Robotic Mask Opening and Orientation for UVGI Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of UVGI disinfection of KN-95 masks due to closed orientation and the safety risks associated with handling infected masks lead to increased healthcare burdens and infection costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing computer vision and robotic arms to inspect, open, and orient masks for consistent disinfection, including a form correction fixture to stretch and hold masks open, allowing for autonomous analysis and sorting for reuse or rejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If masks are disinfected in closed orientation, then handling safety is improved, but UV radiation effectiveness deteriorates due to shadow effects and inability to reach all regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the mask orientation from closed to open position during the disinfection process. The robotic arm automatically adjusts the mask angle to ensure UV radiation can reach all surfaces, while maintaining safe handling through automated manipulation. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between safe closed handling and effective disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the operator and the infected mask. It enables safe handling by eliminating direct human contact with potentially contaminated masks, while simultaneously providing the capability to open and position masks for effective UV disinfection. The intermediary device bridges the gap between safety requirements and disinfection effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If direct human handling of infected masks is performed, then operational simplicity is improved, but infection risk increases leading to higher healthcare burdens
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using robotic automation to handle, inspect, and position masks without human intervention. The robotic arm autonomously manipulates infected masks, and the computer vision system automatically inspects and classifies them, eliminating the need for human workers to directly handle contaminated materials while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct human hands with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic arm with specialized end effectors substitutes human manipulation, providing safe contact with infected masks. This mechanical substitution eliminates infection risk to human workers while maintaining the ability to perform necessary handling operations.
3Measurement precision
If masks are inspected manually, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated computer vision system using cameras and image processing algorithms. This optical-mechanical substitution enables simultaneous inspection of multiple masks at high speed while maintaining or improving detection accuracy through algorithmic analysis of mask conditions, damage, and suitability for reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer vision system enables continuous inspection of masks as they move through the disinfection process, eliminating the interruptions inherent in manual inspection. The automated system can continuously capture images, analyze mask conditions, and make sorting decisions without breaks, significantly increasing processing speed while maintaining consistent inspection quality.
4Device complexity
If masks are placed in closed position for disinfection, then device complexity is reduced, but UV radiation penetration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts mask orientation during the disinfection process. Rather than maintaining a fixed closed position, the robotic arm opens and repositions masks to expose all surfaces to UV radiation. This dynamic positioning ensures complete disinfection coverage while the automated nature of the operation keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
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 effective disinfection of masks by maintaining them in an open position during UVGI treatment, reducing infection risks and operational costs through automated processing and sorting.
Implementation Method 1
a computer vision system configured to detect the mask position and calculate an orientation angle of the mask
Implementation Method 2
a first robotic arm configured to lift the mask and adjust the mask position based on the orientation angle
Implementation Method 3
a form correction fixture configured to stretch and open the mask by applying tension to straps on the mask
Implementation Method 4
wherein the mask is transferred in a generally flat condition along a conveyor to the first robotic arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for handling, inspecting, and orienting a mask to be placed into a disinfection system. The systems and methods include a computer vision system configured to detect the mask position and calculate an orientation angle of the mask, a first robotic arm configured to lift the mask and adjust the mask position based on the orientation angle, and a second robotic arm configured to hold open the mask for a visual inspection of an internal and an external surface of the mask.