Automated Electrostatic Disinfection for Mobile Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic spray disinfecting systems require human operator participation and are not suitable for use in environments that are in motion or frequently used, such as ambulance compartments, where there is a need for rapid disinfection between patient transfers.
Innovation Solution
An automated electrostatic spray disinfecting system integrated into a mobile environment, comprising an electrostatic sprayer, a reservoir of disinfecting material, and an electrical switching circuit, which can be activated and deactivated to deliver electrical power to the sprayer, allowing for electrostatic charging and spraying of disinfectant particles without human intervention, even when the environment is in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation of electrostatic spray disinfecting system is used, then the system can be operated with simple controls, but the system cannot be operated automatically and requires human operator participation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automatic activation upon detecting motion of the mobile environment. The control system automatically initiates the electrostatic spray disinfection process without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself based on detected operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates motion detection feedback to automatically control the disinfection process. When the mobile environment (ambulance) is detected to be in motion, the system receives this feedback signal and automatically activates the electrostatic spray system to perform disinfection during transit between patients.
2Productivity
If electrostatic spray disinfecting is performed manually, then the operator can control the spraying process, but the operator cannot maintain balance while the ambulance is traveling and there is insufficient time between patient transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically initiating disinfection as soon as motion is detected, rather than waiting for the ambulance to stop. This allows the disinfection process to begin in advance during the transit period between patient transfers, maximizing the use of available time without requiring manual activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical manual operation with an automated control system that uses motion detection and electronic control to activate the electrostatic spray mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for an operator to physically handle the spray system while the ambulance is in motion, making the process both safer and more efficient.
3Reliability
If the electrostatic sprayer is mechanically coupled in a preselected position, then the intended surfaces are sprayed effectively, but the system requires complex positioning and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic sprayer is designed with universal coupling capabilities that can be mechanically attached to various positions within the mobile environment. The preselected positioning is optimized to provide effective coverage of intended surfaces through the electrostatic attraction mechanism, which naturally draws charged particles to surfaces regardless of the specific mounting location, reducing the need for precise alignment.
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
Enables efficient and automatic disinfection of ambulance compartments and similar mobile environments without the need for human operators, ensuring thorough coverage and reducing the complexity and cost of the disinfection process.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical switching circuit allows electrical power to be delivered from the electrical power source to the electrostatic sprayer to electrostatically charge the particles of the disinfecting material delivered to the electrostatic sprayer
Implementation Method 2
The electrical charge on the particles in the spray or mist repel one another and actively seek out surfaces, which the particles stick to and even wrap around to coat the sides of the surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic spray disinfecting system is integrated into a mobile environment to enable the mobile environment to be automatically subjected to an electrostatic spraying operation when the mobile environment is moving or stationary without the need for a human operator to participate in the spraying operation. An electrostatic sprayer of the system is mechanically coupled to a structure of the mobile environment in a preselected position relative to an internal compartment of the mobile environment. A reservoir of disinfecting material and is fluidly coupled to the electrostatic sprayer for delivering a flow of the disinfecting material to the sprayer. When an electrical switching circuit is placed in an On state, electrical power is delivered to the electrostatic sprayer to electrostatically charge the particles of the disinfecting material delivered to the electrostatic sprayer and to cause the electrostatically-charged particles to be sprayed from the electrostatic spray nozzle into the internal compartment.