Entryway Sanitizing Assembly with UV and Mist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitizing assemblies do not effectively neutralize microbes using a combination of ultraviolet radiation and disinfectant mist, particularly in motion-activated systems.
Innovation Solution
A motion-activated sanitizing assembly comprising a frame with a motion sensor, a UV lamp emitting radiation in the 200-280 nanometer range, and nozzles that generate a disinfectant mist from a reservoir, actuated by a controller to neutralize microbes upon detection of user approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a combination of UV radiation and disinfectant mist is used to neutralize microbes, then the effectiveness of microbial neutralization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines UV radiation and disinfectant mist delivery into a single integrated sanitizing assembly, merging two different sanitization mechanisms (UV lamp and pump-driven nozzle system) into one coordinated device that activates simultaneously upon motion detection
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitizing assembly performs multiple functions through a single device: UV radiation for microbial neutralization, disinfectant mist application for enhanced sanitization, and motion-activated control for automated operation, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate devices
2Ease of operation
If motion sensor activation is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic motion sensor activation to trigger the UV lamp and pump only when needed (upon detecting user approach), rather than operating continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining automated convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor automatically detects user approach and triggers the sanitization sequence without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself by autonomously activating and deactivating based on environmental conditions
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
Effectively neutralizes microbes on users by combining UV radiation and disinfectant mist, providing enhanced microbial reduction at entry points.
Implementation Method 1
A lamp is engaged to the frame and is configured to emit ultraviolet radiation into the opening. The lamp is configured to emit the ultraviolet radiation to neutralize microbes on a user passing through the opening
Implementation Method 2
The pump is configured to pump the disinfectant solution to the nozzles to generate a disinfectant mist to neutralize the microbes on the user passing through the disinfectant mist in the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An entryway sanitizing assembly for neutralizing microbes on an entrant includes a frame, which defines an opening through which a user can pass. A first sensor, which detect motion, is engaged to the frame and can detect a user approaching the opening. A lamp engaged to the frame emits ultraviolet radiation into the opening to neutralize microbes on the user passes through the opening. A plurality of nozzles is engaged to the frame and is directed into the opening. A pump is operationally engaged to the plurality of nozzles and to a reservoir containing a disinfectant solution. The disinfectant solution is pumped by the pump to the nozzles to generate a disinfectant mist to neutralize the microbes on the user passing through the opening. A controller selectively actuates the lamp and the pump upon detection of motion by the first sensor.