Keypad Sterilization Assembly with Nozzle Spraying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization devices do not effectively address the need for continuous disinfection of keypads, which can contribute to the transmission of infectious bacterial diseases due to lack of targeted anti-bacterial solutions and regular sterilization mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A keypad sterilization device with a reservoir for anti-bacterial solution and nozzles that spray the solution onto the keys, coupled with a pump and timer for regular intervals, ensuring continuous disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a keypad is used for entering codes in public or semi-public settings, then the keypad enables frequent user interaction and functionality, but the keypad surface accumulates bacteria and becomes a transmission vector for infectious diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system operates continuously or at regular intervals to maintain the keypad surface free of bacteria. The pump delivers anti-bacterial solution through nozzles in a continuous or periodic manner, ensuring ongoing disinfection rather than single-point treatment, thus resolving the contradiction between frequent use and bacterial accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The keypad system sterilizes itself through an integrated pump and nozzle system that delivers anti-bacterial solution directly to the keypad surface. This self-sterilization capability eliminates the need for manual cleaning by users, allowing the keypad to maintain hygiene autonomously while remaining accessible for continuous use.
2Reliability
If sterilization is performed frequently to maintain keypad hygiene, then bacterial transmission is reduced, but the complexity of the sterilization system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system serves multiple functions: it stores anti-bacterial solution in a reservoir, delivers the solution through controlled pumping action, and distributes it via nozzles to multiple keypad surfaces simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sterilization devices for each keypad, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliable sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a pump to hydraulically deliver anti-bacterial solution through tubing to nozzles positioned near the keypad surfaces. This hydraulic delivery mechanism provides controlled, consistent application of the sterilizing agent without requiring complex mechanical or manual intervention, achieving reliable sterilization with moderate system complexity.
3Reliability
If anti-bacterial solution is sprayed continuously onto the keypad, then sterilization coverage is maximized, but the amount of solution required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, delivering bursts of anti-bacterial solution at intervals sufficient to maintain sterilization effectiveness. This periodic operation reduces overall solution consumption while ensuring that the keypad surface remains adequately disinfected between cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are positioned to deliver anti-bacterial solution directly to the specific areas of the keypad surface that require sterilization, rather than spraying the entire surrounding area. This targeted local application maximizes sterilization coverage at the needed locations while minimizing wasteful solution consumption in non-critical areas.
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 inhibits the transmission of infectious diseases by maintaining the sterility of keypads, reducing the risk of public health crises through continuous and targeted disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the nozzles sprays a measured amount of the anti-bacterial solution onto the keys to sterilize the keys
Data Source
AI summary
A keypad sterilization assembly includes a keypad that has a plurality of keys is movably integrated therein. The plurality of keys can be manipulated for entering an alpha-numeric code. A fluid port is coupled to the keypad and a reservoir is fluidly attachable to the fluid port. The reservoir contains an anti-bacterial solution. A pair of nozzles is provided and each of the nozzles is coupled to the keypad. Each of the nozzles is directed toward the plurality of keys and each of the nozzles is in fluid communication with the fluid port. Additionally, each of the nozzles sprays a measured amount of the anti-bacterial solution onto the keys to sterilize the keys.