Handle Cleaning Mechanism Using Motion-Powered Liquid Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically cleaning handles in high-traffic areas are inefficient, unreliable, and costly to maintain, often failing to ensure complete disinfection and degreasing due to irregular use and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A compact, energy-autonomous handle cleaning device with a buffer reserve and a liquid supply system that uses mechanical energy from handle operation to apply a disinfecting solution, featuring a porous applicator pad for efficient liquid distribution and a mechanical energy recovery mechanism to power the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods are used for handles, then the cleaning process is simple and low-cost, but the disinfection is incomplete and transmission risk remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The handle cleaning device operates autonomously by recovering mechanical energy from the handle's own movement. When a user operates the handle, the movement is captured and stored, then automatically used to power the cleaning mechanism without external energy input. This self-service approach ensures reliable disinfection while avoiding complex external power systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical state and parameters of the cleaning liquid through controlled application. The buffer reserve maintains liquid at optimal concentration and temperature, while the application member delivers it at precise flow rates to ensure complete surface coverage and effective disinfection, transforming manual cleaning into a controlled chemical-physical process.
2Reliability
If existing automatic cleaning systems are implemented, then disinfection coverage is improved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device converts the kinetic energy inherent in normal handle usage into useful mechanical work for cleaning. The movement that would otherwise be wasted is captured by the recovery mechanism, stored, and then utilized to power the cleaning application, transforming a potentially harmful waste product into a beneficial energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed periodically based on handle usage patterns rather than continuously. The energy recovery mechanism accumulates energy during idle periods and normal usage, then activates the cleaning function at optimal intervals, ensuring complete disinfection while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary continuous operation.
3Productivity
If manual cleaning is performed, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning is irregular and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors handle usage automatically and triggers cleaning operations based on detected usage patterns. The microprocessor controls the timing and execution of cleaning cycles without human intervention, ensuring consistent and complete cleaning frequency while maintaining relatively simple mechanical components compared to continuous monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer reserve pre-stores the cleaning liquid at the application member, ready for immediate deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a cleaning cycle is triggered by handle usage, the liquid is already positioned and ready for application, enabling rapid and frequent cleaning operations without complex real-time liquid delivery systems.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact cleaning device is designed, then the space requirement is reduced, but the liquid supply reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer reserve is nested within or adjacent to the handle structure, with the application member positioned to draw liquid directly from this compact reservoir. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall device volume while ensuring the liquid supply pathway remains short and reliable, preventing supply failures despite the compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning liquid is applied locally and directly to the handle surface through the application member, which is positioned in close proximity to the gripping area. This localized application ensures that the cleaning function is concentrated where most needed, maintaining high reliability of liquid supply to the critical surface while minimizing the volume required for the buffer reserve.
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 complete and reproducible disinfection and degreasing of handles with minimal maintenance, reduced energy consumption, and low operational costs, maintaining hygiene in high-traffic areas effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an application member (10) in the form of a bushing mounted around said gripping surface (3), comprising a buffer reserve (24) in contact with the gripping surface (3) and configured to contain a volume of cleaning liquid determined to clean the entire gripping surface (3) during a relative displacement of the application member (10) on the gripping surface (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cleaning a handle, includes 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 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 a driver 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.