Mobile Vapor Deactivation Control for Complex Room Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temporary deactivation systems for biological and chemical contaminants in rooms are hazardous for operators and inadequately distribute vaporous deactivating agents, especially in large or complexly shaped spaces.

Innovation Solution

A mobile, self-contained deactivation apparatus that includes a source of vaporous deactivating agents, a gas handling system, a support member, drive means for propulsion, and a control system to effectively distribute the agent throughout a defined region, using sensors and a system controller to determine and maintain optimal deactivation parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a system of ducts, fans, and hoses is used to distribute vaporous deactivating agent, then the deactivation function is provided, but the system may not adequately distribute the agent throughout large or complexly shaped rooms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadequacy of deactivation agent distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of duct and hose system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deactivation system is segmented into multiple mobile robotic units, each independently distributing deactivating agent. This replaces the single complex duct system with multiple simpler, autonomous agents that can navigate and distribute throughout the space, improving coverage in large or complexly shaped rooms while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile robotic units are self-contained and autonomous, requiring no external ductwork or hose connections. Each unit independently generates, distributes, and controls its own deactivating agent, eliminating the need for complex centralized distribution infrastructure while maintaining reliable coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If human operators operate the deactivation system, then the system can be controlled, but operators must wear protective clothing due to hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrollability of deactivation systemVSAvoidhazard to human operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile robotic units are fully autonomous and self-contained, performing all deactivation operations without human operators in the immediate vicinity. The robots independently navigate, distribute deactivating agent, and monitor environmental conditions, eliminating the need for protective clothing while maintaining full operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Human operators are replaced with mobile robotic units that use sensors, processors, and automated mechanisms to control deactivation operations. The robotic system substitutes human mechanical control with automated electronic control, removing operators from hazardous environments while preserving system controllability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If vaporous deactivating agents are used, then deactivation of contaminants is achieved, but the agents are hazardous to humans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of contaminant deactivationVSAvoidhazard to human operators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile robotic units are self-contained systems that generate, distribute, and control deactivating agents independently without human presence. This autonomy allows the use of effective but hazardous vaporous agents while protecting human operators by completely removing them from the hazardous environment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile robotic units serve as intermediaries between human operators and the hazardous deactivating agents. The robots handle all interactions with the hazardous substances, acting as a protective barrier that allows effective deactivation while eliminating direct human exposure to harmful vapors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8409501B2Method of deactivating contaminants in a region using a mobile deactivation apparatus

Publication Date: 2013.04.02 AMERICAN STERILIZER CO

AI summary

A mobile deactivation apparatus for deactivating contaminants within a defined region that includes a source of a vaporous deactivating agent, a gas handling system, a support member, a drive means, a control system, and a power system is disclosed. The gas handling system dispenses the vaporous deactivating agent to the defined region. The support member is movable in the defined region and supports the source of the vaporous deactivating agent and the gas handling system. The support member can be propelled by the drive means. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the gas handling system and the drive means. A power system is provided to supply power to the mobile deactivation apparatus.