Self-Sanitizing Polymer for Elevator Handrails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for sanitizing passenger contact components in elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, such as disinfecting chemicals and UV light, are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and can damage materials, while biocidal coatings wear off quickly, necessitating a more durable and long-lasting solution.
Innovation Solution
An uncoated passenger contact component formed from a self-sanitizing polymer composition with covalently bound biocidal functional groups, including photosensitizing and anionic groups, which provide persistent antimicrobial activity without the need for surface coatings or frequent reapplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disinfecting chemicals or UV light are used to sanitize contact surfaces, then pathogen destruction is achieved, but labor intensity increases and human error becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer composition autonomously sanitizes contact surfaces through its inherent biocidal functional groups that are covalently bound to the polymer chains. The material activates upon exposure to light or moisture to destroy pathogens without requiring external intervention, thereby eliminating labor-intensive manual sanitizing processes while maintaining reliable pathogen destruction.
2Reliability
If biocidal coatings are applied to contact surfaces, then antimicrobial activity is provided, but the coatings wear off quickly requiring frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite polymer material where biocidal functional groups (such as porphyrin, phthalocyanine, sulfinate, sulfonate, or phosphonate groups) are covalently bound to polymer chains. This composite structure integrates the antimicrobial functionality directly into the bulk material, preventing the biocidal agents from wearing off or detaching, thereby providing long-lasting durability while maintaining continuous antimicrobial activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The biocidal functional groups are pre-integrated into the polymer composition during manufacturing, rather than being applied as separate coatings afterward. This preliminary incorporation ensures the antimicrobial properties are built-in from the start and will not wear off over time, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication.
3Reliability
If disinfecting chemicals or UV light are used, then pathogen destruction is achieved, but material damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer composition autonomously sanitizes contact surfaces through its inherent biocidal functional groups that are covalently bound to the polymer chains. The material activates upon exposure to light or moisture to destroy pathogens without requiring external intervention, thereby eliminating labor-intensive manual sanitizing processes while maintaining reliable pathogen destruction.
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 self-sanitizing polymer composition effectively destroys pathogens through exposure to light or moisture, offering a durable and long-lasting antimicrobial solution that maintains biocidal activity without wear or damage to the contact surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of covalently bound biocidal functional groups may include photosensitizing functional groups. The photosensitizing functional groups may include a porphyrin or phthalocyanine derivative.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of covalently bound biocidal functional groups may include anionic functional groups. The anionic functional groups may include sulfinate anions, sulfonate anions, phosphonate anions, or a combination thereof.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an uncoated passenger contact component including a self-sanitizing polymer composition.