Pressurized CO2 Treatment Composition for Deep Allergen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing dust mite allergens in homes are ineffective, as they fail to penetrate deep into carpets, are not feasible for all surfaces, and do not completely inactivate allergenic proteins, leading to persistent asthma and allergic reactions.
Innovation Solution
A method using a treatment composition of pressurized carbon dioxide and a surfactant, combined with acaricides and protein denaturants, to loosen and kill dust mites and denature allergenic proteins, allowing for deeper penetration and complete inactivation of allergens in substrates like carpets and bedding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then they are simple to operate, but they fail to penetrate deep into carpets and substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and parameters of carbon dioxide by pressurizing it and freezing into dry ice particles, then using high-speed jets to deliver these particles deep into substrates. The pressurized CO2 penetrates carpet fibers and substrates effectively, while the phase change to dry ice provides both mechanical dislodging and thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses high-speed dry ice jets delivered through pneumatic propulsion. The pressurized gas stream carries frozen CO2 particles at high velocity deep into the substrate, enabling penetration without requiring manual insertion or complex mechanical structures.
2Device complexity
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then they avoid complex equipment, but they do not completely inactivate allergenic proteins
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses extreme parameters - very low temperatures from dry ice (-78.5°C) combined with high-speed impact - to denature and inactivate allergenic proteins. This extreme parameter approach ensures complete inactivation without requiring complex chemical treatment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of carbon dioxide from solid dry ice particles to gas. The rapid sublimation process absorbs heat and creates expanding gas that further contributes to protein denaturation and allergen inactivation, providing a dual mechanism for effective treatment.
3Length of stationary object
If high-speed dry ice jets are used, then penetration depth and allergen inactivation improve, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention exploits the phase transition of CO2 from solid to gas, which absorbs significant heat (sublimation heat) from the surrounding environment. This endothermic process provides cooling and protein denaturation effects without requiring external energy input for heating, actually reducing overall energy consumption compared to thermal methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the typically wasted energy of high-speed gas flow into a beneficial mechanism. The kinetic energy of the high-speed dry ice jets, which would otherwise be simple mechanical force, is utilized to simultaneously achieve deep penetration, mechanical dislodging of allergens, and through the subsequent phase change, thermal denaturation of proteins.
4Reliability
If high-speed dry ice jets are used, then allergen removal effectiveness improves, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses straightforward pneumatic delivery systems to propel dry ice particles through hoses and nozzles. This approach leverages well-understood pneumatic principles without requiring complex mechanical, electrical, or chemical systems, keeping equipment relatively simple while achieving effective deep-substrate penetration and allergen removal.
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
This approach effectively reduces dust mite populations and allergen levels, providing long-term protection against asthma and allergic reactions by ensuring complete denaturation of allergenic proteins and thorough cleaning of surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The treatment composition includes carbon dioxide and a surfactant
Implementation Method 2
A method using a treatment composition of pressurized carbon dioxide and a surfactant
Implementation Method 3
combined with acaricides and protein denaturants, to loosen and kill dust mites and denature allergenic proteins
Implementation Method 4
combined with acaricides and protein denaturants, to loosen and kill dust mites
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for making a treatment composition by loading active components into a high pressure vessel and pressurizing the high pressure vessel with carbon dioxide to reach a pressure within the high pressure vessel of about 400 pounds per square inch to about 1,070 pounds per square inch. The active components can include a protein denaturant and a surfactant, and optionally an acaricide. In one particular embodiment, this method can be used to clean a substrate, by loading the substrate into the high pressure vessel prior to pressurizing with carbon dioxide. Methods are also provided for treating a substrate to clean it from dust mites by delivering dry ice particles to the substrate, and vacuuming the substrate. Treatment compositions are also generally provided.