UV-C Menu Sanitizing Conveyor System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitizing technologies do not provide an efficient and economical method for automatically sanitizing restaurant menus using UV-C light, which is essential for reducing germ and virus transmission and enhancing health and safety without the use of chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing machine with a conveyor system and UV-C light enclosure that automatically sanitizes menus by advancing them through a housing with rollers and UV-C lights, eliminating the need for chemicals and expediting the sanitizing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sanitizing methods are used, then chemical cleaners can be applied, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated conveyor system that transports menus through a UV-C lighting chamber. The mechanical conveyor system automatically moves menus through the sanitizing enclosure, eliminating the need for manual handling and chemical application, thereby increasing productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitizing machine performs self-service by automatically sanitizing menus as they pass through the conveyor system. The UV-C lights automatically activate and sanitize the menus without requiring human intervention during the sanitizing process, enabling continuous operation and reducing labor requirements.
2Reliability
If chemical sanitizers are used, then effective germ killing is achieved, but health and safety concerns arise from chemical exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical sanitizers with a physical UV-C lighting system. The UV-C lights emit ultraviolet radiation that kills germs and viruses on menu surfaces through photodissociation of microbial DNA, eliminating the need for chemical substances and thereby removing health and safety concerns associated with chemical exposure while maintaining effective germ killing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of UV-C light (which can be damaging to living tissue) into a beneficial sanitizing mechanism. The UV-C lights are positioned to sanitize menus without exposing users to harmful radiation, transforming a potentially harmful factor into a safe and effective sanitizing tool.
3Productivity
If automated conveyor systems are implemented, then sanitizing efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sanitizing system into distinct functional modules: a conveyor mechanism for transport, a UV-C lighting chamber for sanitizing, and a housing structure for containment. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and specialized, reducing overall complexity while maintaining automated efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system serves multiple functions: it transports menus through the sanitizing chamber, positions them correctly for UV-C exposure, and facilitates continuous operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
4Productivity
If UV-C lighting is used for sanitizing, then chemical-free sanitization is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C lighting system operates continuously as menus pass through the chamber, providing constant sanitization without interruption. The lights are activated throughout the entire conveyance process, ensuring that every menu receives adequate UV-C exposure for effective sanitization while optimizing energy usage through continuous operation rather than intermittent cycles.
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 reduces the transmission of germs and viruses on menus, enhancing health and safety by automating the sanitization process without the use of chemicals, making it efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a machine for sterilizing restaurant menus using UV-C light wherein the machine resembles a document scanner comprising a conveyor wherein the menu is placed on the conveyor which advances the menu through an enclosure which exposes the menu to a UV-C light which kills any bacteria and viruses on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a sanitizing machine including a housing assembly and a sterilizing assembly is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a housing with a feeding tray and a catch tray attached. The housing assembly further includes rollers within. Importantly, the sterilizing assembly including ultraviolet lights are secured within the housing. The ultraviolet lights are used to cleanse and sanitize menus that get inserted into the housing with radiation. The menus are received on the feeding tray, then the menus are inserted into the housing in which the ultraviolet lights eliminate germs, diseases or viruses from the surface of the menus. Once the menus are completely sanitized, the menus exit housing and are received on the catch tray ready for usage again. Sanitation of the menus is done without the use of harsh chemicals.