UV-C Transparent Coatings for Aircraft Lavatory Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for disinfecting aircraft lavatories are time-consuming and can damage surfaces due to the use of chemical disinfection and UV-C light, which also poses a risk of microbiological contamination and transmissible diseases.

Innovation Solution

Development of transparent coating compositions containing polyurethane and nanoparticles that absorb UV-C light, protecting surfaces from degradation while allowing UV-C light to inactivate microorganisms, using UV-C light blocking agents like phenolic antioxidants and suitable nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UV-C light is used for disinfection, then microorganisms are inactivated, but surfaces degrade and discolor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidsurface degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent coating composition is applied as an intermediary layer between the UV-C light source and the surface. This coating contains UV light blocking agents that absorb or reflect UV-C radiation, preventing it from reaching and degrading the underlying surface while still allowing the UV-C light to pass through and inactivate microorganisms on the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the optical parameters of the coating by incorporating UV light blocking agents that specifically target UV-C wavelengths (100-290 nm). The coating is formulated to have high UV-C absorption while maintaining transparency to visible light, thus changing the spectral transmission properties to protect surfaces from UV damage while preserving disinfection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If chemical disinfection is used, then surfaces are cleaned, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical disinfection methods with a physical UV-C light-based system. Instead of applying and waiting for chemical agents to work, UV-C light provides rapid disinfection by inactivating microorganisms through photodamage to their DNA/RNA, significantly reducing the time required for effective disinfection while maintaining or improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Shape

If transparent coating is used, then surface appearance is maintained, but UV-C light protection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating transparencyVSAvoidUV-C light transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is designed with local quality differentiation in its optical properties: it exhibits high UV-C absorption (blocking harmful radiation) while maintaining high visible light transparency (preserving appearance). This is achieved by selecting UV blocking agents that have absorption spectra specifically targeted at UV-C wavelengths, creating a coating that is locally optimized for both protection and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material formulation combining transparent polymeric resins with UV light blocking agents (such as metal oxides or organic UV absorbers). This composite structure allows the coating to simultaneously provide UV-C protection and maintain visual transparency, as the UV blocking agents are dispersed at concentrations and particle sizes that do not scatter visible light while effectively absorbing UV-C radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 coating compositions effectively sterilize surfaces without degrading or discoloring, maintaining transparency and providing efficient disinfection of aircraft lavatory surfaces, reducing the risk of microbiological contamination and transmissible diseases.

Implementation Method 1

The nanoparticles absorb light having a wavelength of from about 100 nm to about 290 nm (i.e., UV-C light)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

allow the UV-C light to kill or inactivate microorganisms on the surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV sterilization: Photodissociation

Data Source

PatentUS12134709B2Coatings for sterilization with UV light

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Coating compositions that may be used in combination with UV light for sterilization include a polyurethane component and nanoparticles having an average particle size of from about 30 nm to about 400 nm. The nanoparticles absorb light having a wavelength of from about 100 nm to about 290 nm, and are present in an amount of less than about 25 weight percent of total solids in the coating composition.