Pass-Through UV Sanitizing and Washing System for Reusable Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The rapid growth of the to-go food and beverage industry has led to environmental concerns due to single-use plastic containers, and while reusable containers are being promoted, they require extensive resources and labor for proper cleaning and sanitizing, which can deter users and increase costs for retailers.

Innovation Solution

A compact countertop sanitizing and washing system using UV light for exterior sanitization and a washing system for interior cleaning, with automated doors and optional drying, designed to efficiently sanitize and wash reusable containers, reducing labor and time while ensuring safety and convenience for both customers and employees.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If reusable containers are used to replace single-use containers, then environmental impact is reduced, but cleaning and sanitizing resources and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidcleaning and sanitizing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service sanitization where containers are automatically processed through UV irradiation and washing without requiring manual intervention. The automated system performs cleaning and sanitizing functions independently, reducing labor requirements while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual cleaning and sanitizing operations are replaced with automated mechanical and optical systems. UV light sources perform sanitization functionally replacing manual chemical disinfection, while automated washing mechanisms replace hand-washing processes, significantly improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual cleaning and sanitizing processes are used, then flexibility is maintained, but time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcleaning and sanitizing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary washing followed by UV sanitization in a standardized sequence. Containers are pre-washed to remove visible debris, then automatically subjected to UV irradiation for sanitization. This preliminary automated processing eliminates the need for time-consuming manual inspection and multiple hand-washing cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation with containers moving through washing and sanitization stages without interruption. Multiple containers can be processed in sequence or parallel, ensuring uninterrupted workflow. The automated system operates continuously without the breaks and variability inherent in manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If automated sanitization systems are implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sanitization system is divided into distinct functional modules: a washing section with water spray nozzles, a drying section, and a UV sanitization section with irradiation sources. Each module performs a specific function independently, allowing for easier maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacement of individual components without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to handle multiple types of reusable containers with different shapes and sizes through adjustable fixtures and positioning mechanisms. The same UV sanitization chamber and washing system can process various container types, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying overall system requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively sanitizes and washes reusable containers quickly and efficiently, reducing germ transmission and operational costs by automating the process, making it easier for customers to use reusable containers and for retailers to manage them.

Implementation Method 1

uses UV light to sanitize the exterior surfaces of a reusable food or beverage container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light sanitization: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

uses a washing system to clean the interior surfaces of the reusable food or beverage container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray cleaning: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS20240197140A1Reusable food or beverage container sanitizing and washing system

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 SPERRY PROD INNOVATION

AI summary

A sanitizing and washing system encourages the use of reusable food or beverage containers by utilizing a quick and compact system to sanitize and wash the containers prior to reuse. The doors of the pass-through chamber allow the customer to insert an unsanitized and unwashed container on the entry (“dirty”) side of the system, and the retail employee to remove the sanitized and washed container from the exit (“clean”) side of the system without having to touch any other surface (doors, knobs, handles, etc.) than the container itself. The system utilizes a UV light source to sanitize the exterior surfaces of the container, while a washing nozzle sprays cleaning fluid to wash and remove residue from the interior surfaces.