Mobile UV Galley Cart for Vehicle Cabin Surface Sanitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UV light sanitizing systems for vehicles are large, bulky, and require fixed infrastructure, limiting their portability and efficiency in sanitizing internal cabin surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A galley cart equipped with UV light sources and a frame configured for use within a vehicle cabin, allowing portable sanitization by emitting UV light through transparent walls and compartments, with a power source for autonomy and a controller for operation control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed stationary UV light infrastructure is used, then sanitizing effectiveness is improved, but portability and mobility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitizing effectivenessVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed stationary UV light infrastructure is segmented into a mobile galley cart that can be moved throughout the vehicle. The UV light sources are divided into multiple units mounted on the cart, allowing distributed sanitization coverage while maintaining portability. The cart itself is divided into functional sections including UV light mounting areas, transparent walls for light transmission, and storage compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed infrastructure to a dynamic mobile platform. The galley cart is equipped with wheels for easy movement and can be positioned at different locations within the vehicle cabin. The UV light sources are mounted on movable cart structures, enabling dynamic deployment and repositioning to sanitize different areas as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If UV light sources are enclosed in opaque housing, then safety is improved, but light transmission and sanitizing capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidUV light transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The cart structure employs different wall properties in different locations: transparent walls in areas requiring UV light transmission for sanitization, and opaque walls in areas where light blocking is needed for safety or non-sanitizing functions. This localized differentiation allows the same structure to simultaneously achieve both light transmission and safety requirements in different zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Transparent walls serve as intermediaries that allow UV light to pass through while still providing structural containment. These transparent barriers enable the UV light to reach surfaces for sanitization without requiring direct exposure of the light sources, thus maintaining safety while ensuring effective light transmission through the cart structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If UV light sources are exposed externally, then light transmission is improved, but safety and protection of components deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV light transmissionVSAvoidcomponent protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Transparent walls act as intermediary structures that transmit UV light while providing physical protection and containment for the light sources. The light sources remain enclosed within the cart structure, protected from damage and accidental exposure, while the transparent walls allow the UV light to pass through effectively for sanitization purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If mobile galley cart is used, then portability is improved, but sanitizing coverage and effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsanitizing coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The UV light sanitization system is segmented into multiple light sources distributed across the mobile cart structure. This segmentation allows the cart to cover larger areas through multiple emission points simultaneously, compensating for the mobility limitation while maintaining comprehensive sanitizing coverage throughout the vehicle cabin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile galley cart is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both a storage cart and a UV light sanitization platform. The transparent walls and structured design enable effective light transmission while the mobility allows it to be deployed throughout different areas of the vehicle, achieving both portability and comprehensive coverage.

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

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

Provides efficient, safe, and portable UV light sanitization within vehicle cabins, ensuring effective pathogen elimination without the need for stationary infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources configured to emit UV light to sanitize one or more surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV light: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3943391B1Sanitizing galley cart for an internal cabin of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3943391B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3943391B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3943391B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A galley cart (200) is for use within an internal cabin (30, 80, 100, 242) of a vehicle (10). The galley cart (200) is configured to be stored within a cart compartment (244) within a galley (240) of the internal cabin (242). The galley cart (200) includes one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources (260) configured to emit UV light onto one or more surfaces of one or more components within the internal cabin (30, 80, 100, 242) to sanitize the one or more surfaces.