Siphon Trap Copper-Silver Ionization for Bacterial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital sink drains with siphon traps are significant sources of bacterial contamination due to biofilms, leading to nosocomial infections, and existing disinfection methods are either ineffective, costly, labor-intensive, or energy-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection system using copper-silver ionization within the siphon trap, with electrodes coated on the inner surface and a sensor system to control ion release based on water flow, ensuring effective microbial control without temperature dependence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong disinfectants are poured into the drain, then temporary disinfection is achieved, but bacteria regrow within days or weeks and the method is ineffective long-term
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection (pouring disinfectants) with an electrochemical system. Copper-silver electrodes generate ions through electrolysis when electrical current passes through them, creating a continuous source of biocidal ions in the trapped water without requiring manual intervention or chemical pouring.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical ionization system operates continuously as long as power is supplied, maintaining a constant concentration of copper and silver ions in the trapped water. This continuous action prevents bacterial regrowth indefinitely, unlike temporary chemical disinfectants that lose effectiveness over time.
2Reliability
If high heat and vibration are applied to the drain, then bacteria are killed continuously and bio-film formation is prevented, but the method consumes high energy and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the trapped water by introducing copper and silver ions through electrolysis. These ions alter the chemical environment to be hostile to bacteria and bio-film formation, achieving disinfection through chemical parameter modification rather than high thermal energy or mechanical vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces high-energy mechanical systems (heating elements and vibration devices) with an electrochemical system. Copper-silver electrodes generate ions through controlled electrolysis at low power consumption, achieving the same bacterial control effect without the high energy demands of thermal or mechanical methods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If copper-silver ionization is used, then long-term disinfection is achieved with low energy consumption, but the system requires electrical power and electrode maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The copper-silver electrodes gradually dissolve through electrolysis, naturally replenishing the ion concentration in the trapped water. This self-regulating mechanism maintains effective disinfection levels without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex dosing mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity despite the electrical power requirement.
4Reliability
If ozone sterilization is used, then effective disinfection is achieved, but ozone is irritant and unhealthy for humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of heavy metal ions (which can be toxic at high concentrations) into a beneficial disinfection mechanism by using controlled, low-level copper and silver ionization. These ions are naturally biocidal at very low concentrations effective against bacteria and bio-film, while remaining safe for human exposure unlike ozone gas.
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 system provides long-term disinfection and protection against recontamination with low maintenance and energy consumption, effectively deactivating bacteria and biofilms in sink trap waters.
Implementation Method 1
Copper-silver ionization process is brought about by electrolysis. An electric current is created through copper-silver, causing positively charged copper and silver ions to form.
Implementation Method 2
The presence of copper and silver ions destroys the biofilms and slims of the bacteria. Ionization can be an effective process to control bacteria in water distribution systems found in health facilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3
AI summary
A siphon trap disinfection unit (10) consisting of a first set of copper/silver electrodes (20, 21) coated on inside body of the siphon (16) parallel to each other along the siphon in the area which water normally stands. A water level sensor to generate resistance between a second set of electrodes (31, 32) and an electric controller (60) circuit (22, 23) to generate ions by applying voltage between first set of two electrodes (20, 21) and controlling the amount of current passing through this control circuit to generate enough concentration of copper and silver ion continuously in the water standing area of the siphon trap to remove and deactivate harmful bacteria's in this area.