Adaptive Spray Misting Control for Enclosed-Space Decontamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decontamination technologies are limited in their effectiveness in tightly enclosed environments, lack scalability and modularity, and require human presence for control, making them inefficient and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A multi-configuration system comprising a general-purpose computer, sensor package, control boards, applicators, and an operator device, with a networked architecture for automated detection and application of decontamination processes, allowing for both manual and remote control, and supporting various sensors and applicators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing decontamination technologies are used, then decontamination can be performed, but they are limited in effectiveness in tightly enclosed environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecontamination effectivenessVSAvoideffectiveness in enclosed environments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts decontamination parameters including spray mist particle size (0.1-10 microns), concentration (0.1-10%), and application rate based on real-time sensor feedback from enclosed spaces. The controller modifies operational parameters to optimize effectiveness for different enclosure sizes and contamination levels, enabling reliable decontamination across varied environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If existing decontamination systems are used, then decontamination processes can be controlled, but they require human personnel on-site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidautomated control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The decontamination system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through an automated controller that receives real-time data from sensors detecting micro-organism presence, space dimensions, and environmental conditions. The system autonomously modifies spray parameters and operational sequences without requiring continuous human intervention, while still allowing remote operator oversight through networked interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor decontamination progress and environmental conditions, and the controller adjusts parameters accordingly. The networked architecture enables feedback to be transmitted to remote operators for informed decision-making while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If existing decontamination systems are used, then specific decontamination tasks can be performed, but the systems are not scalable or modular

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecontamination task completionVSAvoidscalability and modularity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The decontamination system is divided into modular functional units including sensor packages, applicators, controller modules, and network communication components. Each module can be independently configured, installed, and removed based on the specific decontamination task requirements, enabling scalability from small enclosed spaces to larger facilities while maintaining consistent performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If existing decontamination systems are used, then decontamination can be performed, but system controls require re-design for different decontamination processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidcontrol system design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed as a universal platform capable of managing multiple decontamination processes and configurations through software programming rather than hardware re-design. The system can adapt to different spray patterns, concentrations, durations, and environmental conditions by loading different control algorithms, eliminating the need to redesign control systems for various decontamination tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250303012A1Multi-Configuration Spray Misting Decontamination System
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 TOMI ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS INC
  • US20250303012A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303012A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303012A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-configuration spray misting decontamination control system that controls hardware designed to cleanse substantially enclosed spaces of micro-organisms. The control system utilizes multiple application sub-systems to deliver decontamination capabilities. The control system is designed for local and remote operation. The control system can be automated or manually operated. The control system is scalable to differing numbers of sensors and decontamination applicators.