UV-C Sanitising System for Public Transport Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public transport vehicle support columns are frequently contaminated with germs, leading to hygiene concerns, and existing cleaning methods are time-consuming, costly, and pose risks to staff and the environment.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing system using a UV-C electromagnetic radiation source that automatically slides along the columns, powered by a magnetic operating system, allowing for rapid and chemical-free disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical cleaning products are used on support columns, then hygiene level is improved, but staff safety and environmental friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning methods with a UV-C radiation system. The electromagnetic radiation source emits UV-C light that sterilizes the support column surface without requiring chemical products, thereby maintaining hygiene improvement while eliminating harmful effects on staff and the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cleaning mechanism from chemical to physical (electromagnetic radiation). By using UV-C radiation with specific wavelength parameters, the system achieves sterilization through physical means rather than chemical reactions, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety
2Reliability
If manual cleaning of columns is performed, then hygiene is improved, but time consumption and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated cleaning of support columns without requiring manual intervention. The electromagnetic radiation source is automatically deployed and retracted, performing sanitization independently and significantly reducing the time and labor required compared to manual cleaning methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated UV-C radiation system. The electromagnetic source is mounted on a deployable structure that automatically positions itself along the column, eliminating the need for staff to manually clean each column and thereby reducing operational downtime
3Reliability
If frequent cleaning of columns is performed, then hygiene level is improved, but operational costs and service disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system allows frequent sanitization cycles without proportionally increasing operational costs. Once installed, the system operates independently with minimal staff intervention, enabling multiple cleaning cycles per day without the recurring labor costs associated with manual cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual cleaning with an automated UV-C system, the patent eliminates the direct correlation between cleaning frequency and labor costs. The system can be operated frequently with only electrical power consumption as a recurring cost, significantly improving cost-effectiveness compared to manual methods
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 improves hygiene by enabling frequent, rapid, and cost-effective sanitization of support columns without downtime, ensuring staff and environmental safety.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic radiation source (8) is configured to provide sterilising electromagnetic radiation, preferably UV-C radiation having a wavelength of between 250 nm and 100 nm
Implementation Method 2
The rings (12) are magnetised in order to interact magnetically with the magnet (11) and thus be attracted and/or repelled by it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A system (7) for sanitising a column (5) for public use comprising a sanitising electromagnetic radiation source (8) having an annular shape, the radiation source (8) being positioned around the column (5) to slide thereon, the system (7) also comprising operating means (10) configured to operate the radiation source (8) automatically along the column (5) in order to sanitise a predetermined part thereof.