Dry Fog Disinfectant Dispersion for Fast Enclosure Sanitizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfecting and sanitizing methods for large enclosures, such as shipping containers and public transportation, are inefficient, time-consuming, and environmentally unsafe, as they rely on manual or solo robotic operations using toxic chemicals, and lack a fast and economical system to effectively disperse disinfectants across a wide range of indoor settings.
Innovation Solution
A disinfecting system with multiple dispensing ports and a network of conduits, utilizing a high-pressure fluid pump and dry fog misting nozzles to distribute disinfectants as an aerosol or mist, allowing for remote control of disinfectant flow and integration with various enclosures, including vehicles and shipping containers, to ensure thorough disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or solo robotic disinfecting methods are used, then the disinfection process can be performed with simple equipment, but the time required increases significantly (12-40+ hours per container)
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large enclosure into multiple zones served by multiple dispensing ports distributed throughout the space. Each port independently dispenses disinfectant, allowing parallel coverage of different areas simultaneously, thus reducing total disinfection time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple dispensing ports, fluid lines, and control valves into an integrated network system that operates simultaneously across the entire enclosure. This merged system achieves comprehensive coverage in parallel, dramatically increasing productivity compared to sequential manual or single-robot methods.
2Reliability
If toxic chemicals are used for disinfection, then effective pathogen elimination is achieved, but environmental safety and human health are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical parameters of the disinfectant by using EPA-approved, non-toxic formulations that maintain effective pathogen elimination while eliminating harmful environmental impacts. The dispersant technology enhances the performance of these safer chemicals, allowing them to achieve comparable or superior disinfection results without toxic side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful approach of using toxic chemicals into a beneficial system by employing non-toxic disinfectants combined with advanced aerosol dispersant technology. This transformation maintains or improves pathogen elimination effectiveness while eliminating the harmful environmental and health effects of traditional toxic disinfectants.
3Device complexity
If solo manual fogging devices or power washers are used, then equipment complexity is minimized, but the ability to effectively disperse disinfectant across large enclosures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from surface-level application (power washing) or localized fogging to three-dimensional aerosol dispersion throughout the entire enclosure volume. The multiple dispensing ports create a volumetric distribution pattern that ensures comprehensive coverage of all surfaces and air spaces, dramatically improving effectiveness over simple linear or point-source methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic fluid delivery systems and pneumatic aerosol generation to distribute disinfectant efficiently through a network of fluid lines to multiple dispensing ports. This fluid-based distribution infrastructure enables rapid, controlled delivery of disinfectant throughout the enclosure, achieving high productivity with a manageable level of system complexity.
4Loss of time
If high-pressure fluid pump systems with multiple dispensing ports are implemented, then disinfection speed and coverage are dramatically improved, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as a multi-functional platform that can serve various enclosure types (shipping containers, vehicles, buildings) through standardized dispensing ports and adaptable fluid line configurations. This universal design allows the complex system to be reused across multiple applications, amortizing the initial complexity investment and providing long-term value that justifies the increased device complexity.
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
This system enables rapid and economical disinfection of large enclosures, reducing the spread of pathogens and minimizing environmental impact by using EPA-approved, non-toxic disinfectants that can kill 95% or more of viruses and bacteria, while reducing labor and time required for disinfection processes.
Implementation Method 1
A disinfecting system with multiple dispensing ports and a network of conduits, utilizing a high-pressure fluid pump and dry fog misting nozzles to distribute disinfectants
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a high-pressure fluid pump and dry fog misting nozzles to distribute disinfectants as an aerosol or mist
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfecting system is configured for disinfecting an enclosure or a plurality of enclosures and includes a distribution conduit having a plurality of delivery conduits and dispensing ports. Valves enabling a flow of disinfectant to be controlled to the dispensing ports and these valves may be manual or may be electronic valves that are controlled remotely. An enclosure may be a vehicle such as an automobile, or aircraft, a lavatory and/or a shipping container. Each enclosure may comprise a portion of the disinfecting system, such as a dispensing port. A plurality of lavatories may each comprise one of the plurality of dispensing ports. An aircraft may comprise delivery conduits and a plurality of dispensing port and the distribution conduit may be coupled thereto to enable disinfecting of the aircraft between flight. The disinfectant may be an aerosol of a mist of liquid droplets.