Drone Sterilization for Vehicle Interiors Using Sensor-Guided UV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a method to effectively sterilize vehicle interiors using drones, as existing drone configurations are not designed for interior operation, and there is a need for efficient disinfection and air purification in areas with varying levels of contamination and user presence.
Innovation Solution
A drone-based system that determines infected areas using sensors, performs intensive sterilization by flying within the vehicle, and adjusts sterilization methods based on contamination levels and air quality, including UV sterilization and disinfectant application, while ensuring passenger safety and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a drone is used for sterilization in vehicle interiors, then sterilization efficiency and coverage are improved, but device complexity and operational safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone system is divided into separate functional modules: sensing module for detecting infected areas, flight control module for navigation, sterilization module for UV radiation or disinfectant application, and communication module for coordinating with vehicle systems. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform sensing, navigation, sterilization through UV radiation, and disinfectant application. By integrating multiple functions into a single platform, the system eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If intensive sterilization is performed in infected areas, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone system applies intensive sterilization only to locally identified infected areas rather than performing uniform sterilization throughout the entire vehicle interior. The sensing module detects specific contaminated zones, and the sterilization module concentrates UV radiation or disinfectant application on these localized areas, thereby improving disinfection effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module performs preliminary detection of infected areas before the sterilization process begins. By identifying and mapping contaminated zones in advance, the system can plan efficient sterilization routes and concentrate resources on high-priority areas, reducing the time and energy required for effective disinfection.
3Area of stationary object
If the drone operates within the vehicle interior, then sterilization coverage is improved, but safety risks and operational constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms where the sensing module monitors the vehicle interior environment in real-time, and the flight control module adjusts the drone's position, speed, and sterilization intensity based on this feedback. This dynamic adjustment ensures comprehensive coverage while maintaining safety by reducing operational intensity in areas close to passengers or with restricted access.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone employs dynamic flight control that adapts to the vehicle interior environment, adjusting altitude, speed, and movement patterns based on real-time conditions. The sterilization module dynamically adjusts radiation intensity or disinfectant application rates according to the drone's proximity to sensitive areas, thereby maintaining comprehensive coverage while minimizing safety risks.
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 provides automated and targeted sterilization, improving user environment and convenience by adapting to different infection levels and areas, ensuring effective disinfection and air purification.
Implementation Method 1
performing ultraviolet (UV) sterilization or disinfectant application
Implementation Method 2
performing air purification through a purification unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sterilizing a vehicle interior using a drone includes: receiving information on whether a passenger is boarding or the passenger has initiated a sterilization request; and when the passenger does not ride in a vehicle or the sterilization request is received from the passenger, performing, with a drone, a set of instructions to implement a sterilization logic. In particular, the sterilization logic includes determining an infected area using a sensor part, and allowing the drone to fly and performing intensive sterilization in the infected area.