy in controlled pulses, allowing pathogens to be destroyed while managing energy consumption. The periodic action enables cumulative heating effect that achieves pathogen destruction at lower average power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits phase transitions in pathogen structures during microwave heating. The microwave energy causes water within pathogens to undergo phase transitions and heating, leading to structural collapse and death. This phase transition mechanism provides efficient pathogen destruction at moderate power levels by targeting the water content in biological structures.
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 ensuring prolonged exposure, achieving high pathogen destruction rates, particularly suitable for environments like hospital wards and aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
Phased array microwave sanitizer for pathogens
Implementation Method 2
employing RF energy to neutralize pathogens by irradiation
Implementation Method 3
Phased array microwave sanitizer for pathogens
Data Source
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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.