Titanium Dioxide Nano-coating for Self-Disinfecting Drain Traps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-disinfecting odor traps for sewage pipes face economic disadvantages due to high production, maintenance, and energy costs, and they suffer from rapid microbial contamination after disinfection, as organic cell contents from killed microorganisms accumulate and release toxins and pyrogens, leading to aerosol formation and re-colonization.
Innovation Solution
A self-disinfecting odor trap with a titanium dioxide nano-coating activated by light radiation, which performs disinfection, cleaning, and oxidation of organic substances simultaneously, preventing the accumulation of microbial cell contents and maintaining hygiene without interrupting the blocking function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal disinfection or UV-C irradiation is used to kill microorganisms, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but organic cell contents accumulate and toxins are released into the barrier liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful organic cell contents released during disinfection into beneficial oxidized substances. Through photocatalytic oxidation using titanium dioxide coating activated by light, the organic substances (cell walls, membranes, proteins) are further oxidized and decomposed into carbon dioxide, water, and mineral salts, transforming the harmful accumulation into harmless end products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs strong oxidation through photocatalytic action. The titanium dioxide coating, when activated by light radiation, generates highly reactive oxygen species that rapidly oxidize and decompose organic cell contents. This accelerated oxidation process efficiently breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and structural polymers from killed microorganisms, preventing their accumulation and toxic effects.
2Reliability
If state-of-the-art disinfection devices are used, then hygienic effectiveness is improved, but production, maintenance and energy costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the titanium dioxide photocatalytic coating continuously disinfects and oxidizes organic substances in the barrier liquid without requiring manual intervention. The system uses ambient light or simple light sources to activate the coating, eliminating the need for complex control systems, regular maintenance, and high energy consumption associated with thermal disinfection or UV-C irradiation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective titanium dioxide coating that can be applied as a thin layer on the odor trap interior. This coating is inexpensive to produce and apply compared to complex disinfection devices, and its long-lasting photocatalytic activity provides sustained hygienic effectiveness without requiring replacement or expensive maintenance.
3Reliability
If barrier liquid is disinfected completely, then sterile barrier liquid is achieved, but rapid retrograde microbial contamination occurs when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous disinfection action through the photocatalytic titanium dioxide coating. Unlike periodic disinfection methods that create sterility gaps, the photocatalytic coating continuously oxidizes and destroys microorganisms and organic substances whenever light is present, maintaining sustained hygienic effectiveness and preventing both complete sterilization followed by rapid recolonization and continuous microbial presence.
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 titanium dioxide nano-coating ensures continuous disinfection and oxidation of organic substances, preventing re-colonization and reducing energy and maintenance costs, while maintaining a sterile environment by eliminating microorganisms and organic substances through photocatalytic oxidation.
Implementation Method 1
the titanium dioxide nano-coating is activated by the light radiation from the light sources. On the titanium dioxide nano-coating activated by light radiation, the functions 'cleaning', 'disinfection' and 'degradation of organic substances' take place
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a self-disinfecting drain trap in drainage pipes, featuring the automatic functions "cleaning", "disinfecting" and "decomposition of organic matter" in the sealing liquid without interruption of the proper sealing function; the cleaning, disinfection and decomposition of organic matter are done using an activated titanium dioxide nano-coating (3) which is applied to the inner wall (1A) of the drain trap and is activated by irradiating same with at least one light source (4) located inside or outside the drain trap in such a way that the interior of the drain trap and the sealing liquid (14) located therein are disinfected and simultaneously decontaminated of organic matter and in such a way that the superhydrophilic effect of the activated titanium dioxide nano-coating (3) results in the active titanium dioxide nano-coating (3) being continuously cleaned in a hydraulic-mechanical fashion, thereby preventing dirt particles that cannot be eliminated by catalytic oxidation from sticking to the nano-coating and thus dirt layers from forming, which would otherwise cause the titanium dioxide nano-coating (3) to become ineffective during operation.