Retractable Atomizer Sealing for Wide-Pipe Fog Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fog disinfection systems are ineffective in thoroughly sanitizing wide diameter pipes and long pipelines due to droplet condensation, turbulence, and airflow patterns, leading to incomplete disinfection and potential cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing apparatus with an atomizing unit that can move between positions inside and outside the pipe, sealed by a mechanism to prevent contamination, and a moving mechanism to ensure effective delivery of disinfecting fog or mist into the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fog disinfection systems are used in wide diameter pipes and long pipelines, then disinfection coverage is improved, but droplet condensation and turbulence cause incomplete disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state of the disinfectant from liquid droplets to gas phase vapor, fundamentally altering how the disinfectant behaves in the pipeline. This phase change eliminates condensation issues and allows the disinfectant to be carried further by airflow without losing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Hot air or gas is introduced as an intermediary carrier to transport the vaporized disinfectant throughout the pipeline. This intermediary medium helps the disinfectant overcome turbulence and reach all areas of the pipeline effectively
2Reliability
If the atomizing unit is positioned inside the pipe for direct disinfection, then disinfection coverage is improved, but risk of contaminating sensitive biological materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the disinfection function from direct contact with biological materials. The atomizing unit is positioned to deliver disinfectant vapor to the pipe interior surfaces without the unit itself entering the biological material environment, thus eliminating contamination risk while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical contact-based disinfection (spray/foam) with a vapor-based chemical disinfection process. The vapor phase disinfectant penetrates surfaces and kills pathogens without requiring physical contact with the biological materials, eliminating mechanical contamination risks
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing mechanism is added to isolate the atomizing unit, then prevention of contamination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the atomizing unit to move between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt between disinfection mode (unit extended) and safe operation mode (unit retracted), providing contamination prevention without requiring complex permanent sealing structures
Solution Approach 2:
The moving mechanism and sealing system serve multiple functions: they protect against contamination during normal operation, enable the atomizing unit to reach the pipe interior for disinfection, and maintain system integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
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 of large spaces like fish pumps and ventilation ducts without contaminating sensitive biological materials, reducing cross-contamination risks and operational costs through efficient and automated disinfection processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one atomizing unit that is suitably disposed within the housing. The atomizing unit serves the role of generating and delivering fine spray, fog or mist into a receiving space
Implementation Method 2
at least one sealing member, operatively connected to the moving mechanism and adapted to sealably close the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a sanitizing apparatus that during use can have at least two positions. In a first position, the apparatus can deliver a sanitizing or disinfecting fluid such as a fog or mist into a space in need of sanitizing by means of an atomizing unit within the apparatus. In a second position, the atomizing unit is isolated from the space in need of sanitizing by means of a sealing mechanism that prevents potential contaminating material or liquid from entering the sanitizing apparatus when not in use. A moving mechanism moves the atomizing from the first to the second position. Also disclosed is a method of sanitizing internal surfaces of a space using an apparatus as described herein.