Self-Powered Handrail Sterilizer with UV and Brush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handrail sterilizing devices for escalators and moving walks are either bulky, complicated, or ineffective in preventing bacterial propagation, and they often risk corroding the handrail's mechanical components due to water usage or fail to collect visitor information efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered handrail sterilizing device that converts the rotational motion of the handrail into power to operate an ultraviolet lamp module for sterilization and includes a cleaning brush for foreign material removal, while also incorporating sensors and communication modules to collect visitor information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a water tank and detergent are used to moisten the handrail, then the handrail can be cleaned, but the device volume increases and structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water tank and detergent storage components from the cleaning device, extracting the essential cleaning function through a brush mechanism that operates without liquid contaminants. This eliminates the complexity and volume associated with fluid storage while maintaining handrail cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid-based cleaning system with a mechanical brush system. The brush, driven by a motor, physically removes contaminants from the handrail surface through mechanical action rather than liquid dissolution, eliminating the need for water tanks and detergent delivery mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If a large amount of water is used to moisten the handrail, then the handrail can be cleaned, but water permeates into the space between the handrail and fixed frame causing corrosion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid water-based cleaning with a dry mechanical brush system. The brush physically removes contaminants without introducing water into the space between the handrail and fixed frame, thereby eliminating the corrosion risk associated with water permeation while maintaining effective handrail cleaning.
3Ease of manufacture
If a brush is used to clean the handrail surface, then dust can be removed, but stains with viscosity cannot be cleaned and bacterial propagation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical brush cleaning function with ultraviolet sterilization function into a single integrated device. The brush removes dust and superficial stains while the ultraviolet lamp simultaneously kills bacteria and prevents propagation, addressing the limitations of brush-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ultraviolet radiation, which has strong oxidizing properties, to destroy bacterial cell walls and break down viscous stains. The ultraviolet light generates reactive oxygen species that chemically degrade contaminants, providing a more effective cleaning mechanism than mechanical brush action alone.
4Reliability
If a ultraviolet lamp module is installed to sterilize the handrail, then bacterial propagation is prevented, but the device requires power conversion from rotational motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-powered design where the rotational motion of the handrail itself serves as the power source. A generator converts the handrail's rotational movement directly into electrical energy to operate the ultraviolet lamp, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex power conversion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous operation by harnessing the constant rotational motion of the handrail. As the handrail continuously moves, it continuously generates power through the integrated generator, providing uninterrupted energy supply to the ultraviolet sterilization lamp without requiring external power intervention.
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 effectively sterilizes handrails with enhanced irradiation range, maintains public health, and provides valuable visitor information for advertisement cost calculation, all while being simple to install and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a power unit installed at an inner side of the housing to convert a rotational motion depending on driving of the handrail into power
Implementation Method 2
a ultraviolet lamp module installed on an inner surface of the opening of the housing and configured to irradiate sterilizing light to the handrail through the power of the power unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a self-powered type handrail sterilizing device and a device for collecting visitor information using the same. The self-powered type handrail sterilizing device includes: a housing having an opening fastened to a handrail of an escalator or a moving walk; a power unit installed at an inner side of the housing to convert a rotational motion depending on driving of the handrail into power; and a ultraviolet lamp module installed on an inner surface of the opening of the housing and configured to irradiate sterilizing light to the handrail through the power of the power unit.