Modular Decontamination Device with Interchangeable Sensor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environment modification devices, such as decontamination equipment, are expensive, inflexible, difficult to move, and lack compatibility with third-party devices, making them unsuitable for rapid responses to environmental changes and emerging pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A modular device composed of interchangeable functional modules that can be connected to a main microcontroller, equipped with sensors and transmitters for communication and environmental monitoring, allowing for customizable decontamination processes and integration with smart devices for remote triggering and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known decontamination devices are designed with fixed functionality and proprietary software, then they can perform specific decontamination tasks, but they become expensive, inflexible, and difficult to adapt to emerging pathogens or environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules (decontamination module, sensor module, communication module, power module) that can be independently selected, configured, and interchanged. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different decontamination needs by simply changing modules rather than redesigning the entire system, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized module interface and open architecture enable a single base unit to support multiple decontamination functions through interchangeable modules. The system can perform various decontamination tasks (aerosol generation, vaporization, liquid dispensing) using the same platform with different functional modules, achieving versatility without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known devices use proprietary software and closed systems, then they can maintain controlled operation, but they prevent integration with third-party devices and limit data handling capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs standardized communication interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI, USB) and open protocols that enable seamless integration with third-party devices and systems. This universal interface approach maintains reliable control through well-defined communication standards while enabling broad interoperability with external sensors, actuators, and data processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller unit acts as an intermediary layer between the physical decontamination hardware and external systems. It provides a standardized interface that mediates communication between the device and third-party systems, ensuring reliable control while enabling flexible data exchange and integration with external devices through multiple communication protocols.
3Productivity
If known decontamination equipment is designed for comprehensive functionality, then they can handle complex environmental modifications, but they become sluggish, expensive to operate, and difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components that can be independently optimized for size and weight. The base unit contains only essential control electronics, while functional capabilities are added through smaller, specialized modules. This segmentation reduces overall device size and weight compared to integrated designs, improving portability while maintaining comprehensive functionality through module combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures its functionality by loading only the necessary functional modules for each specific task. Rather than having all functions permanently integrated, the device can swap modules based on operational requirements, reducing the physical footprint and weight when full functionality is not needed, thereby improving portability without sacrificing productivity when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular environment modification device receives different cores for performing different functions such as dispensing decontaminant agents. These cores are contained within a housing that can communicate with other like devices and with remote devices such as iOS or Android powered smart devices. Communication between multiple like devices provides the ability to accommodate spaces of varying size. Sensors within each device monitor the environment, sense temperature and pressure, the presence of certain pathogens, and sound. Sensed information is used by the device to make decisions, like suspension of the decontamination process. Sensed information is sent to smart devices which perform various interfacing or data collection functions.