Autonomous Vapor Deactivation Unit for Complex Room Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary deactivation systems for biological and chemical contaminants in rooms require human operators to wear protective clothing and often fail to adequately distribute vaporous deactivating agents, especially in large or complexly shaped spaces.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, self-contained deactivation apparatus that uses a vaporous deactivating agent, such as vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and includes a chassis, housing, drive mechanisms, a power system, deactivating agent supply, gas handling, and a system controller to ensure efficient distribution and operation without human intervention, utilizing sensors and echolocation for optimal coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a system of ducts, fans, and hoses is used to distribute vaporous deactivating agents, then the deactivation function can be performed, but the system complexity increases and distribution effectiveness deteriorates in large or complexly shaped rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex duct, fan, and hose system from the deactivation apparatus, replacing it with a simplified mobile unit that generates and releases vaporous deactivating agents directly into the room environment, eliminating the need for elaborate distribution infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile deactivation unit is self-contained with an onboard power system and control mechanisms that enable it to autonomously navigate and distribute deactivating agents without requiring external ductwork or fan systems, making the system self-sufficient and simpler in design
2Ease of operation
If human operators manually operate the deactivation systems, then the systems can be controlled, but the operators must wear protective clothing and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile deactivation unit incorporates autonomous navigation and operation capabilities with onboard sensors and control systems that allow it to perform deactivation tasks without human operators being present in the treatment area, eliminating exposure risks while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control systems, sensors, and programmable logic that enable remote or autonomous operation of the deactivation apparatus, removing the need for human operators to be physically present during hazardous deactivation processes
3Reliability
If a portable apparatus with ducts and outlets is used, then deactivation can be performed, but the distribution uniformity deteriorates in large or complexly shaped rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile deactivation unit incorporates movable components and autonomous navigation capabilities that allow it to dynamically reposition itself within the room environment, ensuring comprehensive and uniform distribution of deactivating agents across complex or large spaces rather than relying on fixed ductwork
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static duct-based distribution system to a mobile unit that moves through three-dimensional space, enabling deactivation agent distribution from multiple locations and angles to achieve uniform coverage in complexly shaped rooms that fixed systems cannot adequately treat
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 apparatus effectively deactivates contaminants within defined regions by ensuring uniform distribution of the deactivating agent, reducing the need for human operators and improving coverage in complex spaces, while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vaporizer to vaporize a liquid deactivating agent to generate a vaporous deactivating agent
Implementation Method 2
a blower to circulate gas through the defined region
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile deactivation apparatus for deactivating contaminants within a defined region that includes a source of a vaporous deactivating agent, a gas handling system, a support member, a drive means, a control system, and a power system is disclosed. The gas handling system dispenses the vaporous deactivating agent to the defined region. The support member is movable in the defined region and supports the source of the vaporous deactivating agent and the gas handling system. The support member can be propelled by the drive means. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the gas handling system and the drive means. A power system is provided to supply power to the mobile deactivation apparatus.