Vehicle A/C Sanitizing Unit Using Radiant Catalytic Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sanitizing automotive vehicle interiors and air conditioning systems are inefficient, requiring skilled labor, incomplete coverage, and can cause health issues due to chemical products and ozone use, with limitations in odor removal and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The development of sanitizing equipment using radiant catalytic ionization technology, which generates a purifying plasma composed of hydrogen peroxide through a reaction between UVX light and a noble metal alloy, effectively sanitizing the air conditioning system and interior without chemical agents or mechanical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical products and manual mechanical intervention are used for sanitizing, then sanitizing effect is achieved, but skilled labor is required increasing application cost and mechanical intervention cannot reach all contaminated spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical intervention with an automated radiant catalytic ionization system. UVX light sources combined with noble metal alloys generate reactive species that automatically sanitize surfaces and air without requiring physical contact or skilled labor, thus eliminating the need for technically skilled workers while achieving comprehensive coverage of all contaminated areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reactive oxygen species and other reactive intermediates generated through radiant catalytic ionization as mediators between the UVX light source and the contaminants. These intermediates act as active agents that penetrate and sanitize all areas including hard-to-reach spots, providing reliable sanitizing effect without mechanical intervention.
2Reliability
If chemical products are used for sanitizing, then disinfection is achieved, but chemical products can cause general discomfort and allergic sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the sanitizing agent from chemical compounds to physically generated reactive species through UVX irradiation and catalytic processes. This parameter change eliminates the introduction of exogenous chemical products that could cause allergies, while still achieving effective disinfection through in-situ generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful UVX radiation into beneficial reactive species that sanitize the environment. The high-energy UVX light, which could be harmful in itself, is used to generate controlled amounts of reactive oxygen species and other beneficial intermediates that disinfect without leaving harmful chemical residues.
3Reliability
If ozone is used for oxi-sanitizing, then sanitizing capability is improved, but ozone concentration can cause respiratory discomforts and health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating reactive species directly at the contamination sites through UVX irradiation of noble metal alloys in specific locations. This localized generation ensures high sanitizing capability at target areas while maintaining low overall concentrations of reactive species in the environment, avoiding respiratory discomforts associated with high ozone concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses noble metal alloys as intermediaries that catalyze the formation of reactive oxygen species from ambient air under UVX irradiation. These metal intermediaries enable controlled generation of sanitizing agents directly at the point of need, providing effective sanitization without requiring high concentrations of ozone or other harmful gases in the breathing zone.
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
This solution provides efficient and safe odor removal without skilled labor, health risks, or chemical products, using a natural oxidant and air as the medium, ensuring comprehensive sanitization and improved safety.
Implementation Method 1
uses the radiant catalytic ionization technology, promoting a reaction between UVX light and a noble metal alloy generating a purifying plasma composed mainly of hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 2
reaction between UVX light and a noble metal alloy generating a purifying plasma
Implementation Method 3
The active principle of embodiments, hydrogen peroxide, is an oxidant present in nature
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sanitizing the air-conditioning system of vehicles using radiant catalytic ionization is provided. The device is mounted in a casing that includes a UVX lamp surrounded by a metal alloy that converts air/oxygen therein into a purifying plasma comprising hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide.