Fogging Device Pulse-Phase Control to Prevent Surface Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection methods such as spray and wipe are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and may not effectively reach all surfaces, while fogging systems can be more comprehensive but require improved coordination and control for efficient pathogen elimination.
Innovation Solution
A system of fogging devices with a housing, atomizing fluid generator, and processor that initiates a treatment cycle with saturation and pulse phases, using a coordinated schedule for multiple devices to maintain optimal chemical concentration and incorporate UV light or filtration for enhanced disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual spray and wipe methods are used for disinfection, then labor and time are required for operation, but the method is prone to human error and may not reach all surfaces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical spray and wipe operations with an automated fogging system that uses an atomizing fluid generator to disperse disinfectant as a fine mist. This substitution eliminates human error and ensures comprehensive surface coverage without requiring manual labor for spraying and wiping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fogging system as an intermediary between the disinfectant solution and the surfaces to be disinfected. The atomizing fluid generator creates a fine mist that acts as a mediator, allowing the disinfectant to reach all surfaces uniformly without direct manual contact or application.
2Reliability
If continuous atomized fluid dispensing is used to maintain high concentration, then pathogen elimination is enhanced, but fluid condensation begins on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pulse phase during which the atomizing fluid generator dispenses atomized fluid intermittently rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains the enclosed area at or above the first concentration and below a second concentration higher than the first concentration at which fluid condensation begins on surfaces, thereby preventing condensation while ensuring effective pathogen elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the dispensing rate of the atomizing fluid generator based on real-time concentration monitoring. The system transitions from a saturation phase with continuous high-rate dispensing to a pulse phase with intermittent dispensing, optimizing the balance between pathogen elimination effectiveness and prevention of harmful condensation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple fogging devices are used to cover larger areas, then disinfection coverage is improved, but coordination and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fogging devices into a coordinated network under centralized processor control. The master processor communicates with slave processors to synchronize operation, allowing multiple devices to work together as a unified system rather than independent units, thereby managing complexity while expanding coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the disinfection task into segments handled by multiple fogging devices, each controlled by its own processor that receives coordination signals from a master processor. This segmentation allows the system to cover larger areas by distributing the workload across multiple devices while maintaining centralized coordination to manage complexity.
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
Ensures thorough disinfection by maintaining optimal chemical concentration and utilizing UV light or filtration to quickly and safely render treated areas safe for reentry, overcoming the limitations of manual methods and improving coverage and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an atomizing fluid generator carried by the housing and coupled to a fluid reservoir... during which the atomizing fluid generator dispenses atomized fluid into the enclosed area
Implementation Method 2
A related fogging device, such as the one described briefly above, and method for treating an enclosed area with an atomized fluid comprising are also provided
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating an enclosed area may include a fogging device(s) including a housing, an atomizing fluid generator coupled to a fluid reservoir, and a processor. The processor may cooperate with the atomizing fluid generator to, responsive to an initiation signal, initiate a treatment cycle during which the atomizing fluid generator dispenses atomized fluid into the enclosed area. The treatment cycle may include a saturation phase wherein atomized fluid is dispensed continuously to bring the enclosed area to a first concentration, and a pulse phase during which atomized fluid is dispensed intermittently to maintain the enclosed area at or above the first concentration and below a second concentration higher than the first concentration at which fluid condensation begins on surfaces in the enclosed area. The system may also include a communications device configured to send the initiation signal to the processor.