Disinfecting Assembly for Mobile Carts Using Motion Sensor Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfecting assemblies for large mobile objects, such as grocery carts and wheelchairs, are complex, expensive, and maintenance-intensive, failing to provide a simple and effective disinfection method.
Innovation Solution
A disinfecting assembly comprising a ground-engaging frame, an energy source, a reservoir for disinfecting fluid, an output spray nozzle, a fluid displacement pump, a motion sensor, and a programmable logic controller, which together enable efficient and automated disinfection and drying of large mobile objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex automated disinfecting assemblies with multiple stages (washing, sanitizing, drying) are used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential disinfection function from complex multi-stage systems, using a single spray nozzle to apply disinfectant directly to the cart surface, eliminating the need for separate washing, sanitizing, and drying stages while maintaining effective disinfection
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified assembly performs multiple functions (disinfection and drying) through a single integrated mechanism where the spray nozzle applies disinfectant that simultaneously cleans and disinfects the cart surface, reducing the need for multiple specialized components
2Productivity
If automated conveyor-based disinfecting systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a motion sensor to automatically detect when a cart enters the disinfection zone and triggers the spray nozzle accordingly, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex conveyor control systems while maintaining automated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical conveyor-based automated systems with a sensor-triggered spray system that activates only when needed, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining productivity through automated detection and response
3Device complexity
If manual cleaning and disinfecting by store employees is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and consistent disinfection quality decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor automatically detects cart presence and triggers the disinfection process without requiring employee intervention, enabling the system to operate autonomously and maintain consistent disinfection quality while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor provides feedback about cart presence to the control system, which automatically adjusts the spray nozzle operation to ensure proper disinfection timing and coverage, maintaining consistent quality without manual oversight
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 assembly allows for simple, effective, and efficient disinfection of large mobile objects, reducing maintenance costs and complexity while ensuring thorough disinfection and drying.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor/photo eye, wherein the motion sensor detects objects moving within the disinfecting assembly
Implementation Method 2
a fluid displacement pump; a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is associated with the reservoir and the fluid displacement pump; a second conduit, wherein the second conduit is associated with the fluid displacement pump and the output spray nozzle
Implementation Method 3
an output spray nozzle, wherein the output spray nozzle is associated with ground-engaging frame sub-assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfecting assembly that enables large mobile objects (e.g., grocery carts, shopping carts, carry out carts, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, etcetera) to be disinfected in a simple and effective manner, including: (1) a ground-engaging frame sub-assembly; (2) an energy source; (3) a reservoir, wherein the reservoir contains disinfecting fluid; (4) an output spray nozzle, wherein the output spray nozzle is associated with ground-engaging frame sub-assembly; (5) a fluid displacement pump; (6) a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is associated with the reservoir and the fluid displacement pump; (7) a second conduit, wherein the second conduit is associated with the fluid displacement pump and the output spray nozzle; (8) a motion sensor, wherein the motion sensor detects objects moving within the disinfecting assembly; and (9) a control box having a programmable logic controller, wherein the programmable logic controller is in electrical communication with the energy source, the fluid displacement pump; and the motion sensor.