Automated Door Handle Cleaning via Motorized Linear Potentiometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated cleaning and disinfection systems for hollow tubes, such as door handles, face challenges including high friction leading to repeatable cleaning difficulties, lack of precise monitoring of the cleaning process, and bulkiness, which requires modifications to the door or mortise.
Innovation Solution
A compact automated cleaning and disinfection system using a motorized linear potentiometer for precise monitoring and control, ensuring repeatable cleaning over the entire length of the tube without the need for door modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a magnetic field is used to drive the ring along the lever, then the cleaning system can be automated, but radial forces are generated which accentuate friction and make repeatable cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-driven mechanical system with an electromechanical actuating device that uses a threaded spindle and motor. This substitution eliminates the radial forces generated by magnetic fields, thereby reducing friction between the ring and lever while maintaining automated operation, thus improving cleaning repeatability
2Speed
If a magnetic field with elevated or reduced air pressure is used to drive the coil, then the ring moves at relatively high speeds, but the liquid application by the pad becomes too rapid resulting in poor application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motorized linear potentiometer that provides feedback on the position and speed of the ring. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to regulate the motorized actuator to maintain optimal movement speed, ensuring proper liquid application quality while preserving automated high-speed operation
3Extent of automation
If a piston-cylinder assembly with magnetic coupling is used to actuate the ring, then automated cleaning is achieved, but the system becomes very bulky and requires modifications to the door or mortise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy piston-cylinder assembly and magnetic coupling components, replacing them with a compact electromechanical actuating device featuring a threaded spindle and motor. This extraction eliminates the need for bulky components and door modifications while preserving automated cleaning functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical actuating device is arranged inside the hollow tube, with the threaded spindle and motor contained within the lever structure. This nesting approach minimizes external space requirements and eliminates the need for door or mortise modifications while maintaining automated operation
4Device complexity
If an open loop system is used for ring actuation, then the system is simpler to implement, but no monitoring or regulation of movement is carried out resulting in unmonitored cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a motorized linear potentiometer that provides continuous feedback on the ring's position along the lever. This feedback enables the control system to monitor and regulate movement, ensuring complete coverage of the lever surface while maintaining reasonable system complexity through the use of a single position-sensing component
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 guarantees reliable, repeatable, and precise cleaning of hollow tubes, ensuring the absence of microbial germs and organic matter, while being discreet and compact, and compatible with conventional door handles.
Implementation Method 1
the electromechanical actuating element is a motorized linear potentiometer
Implementation Method 2
a ring (18) enclosing an absorbent pad impregnated with a disinfecting and/or degreasing liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (8) for cleaning and/or disinfecting a hollow tube (4), comprising: —The hollow tube (4), —a ring (18) mounted so as to slide over the hollow tube (4), the ring (18) enclosing an absorbent pad impregnated with a disinfecting and/or degreasing liquid, and arranged around the hollow tube (4). The system (8) further comprises an electromechanical actuation device (20) for actuating the ring arranged inside the hollow tube, the device being a motorised linear potentiometer and comprising a longitudinal translational drive element (26). Moreover, a longitudinal slot (11) is provided in the hollow tube (4), the element (26) protruding through the longitudinal slot (11) and being mechanically connected to the ring (18), in order to move the ring (18) in longitudinal translation along the hollow tube (4). The hollow tube (4) can be a lever for operating a door handle (2), or indeed a tube of a bar equipping a transport means, a T-bar door pull handle or a ramp.