Autonomous UV-C Disinfection Robot With Motion Sensor Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a significant need for systems and methods that can ensure a clean, sterilized, and sanitized environment, particularly in healthcare settings, to reduce the transmission of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and airborne pathogens.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous disinfecting system comprising a housing with UV-C lamps attached to a wireless base, equipped with a motion sensor to shut down the system upon detection of movement, and a detachable floor bot for thorough disinfection of hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C lamps are used for disinfection, then pathogen elimination is improved, but safety risks to humans increase
Solution Approach 1:
A motion sensor acts as an intermediary between the UV-C lamps and human presence. When motion is detected, the sensor triggers the processing unit to shut down the UV-C lamps, preventing direct exposure to humans while maintaining disinfection effectiveness when the area is unoccupied
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor provides continuous feedback about human presence to the processing unit, which automatically adjusts the UV-C lamp operation state. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the lamps operate during disinfection cycles but shut down immediately when motion is detected, balancing disinfection effectiveness with human safety
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual disinfection is performed, then adaptability to specific areas is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous mobile robot performs disinfection autonomously without requiring manual operation. The robot navigates independently, positions itself in target areas, and activates UV-C lamps automatically, combining the adaptability of manual positioning with the productivity of automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disinfection operations with an autonomous robotic system equipped with sensors and automated navigation. The robot substitutes human operators while maintaining the ability to adapt to specific disinfection areas through autonomous movement and positioning
3Reliability
If continuous UV-C emission is used, then disinfection completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C lamps operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The mobile robot moves to different locations and activates lamps only when positioned in target areas, creating periodic disinfection intervals that maintain completeness while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous emission
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 system effectively reduces the risk of HAIs by ensuring thorough disinfection of surfaces and airborne pathogens, promoting a safer and healthier environment with minimal manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
UV-C lamps attached to a first wireless base
Implementation Method 2
emitting UV-C light from a first unit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed include autonomous robotic systems and methods for disinfecting an environment. An autonomous disinfecting system comprises, in a housing, a first unit comprising a first plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a first wireless base comprising a plurality of wheels. Preferably, the first unit further comprises a docking port for a second unit comprising a second plurality of UV-C lamps attached to a second wireless base, and a motion sensor configured to send a signal to a processing unit comprised in the autonomous disinfecting system wherein the processing unit is configured to shut down the system when it receives a signal indicating a detected movement.