Electrostatic Spray Device for Disinfection Operator Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol dispensing devices for disinfection expose operators to health risks due to direct contact with disinfectants, particularly for individuals with asthma, COPD, or skin allergies, as they are typically handheld and lack mechanisms to minimize exposure.
Innovation Solution
A standalone aerosol dispensing device equipped with an electrostatic generator, time delay, and motion sensors, which ionizes the disinfectant and automatically operates the valve to spray the agent after a selected time delay, ensuring minimal operator exposure by preventing discharge when humans or animals are detected within the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handheld electrostatic applicators are used for disinfection, then transfer efficiency and surface coverage are improved, but operator exposure to disinfectants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of handheld applicators with an automated electrostatic spray system. The automated device uses an electrostatic generator to charge disinfectant particles and applies them through a nozzle system, eliminating the need for manual handling and direct operator contact with the chemical agent while maintaining effective surface coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated spray mechanism between the operator and the disinfectant. The system uses an electrostatic field as a mediator to transfer charged disinfectant particles to surfaces, allowing the operator to control the process remotely without direct exposure to the chemical agent.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is used for spray application, then device complexity is reduced, but operator safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual operation with an automated control system that uses sensors and microcontrollers to manage the spray process. The system automatically controls the electrostatic generator, spray nozzle, and timing mechanisms, eliminating operator exposure to health risks while managing complexity through automated safety features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service safety features where the automated system monitors and controls its own operation. The microcontroller manages the sequencing of operations, controls the electrostatic generator activation, and regulates spray timing, providing inherent safety without requiring complex manual intervention from the operator.
3Reliability
If electrostatic spray is used for disinfection, then virus and bacteria elimination is improved, but operator contact with chemical agent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual application methods with an automated electrostatic spray system that precisely controls the discharge and distribution of disinfectant. The automated mechanism ensures effective virus and bacteria elimination through consistent electrostatic charge application while eliminating operator contact with the chemical agent through remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the electrostatic field as an intermediary to deliver the disinfectant charge to surfaces. The charged particles are attracted to and adhere to surfaces through electrostatic forces, providing effective disinfection without requiring operator proximity or contact with the chemical agent.
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 device effectively reduces operator exposure to disinfectants, minimizing health risks and ensuring thorough disinfection of surfaces, including cracks and crevices, while preventing the spread of viruses, bacteria, and fungi in a controlled and localized manner.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic sprayers applying a positive charge to liquid disinfectants as they pass through a spray nozzle
Implementation Method 2
an agent which is ionized by an electrostatic generator
Implementation Method 3
motion sensor... preventing discharge when humans or animals are detected within the area
Data Source
AI summary
A spray device includes: a housing having a discharge opening; an electrode positioned near the discharge opening; an electrostatic generator coupled to the electrode; a compartment for receiving a pressurized canister of a chemical product having a valve movable between a closed position and an open position; an actuator configured to move the valve between the open and closed positions; a start switch configured to select a time delay; and an electronic controller programmed to respond to operation of the start switch by counting down the selected time delay, and at expiration of the selected time delay to: power the electrostatic generator, and operate the actuator to open the valve.