Automated Disinfection Apparatus with Sensor-Driven Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection methods for objects, such as shopping trolleys, are inconvenient and time-consuming, and may pose a risk to users due to the need for direct interaction with disinfection apparatuses or solutions, which can spread infections.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection apparatus with a central control unit, position sensors, obstruction sensors, and actuating doors that automate the disinfection process, ensuring safe operation by locking the compartment during disinfection and preventing user exposure to harmful disinfection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual disinfection methods are used, then users can directly interact with disinfection solutions, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection apparatus performs automatic disinfection operations without requiring continuous user interaction. The system self-manages the disinfection process through automated mechanisms including UV irradiation, ozone generation, and heating functions, eliminating the need for manual operation while reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus pre-configures disinfection parameters and automatically initiates disinfection cycles upon detecting objects in the compartment. The system prepares disinfection agents and settings in advance, allowing users to simply place items and receive automated disinfection treatment
2Reliability
If users directly interact with disinfection apparatus, then disinfection can be performed, but infection risk increases due to exposure to harmful disinfection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses automated sensors and control systems as intermediaries between users and the disinfection process. Obstruction sensors detect user presence and automatically adjust or terminate disinfection cycles, preventing direct exposure to harmful UV radiation, ozone, and high temperatures while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user presence through obstruction sensors and provides real-time feedback by adjusting disinfection operations. When users are detected near or in the compartment, the system automatically modifies UV intensity, ozone generation, and heating levels to eliminate harmful exposure while preserving disinfection functionality
3Ease of operation
If automated sensors and control systems are added, then user safety and convenience improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into unified components. The central control unit manages UV irradiation, ozone generation, heating, and sensor coordination through a single integrated system. Obstruction sensors serve dual purposes by detecting both user presence for safety and object presence for process initiation, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple functions
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 apparatus efficiently disinfects objects while minimizing user risk by automating the process and ensuring safety zones are clear, thus reducing the spread of infections and improving convenience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one position sensor for detecting the presence of an object to be disinfected having been positioned within the disinfection compartment
Implementation Method 2
at least one obstruction sensor operable to detect whether at least a first safety zone is clear
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfection apparatus for disinfecting an object is disclosed. The disinfection apparatus comprises at least one disinfection unit operable to perform a disinfection operation on the object to be disinfected, an outer casing and at least one actuating door. The outer casing and the at least one actuating door define a disinfection compartment. The apparatus includes at least one position sensor for detecting the presence of an object to be disinfected having been positioned within the disinfection compartment, at least one obstruction sensor operable to detect whether at least a first safety zone is clear, and a central control unit, the central control unit being operable to control operation of the at least one actuating door, the at least one position sensor, the at least one obstruction sensor, and the at least one disinfection unit.