Escalator Handrail Cleaning System with Segmented Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection systems for handrails of escalators and moving walkways do not effectively remove organic matter and microbial biofilms, leading to incomplete disinfection due to the inability of chemical agents and energy sources to penetrate through organic matter, and lack of standardization for easy integration with various escalator and moving walkway configurations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic system comprising a cleaning module for wet mechanical removal using a textured fabric soaked in disinfectant, a disinfection module with ultraviolet light and heat sources for drying, and a design allowing easy adaptation to any escalator or moving walkway configuration, ensuring thorough disinfection and maintenance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical agents and energy sources (ultraviolet/infrared) are applied for disinfection, then microorganism destruction is promoted, but the disinfection is incomplete due to inability to penetrate organic matter (glycocalyx)
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the disinfection process into two distinct stages: (1) mechanical cleaning stage using textured fabric to remove organic matter and glycocalyx, and (2) chemical/energy disinfection stage using disinfectant spray and ultraviolet light. This segmentation ensures that the disinfection agents can act effectively on the handrail surface without being blocked by organic matter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mechanical cleaning action before applying chemical agents and energy sources. The textured fabric mechanically removes the glycocalyx and organic matter that would otherwise block the disinfection process, creating a clean surface for subsequent effective disinfection.
2Reliability
If mechanical removal of handrail surface is performed, then organic matter and biofilm are eliminated, but the system must be adaptable to every type of escalator or moving walkway configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable components that can be dynamically configured to match different handrail geometries and escalator types. The mechanical cleaning elements and disinfection devices can be positioned and adjusted to ensure proper contact and effectiveness across various configurations while maintaining consistent cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a universal solution that can be applied to multiple types of escalators and moving walkways. By integrating adjustable mechanical cleaning, chemical disinfection, and ultraviolet irradiation in a modular configuration, the system achieves both effective cleaning and broad adaptability to different configurations.
3Reliability
If multiple functions (cleaning, disinfection, drying) are integrated into one system, then comprehensive disinfection is achieved, but integration into every type of escalator becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments comprehensive disinfection into three functional modules: mechanical cleaning module with textured fabric, chemical disinfection module with spray system, and drying module with heat source. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted, reducing integration complexity while maintaining comprehensive disinfection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges mechanical cleaning, chemical disinfection, and thermal drying functions into an integrated handrail treatment system. By combining these functions in sequence along the handrail path, the system achieves comprehensive disinfection while using shared structural support and control mechanisms to manage overall system 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
The system effectively removes organic matter and microbial biofilms, achieving comprehensive disinfection of handrails while being adaptable to various configurations, reducing microbial transmission, and enhancing public health safety with minimal human intervention and low maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning section is achieved through wet mechanical removal, promoting the removal by friction of the extracellular matrix
Implementation Method 2
disinfection through contact of the surface of the handrail with fabric soaked in a disinfectant solution... ultraviolet light action
Implementation Method 3
drying of the handrail surface occurs after it passes through the ultraviolet (UV) light and heat source for drying... evaporation of the disinfectant liquid using natural convection... or by forced convection... or by means of equipment capable of generating heat through radiation
Implementation Method 4
Incorporating antimicrobial nanoparticles into the cleaning and disinfection solution or incorporating them into the elastomer, which embodies the handrail, will contribute to disinfection by releasing the nanoparticles incorporated in the material
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention concerns a system for cleaning and disinfecting handrails (1) of escalators and moving walkways that automatically cleans and disinfects the surface by removing larger particles. It comprises: a cleaning module (A), which by the action of shafts (5)(9) and drive belts (10), powered by electric motors (6), unwinds and winds specific fabrics (4) to eliminate bacterial load, ensuring contact with the surface of the handrail (1), removing them through contact. There are tanks (8) connected to hoses (7) attached to injectors that spray droplets of a disinfectant liquid; a module for subjecting the handrail surface to action of ultraviolet light (B) by action of an ultraviolet light source (11) and the drying module (C) that promotes drying by convection through a heat source (12).