Aircraft Disinfection System With Sensor-Controlled UV Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft interior disinfection methods are time-consuming and use toxic materials that can degrade surfaces over time, and they do not effectively prevent the transmission of microbes between surfaces and individuals.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection system that uses a framework of arms and sensors to position and focus electromagnetic energy, such as ultraviolet light, on surfaces for disinfection, while detecting the presence of people to prevent exposure and using a controller to manage the disinfection process efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual spraying and wiping surfaces with disinfection solution is used, then disinfection can be achieved, but the process is time consuming and uses toxic materials that may degrade interior surfaces over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disinfection (spraying and wiping) with an automated electromagnetic radiation system. The emission module emits electromagnetic energy (such as ultraviolet light) to disinfect surfaces, eliminating the need for physical contact with toxic disinfection solutions and significantly reducing disinfection time while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the disinfection method from chemical (toxic solutions) to physical (electromagnetic radiation). By altering the fundamental parameter of disinfection approach, the system achieves rapid disinfection without time-consuming manual procedures and without using materials that degrade surfaces over time.
2Reliability
If manual spraying and wiping surfaces with disinfection solution is used, then disinfection can be achieved, but toxic materials may degrade interior surfaces over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical disinfection methods with electromagnetic radiation-based disinfection. This replacement eliminates exposure to toxic materials that cause surface degradation, while the electromagnetic energy effectively kills microbes on surfaces without leaving harmful residues or causing material deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a non-consumable disinfection method using electromagnetic radiation. Unlike chemical solutions that are consumed and potentially harmful, the electromagnetic energy can be repeatedly applied without degrading the interior surfaces, providing a sustainable long-term disinfection solution.
3Productivity
If electromagnetic energy is used for disinfection, then rapid and non-toxic disinfection is achieved, but people may be exposed to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the presence of people in the disinfection area. When people are detected, the system provides feedback to the controller to postpone or cancel the disinfection cycle, preventing radiation exposure. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while maintaining the rapid disinfection capability when the area is unoccupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensors as an intermediary between the electromagnetic emission system and people. The sensors monitor the environment and mediate the operation of the disinfection system, ensuring that electromagnetic energy is only emitted when safe, thus preventing direct harmful exposure while preserving disinfection effectiveness.
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 system provides a rapid, non-toxic, and effective disinfection of aircraft interiors by targeting microbes on surfaces without exposing people to harmful radiation, thus enhancing safety and reducing the risk of microbial transmission.
Implementation Method 1
one or more scanners configured to emit electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultraviolet light) onto a first surface
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfection system is disclosed. The disinfection system includes a base, a first arm mechanically coupled to the base at a first joint, a second arm mechanically coupled to the first arm at a second joint, and an emission module mechanically coupled to the second arm at a third joint. The emission module may include a third arm that includes one or more scanners configured to emit electromagnetic energy further configured to disinfect a first surface. The emission module may also include the one or more scanners, focusing lens, a lens frame, and a rotary actuator, wherein the rotary actuator is configured to align one of the one or more scanners with the focusing lens to produce a narrow electromagnetic beam, or position the focusing lens out of alignment with the one of the one or more scanners to produce a broad electromagnetic beam.