Silver-Ion Disinfectant Wipe With On-Demand Electrochemical Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-microbial wipes require pre-moistening with a solution, which can be inconvenient and may not ensure optimal disinfection efficacy, as the concentration of active agents can vary.
Innovation Solution
Development of anti-microbial wipes with a flexible substrate integrated with an anti-microbial ion source that forms an active solution upon contact with an aqueous solution, utilizing a galvanic or electrolytic cell configuration to create a controlled release of silver ions, ensuring consistent disinfection efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-microbial wipes are pre-moistened with a solution, then the disinfection function is activated, but the concentration of active agents may vary and optimal disinfection efficacy cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-microbial ion source is pre-integrated onto the flexible substrate in a stable, inactive form during manufacturing. The substrate is pre-configured with the necessary components (ion source, electrolyte, electrodes) but the active anti-microbial solution is not present until activation, ensuring consistent concentration upon use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the anti-microbial agent from a pre-diluted solution (variable concentration) to a concentrated ion source that converts to a controlled concentration upon activation. The galvanic or electrolytic cell mechanisms control the dissolution rate and ion release, maintaining consistent active agent concentration regardless of storage conditions.
2Reliability
If an anti-microbial ion source is integrated on the substrate to dissolve in aqueous solution, then consistent disinfection efficacy is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple components into a single integrated system: the anti-microbial ion source, electrolyte, and flexible substrate are combined into one wipe unit. The galvanic or electrolytic cell components (anode, cathode, electrolyte) are all integrated onto or into the substrate, creating a unified structure that simplifies handling despite the complex internal mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural base, the electrolyte carrier, the ion release medium, and the application surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable disinfection efficacy.
3Manufacturing precision
If a galvanic or electrolytic cell is used to create anti-microbial solution, then controlled release of silver ions is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The galvanic cell configuration uses spontaneous chemical reactions between dissimilar metals (anode and cathode) in the presence of electrolyte to generate electrical current that drives ion release, without requiring external power sources. The electrolytic cell uses simple electrical current from a power source to drive the decomposition of water and release of ions. Both systems are self-contained and require minimal external control, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise ion release control.
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 allows for convenient activation of anti-microbial properties upon use, providing a consistent and effective concentration of silver ions for broad-spectrum disinfection, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with low toxicity and no need for additional harmful chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
The anti-microbial ion source is configured to dissolve in an aqueous solution to form an anti-microbial solution
Implementation Method 2
The wipe is configured to form a galvanic cell when an aqueous solution contacts the anode and the cathode. The galvanic cell is configured to cause the anti-microbial ion source to create an anti-microbial solution
Implementation Method 3
The anode, cathode, and anti-microbial ion source is configured to form an electrolytic cell when an aqueous solution contacts the anode and the cathode, and a reaction of the electrolytic cell is configured to create an anti-microbial solution
Implementation Method 4
The flexible substrate is configured to absorb the anti-microbial solution for use in cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A wipe for anti-microbial disinfecting includes a flexible substrate and an anti-microbial ion source integrated on the substrate. The flexible substrate is made entirely or in part of woven fiber cloth, non-woven fiber cloth, woven synthetic cloth, non-woven synthetic cloth, or natural fiber cloth. The anti-microbial ion source is configured to dissolve in an aqueous solution to form an anti-microbial solution. The flexible substrate is configured to absorb the anti-microbial solution for use in cleaning.