Sterilization Robot Path Control to Avoid UV Discoloration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization robots are inefficient in sterilizing areas that are not easily accessible by robot vacuum cleaners, and they often cause discoloration due to unnecessary UV irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization robot equipped with a traveling unit, sterilization modules, and sensing units that detect nearby objects to optimize sterilization paths, avoid unnecessary sterilization, and adjust speed based on sterilization needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sterilization robot performs sterilization in all detected areas, then sterilization coverage is improved, but unnecessary UV irradiation causes discoloration and waste of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization robot applies different treatments to different areas by classifying detected objects into sterilization objects and non-sterilization objects. UV irradiation is applied only to sterilization objects (such as medical equipment, surfaces) while avoiding non-sterilization objects (such as documents, photos, colored materials), thereby achieving local differentiation of sterilization quality and preventing unnecessary discoloration.
2Reliability
If the sterilization robot moves slowly to ensure thorough sterilization, then sterilization quality is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization robot implements periodic action by adjusting its speed based on sterilization requirements. It moves slowly when sterilizing to ensure thorough UV irradiation, and moves quickly when transitioning between areas or when sterilization is not required. This periodic variation in speed maintains sterilization quality while improving overall productivity.
3Area of stationary object
If the sterilization robot uses a wide traveling path to cover more area, then sterilization coverage is improved, but the robot cannot access narrow spaces where human hands and droplets may reach
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization robot applies dynamics by adjusting its traveling path width dynamically based on the detected environment. When narrow spaces are detected (areas where human hands and droplets may reach), the robot narrows its traveling path to access these spaces. When wide open areas are detected, the robot expands its traveling path width to cover more area efficiently. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between coverage and accessibility.
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
The robot increases sterilization efficiency by optimizing sterilization paths and minimizing discoloration, while determining the necessity of sterilization and adjusting its speed to quickly complete tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing unit detecting a nearby object
Implementation Method 2
the use of ultraviolet (UV) light for sterilization
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization robot comprises: a case; a traveling unit, which is positioned beneath the case and provides a traveling function; a sterilization module positioned on a side surface of the case; a sensing unit for sensing an adjacent object; and a control unit for setting a traveling path on the basis of information about the object sensed by the sensing unit, and controlling the traveling unit so that the sterilization robot moves along the traveling path, and controls the traveling unit and the sterilization module with an optimal scheme such that sterilization efficiency can be increased.