Mobile sterilization vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional floor scrubbers are unable to effectively sterilize and disinfect surfaces against viruses such as COVID-19, SARS, and Influenza.

Innovation Solution

A mobile sterilization vehicle equipped with a drive system, water absorption rake, brush disc, sterilization structure, air filtration system, and power supply, which includes a disinfecting tube, fan, and aerosol nozzles to deliver chlorine dioxide, capable of washing floors, providing clean air, and eliminating viruses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional floor scrubber is used to clean floors, then the floor washing function is achieved, but the sterilization and disinfection capability against viruses is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines floor washing and air sterilization functions into a single mobile vehicle. The sterilization structure with chlorine dioxide generation system is integrated with the floor scrubbing system, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of both functions without requiring separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile vehicle is designed to perform multiple functions: floor scrubbing, water absorption, and air sterilization. The sterilization structure can operate independently or in conjunction with the floor cleaning system, making the device versatile for both cleaning and disinfection purposes.

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

2Reliability

If a sterilization structure with multiple components is added to achieve virus elimination, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirus elimination effectivenessVSAvoidsterilization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization structure is divided into distinct functional modules: chlorine dioxide storage tank, heating ring for vaporization, fan for air circulation, and control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses chlorine dioxide as an intermediary substance to achieve sterilization. The heating ring vaporizes liquid chlorine dioxide, and the fan distributes the vapor throughout the space, effectively eliminating viruses without requiring direct contact between the device and contaminated surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If chlorine dioxide delivery system with heating and aerosol nozzles is implemented, then the disinfection capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisinfection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses pneumatic principles where the fan creates air flow to distribute chlorine dioxide vapor. The heating ring vaporizes the liquid chlorine dioxide, and the aerosol nozzles utilize air pressure to spray the disinfectant, simplifying the mechanical components required for delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The heating ring changes the temperature parameter of chlorine dioxide to convert it from liquid to vapor phase. The aerosol nozzles change the physical state by creating fine droplets or vapor distribution, enhancing the disinfection effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical delivery mechanisms.

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

Effectively washes and sterilizes floors while purifying the air to eliminate viruses like COVID-19, SARS, and Influenza, using a combination of mechanical cleaning and disinfection technologies.

Implementation Method 1

the heating ring heats the stop mesh element to 100 ℃ so as to heat and stop the bacteria and the virus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a front end of the fan is connected with the motor, and a rear end of the fan is coupled with the disinfecting tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

the rotatable spray ring has a coupling tube and multiple aerosol nozzles, the coupling tube passes through the through hole of the central opening and communicates with the accommodation box, and the multiple aerosol nozzles are spaced angularly, face inward, and communicate with the coupling tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerosol: Aerosol

Implementation Method 4

The filter is fixed in an air conduit and is located above the sterilization structure, and the air outlet is located above the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3944802B1Mobile sterilization vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 CHEN YUN YUEH
  • EP3944802B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3944802B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3944802B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile sterilization vehicle contains: a body, a drive system, a water absorption rake, a brush disc, a lid, an air inlet defined on a rear end of the lid, a sterilization structure accommodated in the cover, located above the chassis, facing the drive system, and communicating with the air inlet, an air outlet defined on the lid, an air conduit communicating with the sterilization structure and the air outlet. The mobile sterilization vehicle further contains a filter fixed in an air conduit, a storage tank secured on the body and communicating with the brush disc, an accommodation box disposed on the body and being in communication with the sterilization structure, and a power supply fixed on the body and electrically connected with the drive system and the sterilization structure.