Automated Wiping Device for Consistent Pathogen Log Reduction Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the effectiveness of products in reducing or removing norovirus from surfaces are limited by the use of small stainless-steel coupons, which do not represent real-life surfaces, and manual wiping techniques lead to inconsistent results due to variable force application.
Innovation Solution
A pathogen test device with a wiping block that moves in a linear motion and applies a consistent downward force, using a tray with coupon recesses and access recesses to secure and remove coupons, allowing for the evaluation of pathogen reduction/removal on surfaces like laminate countertops, simulating real-life scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual wiping techniques are used during disinfection testing, then the testing process is simple to perform, but the amount of force applied is inconsistent leading to non-repeatable results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual wiping with an automated mechanical wiping system that uses a motorized arm to apply consistent force and motion patterns. This substitution eliminates human variability in force application while maintaining the essential wiping function, thereby achieving both ease of operation and reliable repeatable results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent standardizes key parameters of the wiping process including force magnitude, wiping speed, number of passes, and contact pressure. By controlling these parameters through automated mechanisms rather than manual operation, the system achieves consistent and repeatable results while keeping the operation simple to initiate and monitor
2Device complexity
If small stainless-steel coupons are used for testing, then the testing setup is simple and controlled, but the results are not representative of real-life surfaces such as laminate countertops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular coupon holder design that can accommodate multiple types of surfaces including stainless steel, laminate, and other materials. This universal holder structure allows the same testing apparatus to evaluate different surface types, making the results more representative of real-life applications while maintaining testing consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the coupon holder from the testing mechanism, allowing different surface materials to be tested using the same standardized holder and wiping system. This segmentation enables versatile surface testing without increasing overall device complexity, as each surface type can be independently tested under identical controlled conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary methodologies for testing pathogen reduction/removal, devices for testing pathogen reduction/removal and coupon trays for testing pathogen reduction/removal are disclosed herein. An exemplary methodology for testing pathogen reduction/removal includes providing a pathogen test device that has a base and a wiping block. The wiping block is configured to move back and forth in a linear motion with respect to the base. The test device further includes a tray, a coupon recess located in the tray and an access recess located in the tray. The exemplary methodology further includes securing a wiping substrate to the wiping block, providing a coupon that has a pathogen on a surface of the coupon, placing the coupon in the coupon recess, applying a test product to the coupon, allowing the test product to remain on the coupon for a set time period, and causing the wiping block to move back-and-forth across the surface of the coupon. The methodology further includes applying a selected downward force to the surface of the coupon, inserting at least a portion of a coupon removal tool in the access recess and removing the coupon. The methodology further includes placing the coupon in a neutralizer and determining a log reduction and/or removal of the pathogen from the surface of the coupon.