Deodorization and sterilization apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma generation apparatuses for air sterilization and deodorization either require large sizes to trap floating bacteria and odors effectively or struggle with low concentration active species diffusion, leading to inefficient deodorization of high-concentration odors and attached bacteria.
Innovation Solution
A deodorization and sterilization apparatus with a pair of electrodes that generates plasma and includes fluid passage holes and an absorption member to collect and absorb floating bacteria and odor materials, increasing active species contact and using an air blowing device to enhance air current and ion density for high-efficiency sterilization and deodorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive plasma generation apparatus is used to generate high concentration active species, then sterilization and deodorization effects are improved, but the apparatus size is increased and separate ozone decomposition filters are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plasma generation unit and the absorption member into a single integrated apparatus. The absorption member is positioned within the plasma generation unit to simultaneously absorb odors and decompose ozone, eliminating the need for separate filters and reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining effective sterilization and deodorization
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption member acts as an intermediary that serves dual functions: absorbing odorous substances from the air and decomposing ozone generated by plasma discharge. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by handling multiple functions within the compact plasma generation unit
2Volume of moving object
If an active plasma generation apparatus is used to decrease apparatus size, then portability is improved, but active species concentration is decreased leading to ineffective deodorization of high-concentration odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the plasma generation unit with an absorption member to create a hybrid system. The plasma generation unit provides active species for sterilization while the integrated absorption member enhances deodorization capability, allowing the apparatus to maintain compact size while effectively handling high-concentration odors
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses a composite structure combining plasma generation components with absorption materials. This composite design enables the compact apparatus to achieve both sterilization through plasma and effective deodorization through the absorption member, resolving the limitation of low active species concentration in small apparatus
3Reliability
If filters are used to trap floating bacteria and odors, then sterilization and deodorization are improved, but maintenance cost and apparatus size are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption member is designed to be regenerated in place by the plasma generation unit. The plasma discharge decomposes absorbed odors and regenerates the absorption sites, allowing the absorption member to continuously serve without external intervention or replacement, eliminating maintenance costs associated with filter replacement
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding saturated filters, the system recovers the absorption capability by using plasma discharge to decompose absorbed substances and regenerate the absorption member. This recovering process eliminates the need for periodic filter replacement and associated maintenance costs
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 apparatus achieves high-efficiency sterilization and deodorization by increasing active species generation and contact with absorbed materials, with an air ion number density of 10,000/cm3 or more, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies in handling both floating and attached bacteria and high-concentration odors.
Implementation Method 1
plasma discharge being carried out by applying designated voltage between the pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
generation of active species of a high concentration due to generation of plasma
Implementation Method 3
at least one absorption member to absorb floating bacteria or odor materials is disposed at the downstream of a fluid passing through the fluid passage holes
Implementation Method 4
an air blowing device to blow air toward the fluid passage holes or in a direction opposite to the absorption member
Data Source
AI summary
A deodorization and sterilization apparatus and method, which increases an amount of generated active species and collects floating bacteria or odor materials in air at one place, such that the active species make contact with the collected floating bacteria or odor materials to achieve high-efficiency sterilization and deodorization. A pair of electrodes is provided, plasma discharge is carried out by applying designated voltage between the pair of electrodes, fluid passage holes are provided at corresponding parts of respective electrodes so as to communicate with each other, and at least one absorption member to absorb floating bacteria or odor materials is disposed at the downstream of a fluid passing through the fluid passage holes.