Autonomous Electrostatic Sanitation Sprayer for Indoor Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The spread of contagious diseases such as influenza and COVID-19 in enclosed spaces like buses, trains, and airplanes poses a significant health risk due to airborne droplets and viral contagions, which existing disinfection methods struggle to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
An autonomously operable electrostatic sanitation sprayer equipped with drive wheels, casters, a vertically coupled boom with electrostatic nozzles, and remote operation capabilities, allowing for efficient disinfection of large indoor spaces while navigating through tight areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disinfection methods are used in enclosed spaces, then the risk of airborne droplet transmission is reduced, but the effectiveness of disinfection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic system with a blower/fan that generates airflow to propel disinfectant solution through electrostatic nozzles. The pneumatic pressure differential created by the blower forces the disinfectant through the system and onto surfaces, enhancing the effectiveness of disinfection while maintaining reliability in enclosed spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes electrostatic fields to change the physical state and movement of disinfectant particles. By applying electrostatic charge to the disinfectant solution, the system creates attraction forces that enhance spray distribution and adhesion to surfaces, improving disinfection effectiveness without increasing harmful airborne transmission.
2Area of stationary object
If a sanitation sprayer is designed to disperse disinfectant over large areas, then the coverage area is increased, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the disinfection system into modular components: a body unit with storage and pumping, a separate boom structure with multiple nozzles, and an electrostatic field generation system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve large-area coverage without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic field generation system serves multiple functions: it charges disinfectant particles for enhanced adhesion, creates airflow patterns for broad distribution, and enables remote operation control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving extensive coverage area.
3Ease of operation
If the sprayer is equipped with remote operation capabilities and sensors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect obstacles and environmental conditions, with the control system autonomously adjusting operations accordingly. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual controls and enhances ease of operation, as the system manages itself with minimal human intervention despite the increased electronic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with electronic and electrostatic fields for operation. Remote operation is achieved through electronic communication rather than mechanical linkages, and the electrostatic field system provides automated control of disinfectant application. This substitution increases ease of operation while the electronic complexity is managed through integration and automation.
4Productivity
If the sprayer uses electrostatic nozzles to charge disinfectant, then the disinfectant dispersion is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic field is applied in periodic cycles rather than continuously, with the control system activating the charging mechanism only when disinfectant is being sprayed and deactivating it during idle periods. This periodic operation maintains high dispersion efficiency during active use while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during standby and transition periods.
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 sprayer effectively disperses disinfectant over large areas, reducing the risk of infection by providing thorough and remote disinfection of potentially contaminated spaces, enhancing safety in high-risk environments.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzles are of an electrostatic variety configured to electrostatically charge the disinfectant exiting the sanitation sprayer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are provided for a remotely operable sanitation sprayer for quickly disinfecting large indoor spaces. The sanitation sprayer includes a body supported by drive wheels and one or more casters. The drive wheels are configured to rotate at different speeds to steer the sanitation sprayer. A boom comprising a generally elongate member is vertically coupled with the body. Nozzles disposed along the length of the boom are configured to disperse a disinfectant into the indoor space. The nozzles are of an electrostatic variety configured to electrostatically charge the disinfectant exiting the sanitation sprayer. The sanitation sprayer further includes electronic equipment for remotely operating the sanitation sprayer. A front of the sanitation sprayer may be equipped with one or more cameras and sensors that facilitate detecting nearby objects. The cameras and sensors may be configured provide a first-person view to a practitioner remotely operating the sanitation sprayer.