Optical Residue Detection and Spray Control Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and removing physical residues, such as vomit or excrement, are inefficient due to reliance on visual checks, which are subjective and burdensome, and lack non-contact detection capabilities, leading to potential secondary infections from residual viruses like norovirus.
Innovation Solution
A purifying apparatus equipped with an optical sensor, determination circuit, and a spray system that uses fluorescence detection to identify and remove physical residues non-contactually, featuring a portable housing with a light source, photodetector, and a range finder to control the spraying of a cleansing agent based on distance and tilt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual check by cleaning person is used to detect residue, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the detection is subjective and burdensome leading to insufficient cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection method with an optical detection system that uses light sources and photodetectors to automatically detect residue. This substitution eliminates the subjective and burdensome nature of visual checks while providing objective, accurate residue detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus performs self-detection of residue through its integrated optical sensors, eliminating the need for separate manual inspection by cleaning personnel. The system automatically identifies residue locations and guides the cleaning process, making the operation simpler and more reliable.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If visual check method is used for residue detection, then no additional equipment is needed, but non-contact detection capability is lacking leading to potential secondary infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based visual inspection with non-contact optical detection using light sources and photodetectors. This eliminates the risk of virus transmission through contact while providing automated residue detection, thus reducing harmful factors without requiring overly complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to detect residue non-contactually. The light source emits light that interacts with residue, and the photodetector receives the reflected or scattered light, enabling indirect detection without physical contact and thus preventing virus transmission.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensor with light source and photodetector is used for non-contact detection, then residue can be detected accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, photodetector, and processing circuitry into an integrated optical detection system within the cleaning apparatus. This combination achieves accurate non-contact residue detection while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system serves multiple functions: detecting residue presence, determining residue location, and guiding the cleaning process. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive detection and control capabilities in a single 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
The apparatus enables accurate and efficient detection and removal of physical residues, reducing the risk of secondary infections by providing a non-contact, portable, and user-friendly solution for residue detection and disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor that outputs an electrical signal, the optical sensor including a light source that emits first light and a photodetector that receives second light from a region irradiated with the first light
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector that receives second light from a region irradiated with the first light
Data Source
AI summary
A purifying apparatus includes: an optical sensor that outputs an electrical signal, the optical sensor including a light source that emits first light and a photodetector that receives second light from a region irradiated with the first light; a determination circuit that determines the presence or absence of a physical object in the region and generates an image representing a determination result, the determination circuit including a signal processing circuit that processes the electrical signal; a spray that sprays a cleansing agent through a spray nozzle, the spray including the spray nozzle; a range finder that measures a distance from the spray nozzle to the physical object; and a controller that controls, according to the distance, spraying of the cleansing agent by the spray.