Device for sanitizing air-conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sanitization methods for air conditioning systems are inefficient, time-consuming, and pose health risks to operators due to the need for manual disassembly and the use of high-pressure steam jets, which can cause condensation and increase energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device with a compact delivering head and suction opening, allowing for precise and safe delivery of sanitizing fluid jets and simultaneous suction of condensation, enabling sanitization of air conditioning units without protective housings and reducing labor costs by allowing non-skilled personnel to operate it efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning with microfiber cloths and germicidal products is used, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but labor cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated sanitizing device that uses high-pressure steam jets and suction mechanisms. The device automatically delivers sanitizing fluid through nozzles and simultaneously removes condensation and contaminants via suction openings, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning with cloths.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service sanitization by automatically performing both the delivery of sanitizing fluid and the removal of condensation without requiring skilled operators. The integrated system allows non-skilled personnel to operate the device, which autonomously completes the sanitization process including fluid delivery, condensation removal, and contaminant extraction.
2Productivity
If high-pressure steam jets are used for sanitization, then sanitization speed is improved, but condensation forms that can dirty walls, floor, or furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces suction openings as an intermediary mechanism between the steam jet delivery and the surrounding environment. These suction openings actively capture and remove condensation as it forms, preventing it from reaching and dirtying walls, floors, or furniture. The suction system acts as a mediator that intercepts the harmful condensation byproduct.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful condensation byproduct into a beneficial controlled process. Instead of allowing condensation to pollute the environment, the system uses suction to capture it and redirect it to a collection container. The harmful condensation is transformed from a pollution source into a contained byproduct that can be properly disposed of.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective housings are used to contain steam, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity and execution time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential safety function from the complex protective housing structure. Instead of using a large enclosing housing to protect operators, the invention extracts the protective function into targeted suction openings and localized shielding elements that are positioned only where condensation and steam pose risks. This eliminates the need for comprehensive housing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protective function into discrete localized elements rather than using a single comprehensive housing. The suction openings are positioned at specific locations where steam and condensation are generated, providing targeted protection only where needed. This segmented approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining safety.
4Reliability
If the suction opening is sized to engage the entire unit, then complete containment is achieved, but the device cannot be moved to sanitize different portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the suction opening configuration dynamic by allowing it to be positioned at multiple locations on the air conditioner unit. The suction opening can be moved from one portion of the unit to another, enabling the device to adapt to different sanitization needs while maintaining effective containment and removal of condensation and contaminants at each position.
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 device allows for quick, safe, and efficient sanitization of air conditioning units by directing sanitizing fluid jets and suctioning condensation in a controlled manner, reducing energy consumption and operator risk while enabling sanitization by non-skilled labor.
Implementation Method 1
suctioning means to generate at least one suction flow
Implementation Method 2
means for the controlled delivery of at least one jet of sanitizing fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Device (1) for sanitizing at least one unit of an air conditioning system comprising a source of sanitizing fluid (2, 3), means for the controlled delivery (6, 7) of at least one jet of sanitizing fluid, suctioning means (8) to generate at least one suction flow, characterized by comprising at least one suction opening (9) shaped so as to direct said suction flow towards a determined direction with respect to the direction of said at least one jet of sanitizing fluid, said at least one suction opening (9) being sized so as to be smaller than said unit of the air conditioning to be sanitized in order to be alternately moved from a first portion of said unit towards at least one second portion of the same unit.