Gas Pump Handle Sanitization via Automated Cover Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequent use of gas pump handles leads to the transfer of contaminants like germs, bacteria, and viruses, making manual sanitization inconvenient and difficult, as there is little time between uses and often no cleaning stations available.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising nozzles on gas pump terminals or covers that dispense sanitizer when the handle is resting, activated by a controller connected to sensors to automate the sanitization process, ensuring the handle is sanitized between uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sanitization of gas pump handles is performed, then hygiene is improved, but convenience deteriorates due to frequent usage and lack of time between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The gas pump terminal performs self-sanitization through an automated system that detects when the handle is resting and automatically dispenses sanitizer without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect handle position and automatically activates the sanitization process, eliminating the need for users to manually clean the handle while maintaining hygiene between uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sanitization in advance before the handle is used again. By detecting when the handle is resting and automatically applying sanitizer beforehand, the system ensures the handle is clean before the next user touches it, eliminating the need for manual sanitization at the moment of use.
2Reliability
If automated sanitization system is installed, then hygiene is improved through automatic sanitization, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas pump terminal integrates multiple functions into a single system: it performs both the primary gas dispensing function and the secondary sanitization function through integrated components. The controller manages both operations, and the handle assembly serves both as a gas delivery mechanism and a sanitized surface, reducing the need for separate dedicated sanitization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitization system is merged with the existing gas pump terminal structure. The controller that manages gas pump operations also controls the sanitization process. The handle assembly combines both gas dispensing and sanitization functions, integrating multiple systems into a unified device rather than adding completely separate equipment.
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 reduces the spread of contaminants by ensuring gas pump handles are sanitized automatically between uses, enhancing hygiene without requiring manual intervention or frequent cleaning stations.
Implementation Method 1
A nozzle able to be positioned on a gas pump terminal or on a cover... oriented to dispense sanitizer on the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for sanitizing a gas pump handle. A cover at least partially encloses the gas pump handle. The cover is able to be moved from a covered position to an uncovered position. Located on the cover are one or more nozzles or foggers for dispensing sanitizing fluid onto the handle. Sensors detect the position of the cover or the detect whether or not the handle is in the rest position. A controller, in communication with the sensors, sends a command to a pump to spray sanitizer through the nozzle or foggers after a user has pumped gas and returned the handle or the cover to the rest position.