Mobile UV Disinfection Robot for Close-Range Surface Sweeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection methods using UV light are inefficient due to the need for the UV light to be within a few centimeters of the surface, which is difficult to achieve with existing robots, and spraying chemicals is ineffective and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A UV-based disinfection system mounted on a mobile robotic arm that autonomously moves to disinfect surfaces by sweeping the UV light source close to the surface, using a framework that combines global localization and point cloud registration to control the robot's motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UV light is placed meters away from surfaces (fixed wall or mobile base), then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the disinfection effectiveness deteriorates because UV light decays significantly in air transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static UV light placement (fixed wall or mobile base) to dynamic UV light delivery through a robotic arm that can move and adjust its position. The robotic arm enables the UV light source to dynamically approach surfaces within a few centimeters, maintaining high intensity while preserving ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm serves as an intermediary between the operator and the UV light source. It automates the precise positioning and movement of the UV light, eliminating the need for manual placement while ensuring the light reaches within a few centimeters of surfaces for effective disinfection.
2Reliability
If UV light is brought within a few centimeters of surfaces, then the disinfection effectiveness is improved and disinfection time is reduced to seconds, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise motion control and surface tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service through autonomous operation. The robotic arm automatically navigates, positions, and tracks surfaces without human intervention. The integrated sensors and control algorithms enable the system to self-adjust and maintain optimal UV light positioning, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with automated robotic control. Instead of manual adjustment mechanisms, the system uses robotic arms with integrated sensors and software-based motion planning to achieve precise positioning, simplifying the overall mechanical complexity while maintaining high disinfection effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If current robot programming methods are used to sweep over surfaces, then the device complexity remains manageable, but the ability to achieve effective disinfection deteriorates because the robot cannot maintain consistent close proximity to complicatedly shaped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through integrated sensors that continuously monitor the distance between the UV light source and the surface. This real-time feedback enables the robotic arm to adjust its position dynamically, maintaining consistent close proximity to surfaces of any shape and ensuring uniform disinfection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm employs dynamic motion control to adapt to surfaces of complicated shapes. Instead of rigid sweeping motions, the arm dynamically adjusts its trajectory and positioning in real-time, maintaining optimal distance from irregular surfaces while preserving manageable device complexity through software-based control.
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
Achieves efficient and effective surface disinfection by ensuring the UV light is close to the surface, reducing disinfection time from hours to seconds while avoiding environmental harm from chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
a UV based surface disinfection system utilizes a UV light source that is mounted on a mobile robotic arm
Data Source
AI summary
A UV based surface disinfection system that consists of the UV light source, a robot arm, and an omni directional mobile base. The mobile robot can be programmed autonomously and be able to bring the UV light source to the centimeters away from surfaces to achieve effective and efficient surface disinfection. The mobile robot can navigate autonomously in a complicated environment to perform disinfection operation in a large area.