Electrostatic Disinfection Module for Autonomous Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The janitorial industry faces challenges in quickly and effectively disinfecting surfaces, particularly in high-touch areas, due to the inefficiencies of manual methods and labor shortages, which are exacerbated by the need for frequent disinfection in response to infectious diseases like COVID-19.

Innovation Solution

A semi-autonomous cleaning device equipped with a disinfection module that includes a fan, atomizer nozzle, and electrostatic module, capable of spraying disinfectant solutions onto surfaces, providing efficient and consistent disinfection with automated navigation and data collection on disinfection coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual scrubbing or spraying is used for disinfection, then disinfection can be performed on surfaces, but it requires substantial human labor and is prone to error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection efficiencyVSAvoidhuman labor burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements autonomous robotic devices that perform disinfection tasks independently without human intervention. The robots navigate autonomously, identify surfaces requiring disinfection, and apply disinfectant automatically, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for human operators to perform manual scrubbing or spraying tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical disinfection methods with automated robotic systems equipped with specialized end effectors. These robots use controlled spraying mechanisms and electrostatic application systems to deposit disinfectant, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical and electrostatic processes that are more consistent and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual cleaning staff disinfect frequently, then disinfection coverage increases, but error rate increases and sections are missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection consistencyVSAvoiddisinfection coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors, cameras, and navigation systems that allow robotic devices to detect surfaces, track their movement, and verify disinfection coverage in real-time. The system uses feedback from these detection mechanisms to adjust its path and ensure complete coverage, preventing missed sections and maintaining consistent disinfection quality across all surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs robotic devices that perform preliminary mapping and identification of surfaces requiring disinfection before the actual disinfection process begins. This preliminary action allows the system to plan its route and ensure comprehensive coverage, preventing missed sections and maintaining consistent disinfection quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If traditional spraying methods are used, then disinfection speed is maintained, but coverage precision and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection speedVSAvoiddisinfection coverage precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spraying systems with electrostatic spray technology. This substitution allows the disinfectant to be charged electrostatically, causing it to adhere more precisely and uniformly to surfaces. The electrostatic field ensures consistent distribution and coverage while maintaining rapid application speed, overcoming the limitations of traditional mechanical spraying methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces the burden on human labor, ensures consistent disinfection of high-touch areas, and provides cost-effective, flexible disinfection capabilities, enhancing safety and compliance with health regulations, particularly in public spaces like hospitals and airports.

Implementation Method 1

atomizer nozzle, capable of spraying disinfectant solutions onto surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization: Aerosol

Implementation Method 2

The system activates an electrostatically charged disinfection misting system which is designed to disinfect vertical surfaces and select horizontal surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20240299606A1Disinfection module for a semi-autonomous cleaning and disinfection device

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 AVIDBOTS CORP

AI summary

An autonomous or semi-autonomous cleaning device having a disinfection module mounted therein for disinfecting walls and objects in the areas it operates. The disinfection module consists of a fan, atomizer nozzle, an electrostatic module and a disinfection tank to store disinfection solution. The nozzle of the disinfection module will spray a stream of disinfection solution towards walls and objects to disinfect these surfaces. The system activates an electrostatically charged disinfection misting system which is designed to disinfect vertical surfaces and select horizontal surfaces.