UV wand

Abstract

To provide methods and systems for decontamination of vehicles.SOLUTION: Described herein is a decontamination device for use in vehicle applications. The decontamination device includes a device body and an ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light includes a UV light source, coupled to the device body and configured to move relative to the device body. Multiple openings are disposed around the UV light source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Commercial aircraft include an interior cabin with various facilities such as toilets and galley kitchens. As can be understood, during normal flights, various surfaces within these facilities become contaminated. For example, passengers and cabin crew may touch door handles to access the toilet and may also sneeze in close proximity to these handles. In short, during a particular flight, door handles and other similar components will become covered with various contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, and other similar pathogens or microbial contaminants.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0002] Conventional methods require cabin crew to regularly clean such surfaces. Additionally, ground cleaning personnel perform comprehensive decontamination between flights. However, in certain situations, such as between two consecutive uses, there may not be sufficient time to effectively clean each touch surface. Furthermore, individual cabin crew may not clean each surface thoroughly or may miss some surfaces. Therefore, various contaminants may remain on specific surfaces, which can pose real and / or perceived health concerns for future passengers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Methods and systems for vehicle decontamination are described. In some examples, a decontamination device is described. The decontamination device includes a device body and an ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light is a UV light source that is coupled to the device body and configured to move relative to the device body, and a plurality of openings are disposed in proximity to the UV light source.

[0004] Another example describes a robot, which includes an end effector and a decontamination device coupled to the end effector. The decontamination device includes a device body and a UV light. The UV light includes a UV light source coupled to the device body and configured to move relative to the device body, wherein a plurality of apertures are positioned in close proximity to the UV light source.

[0005] Exemplary, non-exclusive examples of embodiments of the invention as described herein. Other examples are further described below with reference to the figures.

[0006] This disclosure can be best understood by referring to the following description made in relation to the accompanying drawings illustrating various examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] These are diagrams of decontamination equipment from various angles, illustrating several examples. [Figure 2] Here are some examples of decontamination equipment from different angles. [Figure 3] Here are some examples of decontamination equipment from different angles. [Figure 4] Here are some examples of decontamination equipment from different angles. [Figure 5] Here are some examples of decontamination equipment from different angles. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of techniques for using decontamination equipment, using several examples. [Figure 7A] This is a process flow chart corresponding to the methods for manufacturing and maintaining aircraft. [Figure 7B] Here are some examples of block diagrams for aircraft. [Figure 8] Here are some block diagrams of robot examples, illustrated with several examples. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of an aircraft showing decontamination systems installed in the aircraft's toilets and galley kitchen, with several examples. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following explanation includes many specific details to provide a complete understanding of the presented concepts. The presented concepts may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other examples, well-known process operations are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts. While some concepts are explained with specific examples, please understand that these examples are not limiting.

[0009] Introduction This specification describes decontamination equipment for use in vehicle applications. Decontamination of vehicles such as civilian aircraft is often quite challenging due to the variety of designs and operating conditions. In some cases, these types of vehicles include crevices and other areas that are difficult to reach with conventional cleaning techniques. Furthermore, for vehicles that are open to the public, a rapid cleaning turnaround is required to maximize the vehicle's usability, so tools often need to be reconfigurable to avoid the loss of time when acquiring new tools. Sometimes, vehicle decontamination needs to be carried out while passengers are present. The decontamination equipment described herein addresses such challenges.

[0010] An example of such a vehicle to be decontaminated is shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft 900 equipped with toilets 902 and a galley / kitchen 904, by some example. Each of these facilities is used by many different people. For example, each toilet 902 is often used dozens of times during each flight, especially during long intercontinental flights. Furthermore, each of these facilities contains many surfaces, which, under certain circumstances, are contaminated by direct contact (e.g., touching) or indirect contact (e.g., sneezing, coughing). Some of these surfaces have complex geometric shapes, which makes the decontamination process even more difficult.

[0011] Examples of decontamination equipment Figures 1-5 show diagrams of a decontamination device from various angles, according to several examples. Figures 1-5 show the decontamination device 100. The decontamination device 100 is configured, according to several examples, to decontaminate surfaces on vehicles such as aircraft 900 by destroying pathogens. In various examples, the decontamination device 100 consists of a form factor suitable for decontaminating various surfaces of a vehicle. For example, the decontamination device 100 has a length of 12 to 24 inches and includes a narrow form factor that fits into various corners and gaps within a vehicle.

[0012] The decontamination device 100 includes a device body 102, an ultraviolet (UV) light 104, and a battery 106. In various examples, the device body 102 and / or other parts of the decontamination device 100 are made of plastic, composite material, metal, cloth, leather, and / or other such suitable material. The battery 106 stores and supplies power for the operation of the decontamination device 100, such as power to operate the UV light 104. The battery 106 is coupled to the device body 102 or the UV light 104. In some examples, the battery 106 is rechargeable and / or replaceable. For example, the battery 106 is configured to be removed from the rest of the decontamination device 100 and replaced with a new battery in order to supply more power to the decontamination device 100.

[0013] The device body 102 is coupled to a UV light 104. In some examples, the device body 102 includes one or more controllers 122 (including one or more single or multicore processors and / or memory), data and / or power communication components 124 (e.g., batteries, wiring, and / or wired or wireless communication), a user interface 120 (e.g., buttons, speakers, screens, touchscreens, and / or other such interfaces from which commands are received from the user and / or information provided to the user), and / or other such components. In some examples, the device body 102 includes a handle 112. The handle 112 is configured for the user of the decontamination device 100 to hold the decontamination device 100. Thus, the user puts their hand through the handle 112 to grasp the decontamination device 100. In some examples, the handle 112 completely encloses an opening configured to accommodate the user's hand. Such a configuration minimizes the likelihood that the decontamination device 100 will slip from the user's hand and be lost in various crevices of the vehicle.

[0014] In some examples, the main body of the device 102 includes a user interface 120 for operating the UV light 104. For example, the user interface 120 allows switching on / off the light source of the UV light 104, such as the UV light source 108, to adjust the intensity of the UV light source 108, to change the operating mode of the UV light source 108, or to control the UV light source 108 in other ways. In some examples, the user interface 120 is communicably coupled to a controller 122 via a data and / or power communication component 124. In some examples, the controller 122 receives input information from the user interface 120 and provides data to control the corresponding response of the decontamination device 100. Thus, the controller 122 provides data (e.g., via the data and / or power communication component 124) to various parts of the decontamination device 100 to control, for example, the operation of those various parts. Furthermore, in some examples, the controller 122 provides various data to the user interface 120 so that the user interface 120 can communicate to the user (for example, data regarding the operation of the decontamination device 100 to be conveyed by the user interface 120 through video, audio, and / or other means). In some additional examples, the decontamination device 100 does not include the controller 122, but instead includes a switch for controlling the flow of power from one or more batteries to the UV light source 108.

[0015] In various examples, the UV light 104 is configured to rotate, swivel, and / or extend (e.g., telescopic) relative to the device body 102. Thus, in various examples, the UV light 104 is mounted on a hinge, a ball-socket joint, a telescopic device, a movable arm, and / or another such movable joint. Thus, the UV light 104 can be configured to illuminate areas that are normally inaccessible with UV radiation.

[0016] As described above, the UV light 104 includes one or more UV light sources 108. In various examples, the UV light source 108 can be a light source configured to emit UV light (e.g., UV radiation within the UV light wavelength). In various examples, the UV light source 108 is, as further described herein, an incandescent bulb, one or more light emitting diodes, and / or another form that emits UV light of at least a specific wavelength.

[0017] The UV light emitted by the UV light source 108 can include UV radiation within the UV partial range of about 200 nanometers (nm) to 260 nm or more. Such UV radiation enables decontamination of various surfaces by being directly or indirectly exposed to the UV radiation. In various examples, the UV light source 108 generates UV radiation within short-wavelength ultraviolet C (e.g., 100 - 280 nm) useful for germicidal irradiation, as well as light of other wavelengths.

[0018] In some examples, the UV light 104 further includes a filter 114. In some examples, the filter 114 is configured to be coupled to the UV light 104. In such examples, the filter 114 is coupled to the UV light 104 via a mechanical coupling such as tabs, snaps, fasteners, and / or other such mechanical techniques, via a magnetic coupling, via an adhesive, and / or via other techniques such as Velcro (registered trademark). Thus, in such examples, the filter 114 is configured to be attached and / or removed from one or more sides of the UV light 104 as needed.

[0019] Filter 114 is a bandpass filter, a low-pass filter, and / or other filters configured to allow only UV radiation of a specific wavelength to pass through. Thus, in some examples, filter 114 is a low-pass filter that allows UV radiation having a wavelength shorter than about 225 - 245 nm (e.g., 230 nm or 240 nm) to pass through filter 114. In such examples, filter 114 allows only light having a wavelength, for example, of 240 nm or less to pass through. Without being limited to any particular theory, in certain situations, UV radiation in this range below 240 nm is considered to be effective in decontaminating pathogens while being safe for humans. Thus, by using filter 114, UV light 104 can sterilize the surface and operate in a manner that is safe for people around that area. Thus, decontamination device 100 can be used in an area where people not wearing UV protection equipment are present when filter 114 is installed.

[0020] Figure 5 shows that opening 116 is arranged around UV light source 108. As shown in Figure 5, two openings 116 are arranged around UV light source 108, although other examples can include any number of openings. Opening 116 is arranged close to UV light source 108 to allow the reflected radiation to pass from the first side 150 to the second side 152, or vice versa. In some examples, UV light source 108 includes a reflective finish to further assist in the reflection of UV radiation.

[0021] In various examples, UV light source 108 is configured to provide UV radiation in a plurality of directions, such as directions 140 and 142 shown in the example of Figure 2, and this UV light source is arranged on both sides of the first side 150 and the second side 152 to emit UV light towards the first side 150 and the second side 152, respectively. In some examples, directions 140 and 142 are opposite directions, although in other examples, UV light source 108 emits light in any number of directions.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the reflector 110 is coupled to one or more sides of the UV light 104 via mechanical couplings such as tabs, snaps, fasteners, and / or other such mechanical techniques, via magnetic couplings, via adhesives, and / or other techniques such as Velcro®. The reflector 110 is configured to reflect UV radiation emitted in the direction 140 toward the first side 150 toward the second side 152, thereby increasing the intensity of UV radiation emitted in the direction 142 toward the second side 152. Thus, UV radiation generated on the first side 150 of the UV light 104 is reflected by the reflector 110 through the opening 116 toward the second side 152 of the UV light 104. Such a configuration allows for more effective sanitation of the surface by the UV light 104 by increasing the intensity of UV radiation. Thus, the use of the reflector 110 enables efficient sanitation when sanitation of only one side or only one direction is required.

[0023] In some examples, the UV light 104 includes a first-side filter 114 and a second-side reflector 110. This type of configuration allows for increasing the intensity of UV radiation emitted from one side of the UV light 104 while filtering this light into a desired wavelength. Other configurations of the UV light 104 include multiple filters 114 and / or reflectors 110 (for example, positioned on both sides of the UV light 104). Since the filters 114 and reflectors 110 are configured to be coupled to and detached from the UV light 104 as needed, the UV light 104 can be configured as needed.

[0024] Examples of decontamination techniques Figure 6 is a flowchart of the process for techniques to utilize the decontamination equipment, as shown in several examples. Technique 600 in Figure 6 is a technique for operating the decontamination equipment 100, as described herein.

[0025] In 602, the UV light of the decontamination device is directed as needed. The UV light can be rotated, swirled, and / or extended as needed, so that the user of the decontamination device can position the UV light as needed for cleaning work. For example, the user can position the UV light so that it directly illuminates the surface. In some examples, the UV light is positioned by the user at a recommended distance from the surface.

[0026] Furthermore, in 604, the UV light of the decontamination apparatus is configured. Configuring the UV light includes, in some examples, setting the UV light to a certain intensity (e.g., a power level), coupling one or more filters to the UV light, and / or configuring one or more reflectors to the UV light. For example, in certain applications, the reflector is coupled on the first side of the UV light to reflect the UV light to a second side of the UV light. Alternatively or additionally, a filter is coupled on the second side of the UV light to filter the UV light emission into light of a desired wavelength.

[0027] Based on 602 and 604, the decontamination device is activated in 606. In some examples, the decontamination device is activated by the operation of one or more user interfaces, such as an on-off button. The decontamination device is then operated in 608 to disinfect the surface as needed. For example, the decontamination device is held at a certain distance from the surface to disinfect the surface with UV light.

[0028] Examples of vehicles Examples of this disclosure are described in the context of a spacecraft manufacturing and maintenance inspection method 700 as shown in Figure 7A and a vehicle 750 as shown in Figure 7B, so that they may be applicable to other such circumstances.

[0029] Figure 7A shows a flowchart of an example of a vehicle production and maintenance method, based on several examples. In some examples, before production begins, method 700 includes the specification and design 704 of the vehicle 750 (e.g., an aircraft as shown in Figure 9) and material procurement 706. During production, the manufacturing 708 of the components and subassemblies of the vehicle 750 and system integration 710 are carried out. The vehicle 750 then undergoes certification and transport 712 to be placed in service 714. During service, in some examples, the vehicle 750 is scheduled for maintenance and inspection 716 (e.g., modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc.).

[0030] In some examples, each step of Method 700 is performed or implemented by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator includes any number of aerospace manufacturers and subcontractors of the main system; a third party includes any number of sellers, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator includes, in some examples, an airline, leasing company, military organization, maintenance organization, etc.

[0031] Figure 7B shows a block diagram of an example vehicle, with several examples. As shown in Figure 7B, a vehicle 750 (e.g., a spacecraft) produced by method 700 includes a frame 718 and an interior 722 having several systems 720. Examples of systems 720 include one or more of the propulsion system 724, electrical system 726, navigation system 728, and environmental system 730. In various examples, other systems are also included within the vehicle 750. Although an aerospace example is shown, the above principles are applicable to other industries such as the automotive industry.

[0032] Examples of robots Figure 8 shows a block diagram of an example robot, by some example. Figure 8 shows, for example, a robot 200 configured to operate a decontamination device 100 within a vehicle described herein. Thus, in some examples, the robot 200 is configured to decontaminate an aircraft 900.

[0033] In various examples, the robot 200 includes a controller 202, an end effector 204, and a robot sensor 206. The end effector 204 includes one or more forms, such as a mounting point, configured to grip and / or couple to the decontamination device 100. In some examples, the end effector 204 includes one or more actuators or other devices for moving the end effector 204 and / or the decontamination device 100.

[0034] The operation of the decontamination device 100 by the robot 200 and / or end effector 204 is controlled by a controller 202. In various examples, the controller 202 includes one or more single-core or multi-core processors and memory to store instructions for operating the decontamination device 100 and / or end effector 204. In some examples, the controller 202 identifies the surface to be disinfected (for example, by data from the robot sensor 206 of the robot 200, which is configured to determine the environment around the robot 200), moves the end effector 204 within a threshold distance of the surface to be disinfected, and / or guides the decontamination device 100 to a hard-to-reach location.

[0035] Other examples Furthermore, this disclosure includes examples provided in the following clauses.

[0036] Clause 1. Decontamination device 100, The main body of the device 102, Ultraviolet (UV) light 104 and Equipped with a UV light 104, A UV light source 108 coupled to a device body 102 and movable relative to the device body 102, wherein a plurality of apertures 116 are arranged in close proximity to the UV light source 108. A decontamination device 100 is provided with the following features.

[0037] Clause 2. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 1, wherein the UV light 104 is configured to rotate, swirl, and / or extend relative to the apparatus body 102.

[0038] Clause 3. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 1, wherein the UV light 104 is configured to be coupled to the reflector 110.

[0039] Clause 4. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 3, further comprising a reflector 110 coupled to a UV light 104.

[0040] Clause 5. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 4, wherein the UV light 104 comprises UV light sources located on a first side 150 and a second side 152, and the reflector 110 is coupled to the UV light 104 at the first side 150, and the reflector 110 is configured to reflect UV radiation from the first side 150 toward the second side 152.

[0041] Clause 6. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 5, wherein the opening 116 is configured to allow reflected UV radiation to pass from the first side 150 to the second side 152.

[0042] Clause 7. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 1, wherein the UV light 104 is configured to be coupled to the filter 114.

[0043] Clause 8. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 7, further comprising a filter 114 coupled to a UV light 104.

[0044] Clause 9. The decontamination apparatus 100 as described in Clause 8, wherein the filter 114 is configured to filter out UV radiation with wavelengths longer than the limiting wavelength.

[0045] Clause 10. Decontamination apparatus 100 as described in Clause 9, wherein the limiting wavelength is 240 nanometers.

[0046] Clause 11. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 7, wherein the UV light 104 is configured to be coupled to a filter 114 at a first side 150 of the UV light 104 and to be coupled to a reflector 110 at a second side 152 of the UV light 104.

[0047] Clause 12. The decontamination apparatus 100 according to Clause 1, wherein the UV light source 108 is equipped with a reflective finish.

[0048] Clause 13. The decontamination device 100 according to Clause 1, wherein the device body 102 comprises a handle 112, and the decontamination device 100 further comprises a battery 106 coupled to the device body 102 and supplying power to a UV light source 108.

[0049] Clause 14. The decontamination apparatus 100 as described in Clause 13, wherein the battery 106 is configured to be detached from the main body 102 of the apparatus.

[0050] Clause 15. Robot 200, End effector 204 and, Decontamination device 100 coupled to end effector 204 and The decontamination device 100 is equipped with The main body of the device 102, and Ultraviolet (UV) light 104 Equipped with a UV light 104, A UV light source 108 is coupled to a device body 102 and moves relative to the device body 102, wherein a plurality of openings 116 are arranged in close proximity to the UV light source 108. Robot 200, equipped with these features.

[0051] Clause 16. Robot sensor 206 for detecting the environment in the vicinity of robot 200 Robot 200 as described in Clause 15, further comprising:

[0052] Clause 17. Controller 202 that receives data from robot sensor 206 and operates end effector 204. Robot 200 as described in Clause 16, further comprising:

[0053] Clause 18. The robot 200 as described in Clause 17, wherein the controller 202 is configured to operate the end effector 204 by positioning the decontamination device 100.

[0054] Clause 19. The robot 200 as described in Clause 15, wherein the UV light 104 is configured to rotate, swivel, and / or extend relative to the device body 102.

[0055] Clause 20. A filter 114 coupled to the first side 150 of the UV light 104, A reflector 110 coupled to the second side 152 of the UV light 104 and Robot 200 as described in Clause 15, further comprising:

[0056] conclusion While the aforementioned concepts are described in some detail for clarity, it will be clear that certain changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the attached claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes, systems, and apparatus. Therefore, the examples of the present invention should be considered illustrative and non-limiting. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 100 Decontamination equipment 102 Main unit of the device 104 Ultraviolet (UV) light 106 Batteries 108 UV light source 110 Reflector 112 Handle 114 filters 116 Opening 120 User Interfaces 122 Controllers 124 Data and / or Power Communication Components 140 directions 142 directions 150 1st side 152 2nd side 200 robots 202 Controller 204 End Effector 206 Robot Sensors 600 techniques 700 Methods for Manufacturing and Maintaining Spacecraft 704 Specifications and Design 706 Material Procurement 708 Manufacturing of components and subassemblies 710 System Integration 712 Authentication and Transport 714 currently in service 716 Maintenance and inspection 718 Frame 720 System 722 Internal 724 Propulsion System 726 Electrical Systems 728 Navigation System 730 Environmental Systems 750 Vehicles 900 aircraft 902 Toilet 904 Kitchen

Claims

1. Decontamination device (100), The main body of the device (102) and A UV light (104) having a first side and a second side, wherein a reflector (110) configured to reflect UV radiation emitted from the UV light (104) is configured to be detachably coupled to the first side (150) or the second side (152) of the UV light. The ultraviolet light (104) is equipped with A UV light source (108) is coupled to the main body of the device (102) and moves relative to the main body of the device (102), and is located on the first side (150) and second side (152) of the ultraviolet light (104), A plurality of openings (116) formed between the first side (150) and the second side (152) of the ultraviolet light (104), wherein the plurality of openings (116) are arranged in close proximity to the UV light source (108) so as to allow UV radiation emitted from the UV light source (108) and reflected by the reflector (110) to pass from the first side (150) to the second side (152), or from the second side (152) to the first side (150). A decontamination device (100) equipped with the following.

2. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light (104) is configured to rotate, swirl, and / or extend relative to the apparatus body (102).

3. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the reflector (110) coupled to the ultraviolet light (104).

4. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein the reflector (110) is coupled to the ultraviolet light (104) on the first side (150), and the reflector (110) is configured to reflect UV radiation from the first side (150) toward the second side (152).

5. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to claim 4, wherein the opening (116) is configured to allow the reflected UV radiation to pass from the first side (150) to the second side (152).

6. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ultraviolet light (104) is configured to be coupled to a filter (114).

7. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to claim 6, further comprising the filter (114) coupled to the ultraviolet light (104).

8. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein the filter (114) is configured to filter and remove UV radiation with wavelengths longer than the limiting wavelength.

9. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein the limiting wavelength is 240 nanometers.

10. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the ultraviolet light (104) is configured to be coupled to the filter (114) at the first side (150) of the ultraviolet light (104) and to be coupled to the reflector (110) at the second side (152) of the ultraviolet light (104).

11. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the UV light supply source (108) is provided with a reflective finish.

12. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the apparatus body (102) is equipped with a handle (112), and the decontamination apparatus (100) further comprises a battery (106) coupled to the apparatus body (102) and supplying power to the UV light supply source (108).

13. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to claim 12, wherein the battery (106) is configured to be detached from the apparatus body (102).

14. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the opening (116) in the ultraviolet light (104) is arranged around the UV light supply source (108).

15. The decontamination apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the ultraviolet light (104) is configured to be coupled to the reflector (110) on one or more sides of the ultraviolet light.

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