Sensor-Activated Antimicrobial Floor Mat to Reduce User Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional disinfectant mats require users to stand in a pool of sanitizing liquid, which is inefficient, exposes users to contamination, and is difficult to clean, while also degrading in efficacy over multiple uses.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing mat with a sensor-activated fluid delivery system that sprays sanitizing liquid onto the user's feet without requiring them to stand in a pool, featuring an elevated grate to collect debris and excess fluid, and a removable tray for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disinfectant mats use a pool of sanitizing liquid for users to stand in, then foot sanitation is achieved, but users are exposed to contamination and the mat becomes difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful pool of sanitizing liquid from the system and replaces it with a spray mechanism. The spray system applies disinfectant directly to the user's feet without requiring them to stand in a contaminated pool, thereby eliminating exposure to harmful factors while maintaining sanitation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary spray mechanism between the disinfectant source and the user's feet. Instead of direct contact with a liquid pool, the spray system acts as a mediator that delivers the sanitizing agent in a controlled manner, reducing contamination risk while achieving the same sanitation goal.
2Device complexity
If traditional disinfectant mats reuse the same pool of disinfectant for multiple users, then the system remains simple, but the efficacy of the sanitizing solution degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery parameter from a static liquid pool to a dynamic spray system. This allows the disinfectant to be applied in a controlled manner with each use, preventing degradation from continuous exposure and contamination. The spray mechanism enables fresh or replenished disinfectant to be delivered consistently, maintaining efficacy without complex system changes.
3Productivity
If traditional disinfectant mats are cleaned by hand after use, then the mat can be reused, but the cleaning process is time consuming and dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning requirement from the system by eliminating the pool that accumulates contaminants. Without a liquid pool to clean, the mat requires minimal maintenance, dramatically reducing cleaning time and effort while maintaining full reuse capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray system is designed to be self-cleaning or low-maintenance. The elevated grate surface prevents debris accumulation, and the spray mechanism can be easily rinsed or replaced, allowing the mat to maintain productivity without requiring time-consuming manual cleaning operations.
4Reliability
If traditional disinfectant mats require users to move feet back and forth in the pool, then sanitation is achieved, but the process is inefficient and exposes users to more contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of moving feet in a liquid pool with an automated spray system. The spray mechanism delivers the sanitizing agent directly to the feet without requiring user movement, improving efficiency by eliminating the need for repetitive foot motions while maintaining or enhancing sanitation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray system applies the sanitizing agent before the user completes their entry into the facility. By delivering the disinfectant in advance through a quick spray contact, the system achieves sanitation without requiring the user to perform additional actions like moving feet back and forth, thereby improving overall process efficiency.
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
Provides a hands-free, efficient, and hygienic foot sanitation process that maintains effectiveness without the need for frequent mat cleaning or sanitizing liquid replenishment, ensuring continuous protection against pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
The sanitizing mat recognizes the presence of a user by using a sensor
Implementation Method 2
the sanitizing mat sprays the user's feet with a sanitizing fluid
Implementation Method 3
The elevated mat grate standing surface also allows debris and excess liquid to fall through the grate onto a debris catching tray
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, designs, and methods of using a device for sanitizing feet, shoes, or other surfaces in contact with the floor. The apparatus is capable of detecting the presence of a user and automatically spraying the feet of a user with a sanitizing fluid. Fluid is expelled through an elevated grate, which allows the user to stand on an elevated grate and have their feet sanitized without exposing their feet to a dirty pool of liquid.