Automatic Handle Cleaning with Buffer Reserve and Relative Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically cleaning handles in high-traffic and sensitive public places are inefficient, unreliable, and costly, failing to provide complete and reproducible cleaning while maintaining ergonomic and compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a handle with a gripping surface, an application member for applying cleaning liquid, and a cleaning liquid supply system with a buffer reserve and actuation unit, allowing for efficient, space-saving, and low-energy cleaning, with the ability to reload the buffer reserve during masked time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cleaning system is used, then the handle can be cleaned, but the cleaning is irregular and incomplete, allowing microorganism transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates autonomously by detecting handle usage and automatically activating the cleaning sequence without human intervention. The system self-regulates the cleaning process, including liquid dosing and application timing, ensuring consistent and complete cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect handle usage and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback triggers the cleaning sequence and monitors the cleaning process, ensuring that cleaning is performed at appropriate intervals and with proper liquid dosing for complete coverage.
2Ease of operation
If a compact cleaning device is installed on the handle, then the handle remains ergonomic, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is nested within the handle structure, with the application member positioned inside the handle and the cleaning liquid reservoir integrated into the handle body. This nesting approach maintains the handle's external dimensions and ergonomic characteristics while incorporating the cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves dual functions: its primary gripping function and its secondary cleaning function. The same handle structure that users grip also houses the cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If cleaning liquid is continuously supplied to the application member, then the cleaning is effective, but the energy consumption and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning liquid supply operates periodically rather than continuously. The system activates the liquid pump and application member only during detected handle usage events, delivering precise doses of cleaning liquid. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective cleaning through targeted application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-doses the cleaning liquid into the application member before the actual cleaning action. The control unit activates the liquid supply mechanism in advance of the cleaning sequence, ensuring the application member is ready with the required liquid amount, which reduces the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment during operation.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the buffer reserve is reloaded during cleaning operation, then the cleaning can continue uninterrupted, but the liquid dosing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer reserve is reloaded with cleaning liquid during idle periods between handle usage events, not during active cleaning operations. The control unit monitors liquid levels and initiates reloading sequences when the handle is not in use, ensuring that dosing precision is maintained during actual cleaning while still providing uninterrupted operation.
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 achieves complete and reproducible cleaning of handles with minimal maintenance, low energy consumption, and autonomy, while maintaining ergonomic design and affordability.
Implementation Method 1
a unit for actuating the application member comprising driving means configured to move the application member relative to the gripping surface and/or to move the gripping surface relative to the application member, so as to apply cleaning liquid from the buffer reserve on the gripping surface during this relative displacement
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cleaning a handle, including a handle including a gripping surface to be disinfected, an application member for applying a cleaning liquid to the gripping surface, and cleaning liquid supply element including at least one reservoir for receiving cleaning liquid and distributing it to the application member. The application member includes at least one buffer reserve arranged in contact with the gripping surface. The device includes a unit for actuating the application member, including drive element configured to move the buffer reserve and/or the gripping surface relatively with respect to one another so as to apply cleaning liquid to substantially the entire gripping surface during this movement.