Sanitizing and smart smell detection device for handheld bidet sprayer and air freshening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld bidet sprayers, especially in public spaces, are prone to microbial growth and odor accumulation, necessitating an effective sterilization solution.

Innovation Solution

A sanitizing device with a housing, optical sensor, odoriferous substance sensor, chemical supply holder, ultraviolet light source, and process control module that detects microbial presence, discharges sanitizers or fragrances, and uses UV light for surface sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handheld bidet sprayer is used in public spaces, then convenience and hygiene are improved, but microbial growth and odor accumulation occur on the sprayer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of bidet sprayer usageVSAvoidmicrobial growth and odor

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary sanitization by detecting microbial presence through odor sensors and automatically activating UV-C lights and chemical dispensing systems before the sprayer is used again, preventing microbial growth rather than addressing it after the fact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary substances including chemical sanitizers stored in containers and delivered through conduits to the sprayer head, and UV-C light as an intermediary sterilization agent that eliminates microbes without direct contact with the sprayer surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If frequent sanitization is performed to reduce microbial growth, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene effectivenessVSAvoidsanitization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates odoriferous substance sensors that continuously monitor for microbial presence and provide feedback to the control module, which automatically activates sanitization functions only when contamination is detected, avoiding unnecessary operation of complex subsystems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control module serves multiple functions by coordinating UV-C light activation, chemical sanitizer dispensing, and fragrance delivery through a single integrated system, reducing overall device complexity despite the multiple sanitization mechanisms employed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If chemical sanitizers are dispensed to eliminate microbes, then hygiene is improved, but chemical residue on the sprayer may cause safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial elimination effectivenessVSAvoidchemical residue safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic action by alternating between UV-C light irradiation and chemical sanitizer dispensing in controlled cycles, allowing chemical residues to be minimized through intermittent application rather than continuous exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the concentration and delivery timing of chemical sanitizers through the conduit system, adjusting chemical application parameters to achieve effective microbial elimination while minimizing residue accumulation on the sprayer surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively sanitizes and conditions the handheld bidet sprayer, reducing microbial growth and odor, while ensuring user safety and hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

an ultraviolet light source... During a sanitation cycle, the ultraviolet light source provides surface sterilization of the handheld bidet sprayer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an optical sensor used to detect the presence or absence of the sprayer in the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Optical Tweezers

Implementation Method 3

an odoriferous substance sensor used to sense odoriferous conditions or indications of a significant presence of microbes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOdor detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS10557257B1Sanitizing and smart smell detection device for handheld bidet sprayer and air freshening

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 AL SABAH SABAH THAMER ABDULLAH S

AI summary

A sanitizing device for a handheld bidet sprayer includes a housing for holding a handheld bidet sprayer on a spray head mount, an optical sensor used to detect the presence or absence of the sprayer in the housing, an odoriferous substance sensor used to sense odoriferous conditions or indications of a significant presence of microbes, a chemical supply holder, an ultraviolet light source, and a control module. The chemical supply holder includes at least one container of fragrance and at least one container of sanitizer. Upon sensing odoriferous conditions or indications of a significant presence of microbes, the control module causes the discharge of the sanitizer and/or fragrance.