Cab Sanitization System with Automated Nebulization and Ventilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manual sanitizing methods for heavy vehicle cabs are time-consuming, costly, and expose drivers to hazardous chemicals, with a risk of incomplete sanitization due to operator variability.

Innovation Solution

An integrated sanitization system for heavy-duty vehicles that uses a high-pressure sanitizing fluid distribution system with adjustable nozzles, a fluid source, pumping, heating, and ventilation means, along with sensors and an electronic control unit for automated and remote operation, ensuring comprehensive and safe sanitization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sanitizing is performed by operators, then sanitization can be carried out, but time consumption and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization efficiencyVSAvoidtime for sanitization operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-sanitization of the cab through integrated spraying mechanisms, sensors, and control units that operate autonomously without requiring manual intervention from drivers or operators, thus eliminating time loss and labor costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sanitizing actions with an automated electronic control system that manages fluid distribution, spraying sequences, and operational timing, significantly improving productivity while reducing time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual sanitizing is performed by drivers, then sanitization can be carried out, but drivers are exposed to hazardous chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization completionVSAvoidexposure to hazardous chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system performs sanitization without human presence in the cab, eliminating chemical exposure risks for drivers while maintaining reliable sanitization through programmed sequences and sensor monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an electronic control unit and automated spraying mechanism as intermediaries between the sanitizing chemicals and the driver, allowing sanitization to occur without direct human contact with hazardous substances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual sanitizing is performed by operators, then sanitization can be carried out, but optimal sanitization is not achieved due to operator variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization qualityVSAvoidsanitization consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces variable human manual actions with a precise electronic control system that manages spraying timing, duration, and coverage areas, ensuring consistent and reliable sanitization quality without operator variability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors and control units that monitor sanitization progress and adjust spraying operations in real-time, ensuring optimal and consistent sanitization quality through automated feedback loops rather than relying on operator judgment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system automates sanitization, reducing time and energy consumption while ensuring thorough and safe disinfection, allowing remote monitoring and easy integration with vehicle control systems, and can be adapted for various vehicle types and sanitizing fluids.

Implementation Method 1

pumping means fluidically interposed between said source and said diffuser means, configured to pressurise the sanitizing fluid and to send it to said diffuser means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

heating means fluidically interposed between said pumping means and said diffuser means, configured to heat the sanitizing fluid to a predetermined temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

diffuser means configured to spray a high-pressure sanitizing fluid contained in a sanitizing fluid source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNebulization: Aerosol

Implementation Method 4

ventilation means configured to exhaust the sanitizing fluid from said housing, said ventilation means comprising forced ventilation means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4172009B1Cab provided with a sanitization system

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 IVECO SPA

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

Vehicle (1) comprising a plurality of walls (4) defining a housing (5) and a sanitization system (3) for said housing (5) comprising diffuser means (9), a source (12) of sanitizing fluid, ventilation means (18) and an electronic unit (20), this being configured to allow the passage of the sanitizing fluid from the source (12) to the diffuser means (9 ), the diffuser means (9) nebulizing this fluid inside said housing (5), the electronic unit (20) being configured to activate the ventilation means (18) to allow the airing of said housing (5) following the nebulization of the sanitizing fluid inside the housing (5).