Universal Sanitization Apparatus with Flexible Permeable Sponge Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitization methods, such as hand sanitizing gels, are often ineffective in disinfecting objects that have not been sanitized, as they do not cover the entire surface area of items like pens, remote controls, and shopping cart handles, leaving them vulnerable to bacterial and viral transmission.
Innovation Solution
The development of sanitization apparatuses and kits that include a housing with a fluid-permeable sponge applicator, allowing objects to be passed through a passage where the sponge applicator contacts more than half of the object's cross-sectional perimeter, applying sanitization fluid without an external pumping mechanism, and can be removably coupled to various objects like pens, remote controls, and shopping cart handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hand sanitizing gels are used frequently, then hands are sanitized, but objects that have not been sanitized remain vulnerable to bacterial and viral transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The sanitization apparatus is designed with a universal applicator that can sanitize multiple types of objects including pens, remote controls, shopping cart handles, and other high-touch surfaces. The apparatus provides a single sanitization solution that works across different object types, eliminating the need for separate sanitization methods for hands versus objects.
2Reliability
If sanitization fluid is applied to objects, then bacterial and viral transmission is reduced, but the entire surface area of objects may not be covered
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator features a curved or contoured surface designed to wrap around and contact the entire perimeter of cylindrical objects like pens and handles. This curved geometry ensures comprehensive surface coverage by conforming to the shape of various objects, allowing sanitization fluid to reach all areas including sides and edges that flat applicators would miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed to contact more than half of the cross-sectional perimeter of objects, extending coverage from a simple point or line contact to a multi-dimensional surface engagement. This dimensional approach ensures that sanitization fluid reaches across the entire object surface area rather than just localized spots.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a passage with relaxed inner diameter of 0.1 to 0.5 inches is used, then pens with various diameters can be passed through, but the passage size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The passage is designed with flexible walls that can dynamically adjust to accommodate objects of varying diameters within the 0.1 to 0.5 inch range. The flexible construction allows the passage to expand and contract as different sized objects pass through, maintaining adaptability across various pen and object sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size passages.
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
Effectively disinfects a wide range of objects by ensuring the sanitization fluid comes into contact with a significant portion of their surface area, reducing bacterial and viral transmission risks.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-permeable sponge applicator having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first and second ends, the sponge applicator defining a passage extending through the sponge applicator
Data Source
AI summary
Sanitization apparatuses, kits, and methods, such as, for example, for pens, styluses, handles, remote controls, and pagers.