Occupancy-Driven UV Sanitizer Control to Reduce Pathogen Exposure Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing pathogen exposure in buildings are largely manual and lack a data-driven, unobtrusive approach to track and disinfect spaces effectively, especially in facilities with varying occupancy levels.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing occupancy sensors and UV sanitizers, controlled by a controller that determines optimal disinfection times based on sensor data and facility usage patterns, automatically sanitizes surfaces when spaces are unoccupied, integrating with Property Management Systems for efficient operation in hotels and other facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual disinfection by cleaning staff is used, then pathogen exposure risk is reduced, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic disinfection where the UV sanitizer operates autonomously based on occupancy sensor data and PMS integration, eliminating the need for manual scheduling and execution by cleaning staff. The system self-determines when disinfection is needed and executes it without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disinfection processes with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, controllers, and UV sanitizers. The mechanical action of cleaning staff is substituted with an automated control system that monitors occupancy and triggers disinfection automatically.
2Reliability
If frequent disinfection is performed, then pathogen exposure risk is reduced, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts disinfection frequency based on real-time occupancy data and rental status from the PMS. Rather than fixed scheduling, the disinfection timing adapts to actual usage patterns, performing disinfection only when spaces are unoccupied and truly need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses occupancy sensors and PMS data as feedback mechanisms to determine when disinfection is necessary. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary disinfection of empty spaces that don't require treatment, optimizing energy usage while maintaining pathogen control.
3Reliability
If disinfection is performed during occupancy, then continuous protection is provided, but disruption to occupants and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs disinfection in advance during periods when spaces are confirmed unoccupied through occupancy sensors and PMS rental status. By preparing and executing disinfection before occupancy begins, the system ensures protection is ready without exposing occupants to UV radiation or disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The occupancy sensor and PMS system act as intermediaries that monitor space status and mediate between the need for disinfection and occupant safety. They determine the appropriate timing, ensuring disinfection occurs only when safe and necessary, bridging the gap between continuous protection needs and occupant welfare.
4Reliability
If manual tracking of space disinfection status is used, then pathogen risk is managed, but time consumption and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks and manages disinfection status for multiple spaces without human intervention. The controller monitors occupancy sensors and PMS data, automatically determining which spaces need disinfection and tracking their status, eliminating manual record-keeping and scheduling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides universal tracking and management capabilities across multiple spaces simultaneously through a single integrated controller that interfaces with the PMS. This multi-functional approach replaces numerous individual manual tracking processes with one centralized automated system.
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
This system reduces pathogen exposure by ensuring timely and automated disinfection of surfaces and air, enhancing safety and reducing manual labor, while minimizing disruption to occupied areas.
Implementation Method 1
A sanitizer is configured to sanitize surfaces within the space when activated. The sanitizer may be a UV sanitizer that illuminates surfaces in the space and kills pathogens on the surfaces or even in the air.
Data Source
AI summary
A system reduces risk of pathogen exposure within a space that is located within a facility having a plurality of spaces that periodically have one or more people within the space. The system includes one or more occupancy sensors that are configured to provide an indication of when the space is occupied and when the space is not occupied. A sanitizer is configured to sanitize surfaces within the space when activated. A controller is operably coupled with the one or more occupancy sensors and the sanitizer. The controller is configured to determine a designated time to sanitize the space based at least in part upon information received from the one or more occupancy sensors and to automatically instruct the sanitizer to sanitize surfaces within the space at the designated time.