Method and system for the sanitisation of surfaces in a confined environment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface sanitizing technologies in confined environments face challenges in adapting to varying environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and microorganism resistance, leading to ineffective disinfection due to incorrect concentration and contact time of disinfectants, which can result in microbial resistance and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a sanitizing apparatus with a control unit that detects environmental parameters and adjusts the dispensing of a decontaminant in the form of mist, ensuring the correct concentration and contact time based on predefined protocols, using interchangeable single-dose packs to maintain chemical-physical integrity and monitor the sanitizing process for compliance with safety standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If exothermic misting technologies are used to disperse decontaminant in the air, then the sanitizing coverage is improved, but the control over concentration and contact time becomes difficult leading to ineffective disinfection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitizing coverageVSAvoidcontrol over concentration and contact time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity) and decontaminant concentration in real-time. This feedback is transmitted to a central processing unit that automatically adjusts the dispensing rate and duration to maintain optimal concentration levels and contact time, resolving the control reliability issue while maintaining broad sanitizing coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration and monitoring of misting parameters with an automated electronic control system. The mechanical/manual adjustment of decontaminant dispersion is substituted with electronic sensors, processors, and automated dispensing mechanisms that precisely control concentration and exposure time based on real-time environmental data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration by professional operator is used, then the setup flexibility is improved, but the operational complexity and human intervention requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup flexibilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting environmental parameters (volume, temperature, humidity) and calculating optimal decontaminant dispensing parameters. The automated control system eliminates the need for manual setup while maintaining adaptability to different confined environments through sensor-based environmental assessment and protocol selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If sensor systems for monitoring are introduced, then the traceability and documentation are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraceability and documentationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs multiple functions: it monitors environmental parameters, controls decontaminant dispensing, tracks treatment parameters, and generates documentation all through a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated systems for each function while maintaining comprehensive traceability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If the decontaminant concentration is not optimized based on environmental parameters, then the application speed is improved, but the disinfection effectiveness decreases leading to microbial resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication speedVSAvoiddisinfection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, volume) before initiating decontaminant dispensing. Based on this preliminary data, the control system pre-calculates optimal concentration and dispensing rates, allowing rapid application while ensuring effectiveness from the start of the treatment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts decontaminant concentration and dispensing parameters based on real-time environmental conditions. Temperature and humidity sensors trigger automatic parameter modifications to maintain optimal disinfection effectiveness across varying environmental conditions while preserving treatment speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures effective disinfection by optimizing disinfectant concentration and contact time, preventing microbial resistance and ensuring safety standards are met, while maintaining the chemical-physical integrity of the decontaminant and allowing for precise monitoring and documentation of the sanitizing process.

Implementation Method 1

a) detecting the concentration of decontaminant dispersed in the air in the confined environment by means of first sensor means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4442286A1Method and system for the sanitisation of surfaces in a confined environment
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 AMIL CARE ITALIA SRL
  • EP4442286A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4442286A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4442286A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for carrying out, tracing, monitoring and controlling an airborne disinfection treatment of surfaces of a confined environment, using a system of devices and a decontaminant.