Porous Copper Air Filter for Self-Sanitizing Microbe Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filters are prone to microbial growth, leading to reduced lifespan, contamination, and respiratory risks due to the inability to effectively kill and capture microbes, necessitating frequent replacements that contribute to landfill waste.
Innovation Solution
An air filter with a porous copper layer that utilizes copper's natural antimicrobial properties to kill and capture microbes, featuring durable materials that can be recycled and reused, ensuring prolonged filter life and improved air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional air filter materials (paper, cotton, glass fibers, melt-blown fibers, spun-bonded fibers) are used, then the filter can capture particulates, but the filter life is short and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional organic fibers to copper-based materials (copper mesh, copper fabric, copper felt, sintered copper). This material substitution fundamentally alters the filter's durability and antimicrobial properties, extending filter life while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite copper materials with specific properties (porosity, surface area, conductivity) combined in different forms (mesh, fabric, felt, sintered structures). These composite copper structures provide both mechanical durability and biological antimicrobial activity, resolving the contradiction between filter life and reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional air filters capture microbes, then particulate filtration is achieved, but microbes survive and grow on the filter, decreasing filter life and posing respiratory risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful effect of microbe retention into a beneficial outcome by using copper's natural antimicrobial properties. The copper material captures microbes through filtration while simultaneously killing them through contact, transforming the filter from a potential contamination source into a sanitizing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The copper-based filter performs self-sanitization without external intervention. The inherent antimicrobial properties of copper automatically kill captured microbes, eliminating the need for external disinfection systems or frequent manual cleaning, thus extending filter life and preventing contamination.
3Reliability
If disposable air filters are used frequently, then air quality maintenance is achieved, but landfill waste increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables filter recovery and reuse by using durable copper materials that maintain their structural and antimicrobial properties over extended periods. The filter can be cleaned and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for frequent disposal and reducing landfill waste while maintaining air quality standards.
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 copper air filter effectively neutralizes microbes, extends filter life, reduces waste, and enhances air safety and quality while being economical and eco-friendly, suitable for various applications including HVAC systems and personal protective equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an air filter with a porous copper layer having natural antimicrobial and self-sanitizing properties
Implementation Method 2
the particulate materials suspended in the air having a size bigger than the pore size of the air filter medium are retained by the air filter media
Implementation Method 3
these particles stick to the air filter media by a combination of filtration mechanics such as direct interception
Implementation Method 4
these particles stick to the air filter media by a combination of filtration mechanics such as direct interception, inertial impaction
Implementation Method 5
these particles stick to the air filter media by a combination of filtration mechanics such as direct interception, inertial impaction, diffusion
Implementation Method 6
these particles stick to the air filter media by a combination of filtration mechanics such as direct interception, inertial impaction, diffusion and electrostatic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to an air filter, and in particular, the present invention relates to an air filter with a porous copper layer, having natural antimicrobial property, for improving the quality of air breathed in by people.