Surface Cleanability Quantification Using ATP and Fluorescence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There are no solutions for precisely measuring and quantifying the cleanability of surfaces, especially in high-traffic environments like aircraft cabins, to ensure effective sanitization and integrity of barrier coatings.
Innovation Solution
A method using ATP bioluminescence meters or fluorescence detectors to measure and quantify cleanability by comparing pre- and post-cleaning light measurements with detectable components like ATP or fluorescent dyes, providing a cleanability score based on measurement differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigorous cleaning processes and harsh chemicals are used to ensure sanitization, then cleanability is improved, but surface integrity and material durability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies detectable components (ATP, fluorescent dyes) to surfaces before cleaning to establish a baseline level of contamination. This preliminary measurement allows for optimization of cleaning processes to achieve adequate sanitization without excessive harshness, thereby preserving surface integrity while ensuring cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs measurement devices (ATP bioluminescence meters, fluorescence detectors) to provide quantitative feedback on cleaning effectiveness. This feedback mechanism enables adjustment of cleaning processes to achieve optimal sanitization while minimizing damage to surfaces, creating a closed-loop system that balances cleanliness with material preservation.
2Measurement precision
If detectable components are applied to simulate sullied condition, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces detectable components (ATP, fluorescent dyes) as intermediaries between the actual contamination and the measurement device. These components serve as proxies that can be easily and precisely measured, transforming the complex task of measuring various types of contamination into a simple detection of the introduced marker substances using standardized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct observation of diverse contaminants to detection of specific introduced markers (ATP bioluminescence, fluorescent dye intensity). This parameter transformation simplifies the measurement system while dramatically improving precision, as these markers have distinct, easily detectable signals that can be quantified accurately.
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
Enables objective verification of cleaning effectiveness and facilitates design improvements by quantifying cleanability, ensuring effective sanitization and coating integrity.
Implementation Method 1
providing a solution comprising a component measurable in relative light units (RLUs) using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence meter
Implementation Method 2
providing a solution comprising a fluorescent dye excitable using excitation light of a predetermined wavelength range, obtaining using a fluorescence detector a reference intensity measurement of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods for quantifying the cleanability of a surface of an article, for instance an aircraft interior component. In embodiments, a solution containing an artificial “dirt” is introduced to a surface under test to simulate a sullied condition. The sullied surface is subjected to at least one cleaning process. Obtained reference and post-cleaning light measurements are compared to determine a measurement difference corresponding to a cleanability of the surface and/or effectiveness of the at least one cleaning process. In embodiments, the measurement difference is assigned a cleanability score for at least one of determining a passing or failing cleanability, modifying the cleaning process, indicating the need for a second or subsequent cleaning, modifying the barrier coating formulation, redesigning the article, etc. The disclosed methods provide solutions for objective verification measures of surface cleanability used to facilitate new article designs, materials, barrier coatings, cleaning processes, cleaners, etc.