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 due to their usage, leading to odor issues and hygiene concerns.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing device equipped with an optical sensor, odoriferous substance sensor, chemical discharge module, ultraviolet light source, and control module that detects the presence of microbes and sprayer, discharges sanitizers or fragrances, and uses UV light for surface sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handheld bidet sprayer is used in public spaces, then hygiene function is provided, but microbial growth accumulates leading to odor issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of microbial presence using odoriferous substance sensors before significant contamination occurs. The control module activates the UV light source and chemical discharge module proactively to prevent microbial accumulation, rather than waiting for visible contamination or strong odors to develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful odoriferous substances emitted by microbes into a beneficial detection signal. The odoriferous substance sensor detects these substances as indicators of microbial presence, transforming the harmful odor into a useful early warning mechanism that triggers sanitization before contamination worsens.
2Reliability
If sanitizer and fragrance are discharged upon sensing microbes, then hygiene is improved, but chemical consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the odoriferous substance sensor continuously monitors microbial presence and provides real-time information to the control module. The chemical discharge module operates only when the sensor detects odoriferous substances above a threshold, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts chemical consumption based on actual contamination levels rather than operating continuously or on fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the bidet sprayer to self-monitor and self-sanitize by detecting its own microbial contamination through the odoriferous substance sensor and automatically triggering the chemical discharge module and UV light source, eliminating the need for manual intervention or scheduled maintenance.
3Reliability
If UV light source is used for surface sterilization, then microbial presence is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when the odoriferous substance sensor detects microbial presence. The control module manages periodic sanitization cycles, allowing the UV light to remain inactive during clean periods, thereby significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective sterilization when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces continuous mechanical or chemical sanitization methods with sensor-based detection and on-demand UV activation. The odoriferous substance sensor substitutes for continuous monitoring systems, and the UV light source with controlled activation replaces continuous chemical dispensing, reducing energy and resource consumption.
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 deodorizes handheld bidet sprayers, providing a hygienic solution by using UV light and chemical disinfection, ensuring cleanliness and reducing microbial presence.
Implementation Method 1
The ultraviolet light source provides surface sterilization of the handheld bidet sprayer
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor used to detect the presence or absence of the sprayer in the housing
Implementation Method 3
an odoriferous substance sensor used to sense odoriferous conditions or indications of a significant presence of microbes
Data Source
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 discharge module, an ultraviolet light source, and a control module. The chemical discharge module includes a chemical supply holder and a plurality of conduits extending from the chemical supply holder. 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.