Modular Polymer Isolation Room with Negative Pressure Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bio-containment systems are expensive, time-consuming to install, and not readily deployable in areas with limited resources or during crises, making them inaccessible for rapid deployment in times of need.
Innovation Solution
The development of a low-cost, rapidly deployable isolation room system made of thin polymer films that can be folded and stored, featuring a rigid pole framework architecture or inflatable structure for support, along with an external fan assembly and filtration system for air purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bio-containment systems are used, then reliability of pathogen containment is improved, but cost and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation room system is divided into separate modular components including walls, ceiling, floor, door assembly, and ventilation system. These modules can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled on-site, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining containment integrity through pre-engineered sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flexible polymer film materials for walls, ceiling, and door assemblies instead of rigid conventional construction. These thin films can be rapidly deployed and sealed, providing effective pathogen containment while enabling quick installation and potential reuse across multiple locations.
2Reliability
If conventional bio-containment systems are used, then pathogen containment effectiveness is improved, but cost increases making them inaccessible in resource-limited areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs single-use or limited-reuse polymer film components that can be rapidly manufactured at low cost. These disposable or semi-disposable elements eliminate the need for expensive, permanent construction while maintaining adequate containment for the duration of use, making the system economically viable for resource-limited settings.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing rigid, expensive construction materials with flexible polymer films significantly reduces manufacturing costs. The thin film materials are inexpensive to produce, easy to transport, and sufficient for achieving the required level of pathogen containment without requiring permanent infrastructure.
3Productivity
If the isolation room system is made of thin polymer films for rapid deployment, then ease of deployment is improved, but structural strength and sealing reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into modular components that can be assembled quickly without requiring heavy lifting or complex construction. Each module is self-supporting to a degree that allows rapid assembly while maintaining overall structural integrity through the framework and inter-module connections.
Solution Approach 2:
An inflatable support structure is incorporated to provide structural strength to the thin polymer film walls. The inflatable elements create internal pressure that maintains wall rigidity and proper sealing contact, enabling the use of thin, rapidly deployable films while achieving the necessary structural performance.
4Reliability
If modular components with seals are used to maintain negative pressure, then pathogen containment is improved, but complexity of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into integrated door assemblies that combine the door structure, sealing mechanisms, and ventilation interface into single modular units. This reduces the number of separate sealing components that need to be installed and coordinated, simplifying assembly while maintaining negative pressure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanisms are designed to self-adjust or self-seal when components are properly assembled, reducing the need for complex adjustment procedures. For example, compression seals automatically engage when door modules are mounted, and the framework geometry ensures proper seal contact without requiring precise manual alignment.
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 isolation room system provides a safe and effective means for isolating patients with infectious diseases, allowing for rapid deployment, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, while maintaining negative pressure to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining negative pressure to prevent the spread of pathogens
Implementation Method 2
external fan assembly and filtration system for air purification
Data Source
AI summary
An isolation room system comprising a plurality of walls defining a first chamber; and including an air filtration system that pulls air from within at least the first chamber through a filter.