UVC Durable Filter for Mask Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filters used in masks are not UVC transmissive and are vulnerable to degradation by UVC radiation, leading to ineffective decontamination and shortened filter lifespans, allowing pathogens to hide and survive within the filter material.
Innovation Solution
A UVC durable and transmissive filter system integrated with UVC LEDs that emits UVC radiation to disinfect captured pathogens, ensuring the filter remains effective for extended periods without degrading, with a duty cycle and dosing protocol to optimize energy use and pathogen inactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current filters are used in masks, then they can capture aerosol particles, but they are not UVC transmissive and are vulnerable to degradation by UVC radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter material parameters are changed to achieve both high UVC transmissivity and UVC durability. Specifically, the material is selected to have UVC transmissivity greater than 60%, preferably greater than 80%, and most preferably greater than 90%, while simultaneously maintaining resistance to UVC-induced degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The filter uses a composite structure combining multiple layers including a UVC-transmissive and UVC-durable membrane material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or glass, which provides both filtration capability and UVC radiation resistance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UVC radiation is applied to disinfect the filter, then pathogens can be inactivated, but the filter material degrades and lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The filter material is selected to be inherently resistant to UVC radiation, converting what would normally be a harmful degrading factor into a beneficial disinfection mechanism. The material's UVC durability allows the UVC LED to effectively inactivate pathogens without compromising the filter's structural integrity or lifespan
3Use of energy by moving object
If UVC transmissive filter material is used, then UVC radiation can reach pathogens, but the filter may not be durable under continuous UVC exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter material parameters are optimized to achieve both high UVC transmissivity and UVC durability. Specifically, the material is selected to have UVC transmissivity greater than 60%, preferably greater than80%, and most preferably greater than 90%, while simultaneously maintaining resistance to UVC-induced degradation
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 UVC filter system achieves a 90% reduction in pathogens, maintaining filter integrity and extending its lifespan by ensuring UVC radiation reaches all parts of the filter, effectively inactivating captured pathogens while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
UVC light penetrates the cells of microorganisms and disrupts the structure of their DNA and RNA. This disruption prevents the microorganism from surviving and/or reproducing, rendering it inactive and no longer pathogenic.
Implementation Method 2
UVC light penetrates the cells of microorganisms and disrupts the structure of their DNA and RNA
Implementation Method 3
a filter configured to capture aerosol particles. The filter may be formed from a material that is UVC durable and UVC transmissive
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a mask having a filter. The filter is configured to capture aerosol particles. The filter may be formed from a material that is UVC durable and UVC transmissive. The system also includes a UVC LED configured to emit UVC radiation into the filter.