PPE Air Purification via Sparger Bubbling and Polymer Scrubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protection equipment (PPE) is inadequate for effectively filtering out COVID-19 virus and other harmful viruses, leading to user discomfort and non-compliance due to suffocation issues with face masks.
Innovation Solution
A PPE system comprising a filter and a scrubber unit that uses a sparger to bubble filtered air with a polymer and chemical water solution to trap contaminants, with a battery-powered air pump and flexible tubes for efficient air purification, ensuring clean air delivery to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing face masks are used for air purification, then some filtration is provided, but they cause suffocation and user discomfort leading to non-compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The PPE system divides air purification into separate functional stages: a filter component removes dust particles, while a scrubber component eliminates viruses and bacteria through chemical reaction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive protection without the suffocation effects of traditional masks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a scrubber unit containing polymer and chemical solutions as an intermediary between the user's breath and the contaminated air. This chemical intermediary actively neutralizes viruses and bacteria through chemical reactions, providing effective protection while maintaining breathability and user comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional filters are used to remove dust, then dust particles are captured, but viruses and bacteria like COVID-19 are not effectively eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The PPE system merges two distinct air purification technologies: a physical filter for dust removal and a chemical scrubber for pathogen elimination. The filter captures dust particles through physical filtration, while the scrubber simultaneously or sequentially removes viruses and bacteria through chemical reactions, providing comprehensive protection against multiple types of contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional PPE system that handles different types of contaminants through different mechanisms. The filter component addresses particulate matter (dust), while the scrubber component addresses biological contaminants (viruses and bacteria), making the system universally effective against various airborne hazards.
3Reliability
If a scrubber unit with sparger and pump is added to the PPE, then effective virus and bacteria removal is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PPE system employs a nested structure where the sparger and pump components are integrated within the scrubber unit housing. The filter and scrubber sections are arranged in a compact sequence, with each component nested within or adjacent to the others, minimizing overall device size and complexity while maintaining effective air purification functionality.
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 solution provides effective removal of bacteria and viruses from the air, reducing user discomfort and improving compliance by ensuring safe breathing while being portable and cost-effective for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The scrubber unit includes a sparger through which the filtered air is bubbled with the help of a pump in a water solution of polymer and other specialty chemicals to trap remaining contaminants in the air
Implementation Method 2
bubbled with the help of a pump in a water solution of polymer and other specialty chemicals to trap remaining contaminants in the air
Implementation Method 3
The scrubber unit includes a sparger through which the filtered air is bubbled with the help of a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A personal protection equipment (PPE) for air purification is disclosed. The PPE includes an apparatus. The apparatus includes a filter and a scrubber unit. The filter is configured to filter the air for removing dust from the air. The scrubber unit is configured to purify the air before a user breaths the air. The scrubber unit includes a sparger through which the filtered air is pumped and bubbled in a water solution of polymer to trap remaining contaminants in the air and the contaminants free or improved quality air is sent to the user for breathing.