Escalator Handrail Sanitizing Roller for Continuous Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sanitation solutions for escalator handrails are bulky, require specialized personnel, and provide only intermittent sanitation, failing to continuously sanitize during operation, thus posing a risk of virus transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a tank, quick coupling means, a dispensing assembly with a rotatable dispenser roller, and a feeding path that uses gravity to feed sanitizing substance to the roller, which is mounted idlingly and rotates with the handrail to continuously sanitize.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sanitation machines are used to sanitize escalator handrails, then sanitation can be performed, but the devices are bulky, require specialized personnel, and can only provide intermittent sanitation rather than continuous sanitation during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is mounted to rotate freely without a motor, using the handrail's own motion to drive the sanitation process. The roller rotates passively as the handrail moves past it, automatically applying disinfectant continuously during escalator operation without requiring external power or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex motorized mechanical systems with a simple passive roller mechanism. Instead of using motors, controllers, and power supplies, the invention uses the natural motion of the escalator handrail to rotate the roller, which then applies disinfectant through contact
2Reliability
If sanitation is performed only at predetermined times (e.g., morning before opening), then the entire escalator can be sanitized at once, but the handrail becomes contaminated again as multiple users touch it throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous sanitation by positioning the dispensing assembly in contact with the moving handrail. As the handrail continuously moves through the device during escalator operation, the roller continuously applies disinfectant, maintaining sanitation effectiveness throughout the entire operating day rather than providing only periodic treatment
3Ease of operation
If a passive roller mounted on idle bearings is used, then the device requires no electricity and is simple to operate, but one must wait for the handrail to rotate the roller
Solution Approach 1:
The roller serves itself by using the handrail's motion to rotate. The passive roller mounted on idle bearings requires no external power source or manual operation - the friction between the roller and the moving handrail automatically rotates the roller at the appropriate speed to apply disinfectant continuously
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 ensures continuous sanitation of escalator handrails without requiring electricity or structural modifications, effectively preventing virus transmission by continuously applying disinfectant through contact with the handrail.
Implementation Method 1
a feeding path which feeds said sanitizing substance from the tank to the dispensing assembly
Implementation Method 2
said dispensing assembly comprises at least one rotatable dispenser roller... which is mounted idlingly and rotates with the handrail to continuously sanitize
Data Source
AI summary
The invention in question relates to a sanitizing device for sanitizing the handrail of a movable person conveyor, for example an escalator or a moving walkway, the device comprising: A tank for containing a sanitizing substance, for example a sanitizing liquid; Means for connecting said sanitizing device to a part of the movable conveyor; A dispensing element of the sanitizing substance; And wherein a feeding path is included for feeding said sanitizing substance from the tank to the dispensing element.