Ice Dispenser Ozone Sanitization Without Bin Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ice storage and dispensing equipment in healthcare facilities requires frequent disassembly for sanitation, leading to intervals where microorganisms can contaminate the system through gaps and ice production, resulting in loss of sanitation.
Innovation Solution
A sanitation system using an ozone generator to circulate a sanitizing agent mixture of ozone and air through the ice storage bin, creating a positive pressure environment to sanitize interior surfaces and ice, while a vent ensures sanitization of the dispenser components without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sanitation is performed by emptying the bin and disassembling the machine, then sanitation can be applied to interior surfaces, but the frequency of sanitation is reduced to weeks or months, allowing microorganism contamination between sanitizing events
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-sanitization by circulating ozone gas through the ice storage bin and dispensing mechanism automatically. The ozone generator creates a sanitizing atmosphere that continuously treats surfaces without requiring manual intervention, emptying of the bin, or disassembly of components. This allows sanitation to occur frequently and continuously, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sanitation reliability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Ozone (O3) is a strong oxidant that effectively kills microorganisms through oxidation of cell walls and metabolic processes. By introducing ozone gas into the ice storage bin and dispensing system, the patent achieves rapid and thorough sanitation of all surfaces including hard-to-reach areas. This chemical oxidation method provides superior sanitation effectiveness compared to manual cleaning, enabling more frequent treatment cycles while maintaining system integrity.
2Reliability
If the ice storage bin is sealed to maintain sanitation, then microorganism entry is prevented, but access for manual sanitation requires disassembly of the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual sanitation process with a gas-phase ozone delivery system. Instead of requiring physical access through disassembly, ozone gas penetrates through designated openings (ice making chamber access, dispensing mechanism openings) to sanitize all interior surfaces. This substitution eliminates the need for complex disassembly procedures while maintaining effective sanitation of sealed components.
Solution Approach 2:
Ozone gas serves as an intermediary sanitizing agent that can reach surfaces through openings without requiring direct physical access. The gas phase allows ozone to penetrate complex geometries, joints, and crevices that would be difficult to access mechanically. This intermediary approach enables sanitation of sealed systems through minimal openings, reducing the need for disassembly.
3Productivity
If manual sanitation is performed infrequently, then operational disruption is minimized, but microorganisms can be introduced through gaps in joints, dispensing outlet, and ice production, causing loss of sanitation
Solution Approach 1:
The ozone sanitation system operates continuously or on frequent automated cycles, maintaining constant sanitizing presence in the ice storage bin and dispensing system. Unlike intermittent manual sanitation, the continuous ozone circulation prevents microorganism establishment by constantly treating surfaces and air. This continuous action ensures sanitation is maintained throughout operational periods without disruption to ice production or dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The strong oxidizing power of ozone rapidly eliminates microorganisms that attempt to enter through gaps, joints, and the dispensing outlet. This chemical action occurs continuously as ozone circulates through the system, providing immediate neutralization of contaminants before they can establish contamination. The oxidizing effect works on all surfaces including those accessible through normal operational openings.
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
This method maintains sanitary conditions within the ice storage and dispensing equipment by continuously purging and replacing non-ozone air with ozone-containing air, ensuring effective sterilization of all internal surfaces and components without the need for disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The sanitizing agent comprises a mixture of ozone and air that sanitizes one or more interior surfaces of the ice storage bin and of any ice disposed within the ice storage bin
Implementation Method 2
the orifices are sized to control flow rates in the first and second inlets so as to develop a positive pressure level within the ice storage bin
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for sanitation of ice storage equipment. An ozone generator provides a sanitizing agent comprised of a mixture of ambient air and ozone. The sanitizing agent is circulated through an ice storage bin. The sanitizing agent cleanses interior surfaces of the ice storage bin and also cleanses surfaces of an ice dispenser that dispenses ice from the ice storage bin.