Conveyor belt sterilization apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts in public areas, such as grocery stores, pose a risk of transmitting viral and bacterial contaminants due to inadequate sanitization methods that disrupt workflow and are messy, highlighting the need for an efficient and non-intrusive sanitization solution.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor belt sanitization apparatus utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light, integrated with sensors and a housing to emit UV light onto the belt only when in motion, ensuring effective disinfection while minimizing disruption and mess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sanitization using wipes or spray cleaning fluids is used on conveyor belts, then the conveyor belt can be disinfected, but the clerk's workflow is interrupted and the process becomes messy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sanitization (wiping and spraying) with an automated UV light system. The UV sanitization apparatus automatically disinfects the conveyor belt surface without requiring physical contact or manual intervention, thus maintaining workflow efficiency while ensuring reliable sanitization.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV sanitization system operates autonomously without requiring clerk intervention. The apparatus is positioned to automatically sanitize the conveyor belt as items pass through, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for manual sanitization activities that disrupt workflow.
2Reliability
If manual sanitization is performed on the conveyor belt, then disinfection is achieved, but the process creates mess and requires interruption of work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces messy manual sanitization operations with a clean, automated UV light system. The UV apparatus eliminates the need for physical wiping and spraying activities, creating a clean operational environment without mess or interruption requirements.
3Reliability
If UV light is continuously emitted onto the conveyor belt, then continuous disinfection is maintained, but energy is wasted when the belt is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is controlled to operate periodically rather than continuously. A sensor detects whether the conveyor belt is in motion, and the UV light is activated only during periods when the belt is moving. This periodic operation maintains effective disinfection while eliminating energy waste during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a sensor that provides feedback about the conveyor belt's motion state to the UV light controller. Based on this feedback, the UV light is selectively activated or deactivated, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining disinfection effectiveness during active 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 UV light sanitization system effectively disinfects conveyor belts by inactivating bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, enhancing public health safety without interrupting the workflow or causing mess, as it only activates during belt movement.
Implementation Method 1
an UV light source coupled to the housing in the interior cavity
Implementation Method 2
UV light source adapted to emit UV light onto the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 3
UV light source adapted to emit UV light onto the conveyor belt through the open bottom end
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor belt sanitization apparatus and method are provided for sanitizing a conveyor belt of the species commonly found at grocery stores and supermarkets using ultraviolet (UV) light. One or more UV light bulbs in the apparatus may be positioned to effectively sanitize a conveyor belt.