Automated Object Sanitization via UV-C and Chemical Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sanitization techniques for objects in public and private spaces, such as shopping carts and hospital beds, are inefficient, unreliable, and cause wear and tear, as they often rely on manual methods like pressure washing or wiping, which fail to consistently eliminate microbial threats and cannot handle multiple objects simultaneously in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A sanitization system comprising a sanitization structure, drying structure, UV light structure, and UV curtain structure that applies a sanitizing agent, UV light, and purified air to objects in a touchless, automated, or partially automated process, allowing for efficient sanitization of multiple objects in a confined area without physical interaction, using sensors and timers for optimized sanitization times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pressure washing or wiping methods are used to sanitize objects, then sanitization can be performed on individual objects, but the process is inefficient, unreliable, and causes wear and tear on the objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning methods (pressure washing, wiping) with an automated system that uses UV-C light radiation and chemical sanitizing agents delivered through a controlled mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact during sanitization, improving both reliability (consistent UV-C exposure) and productivity (automated high-throughput processing)
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables objects to be sanitized automatically as they pass through the conveyor belt mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The UV-C lights and chemical dispensing systems operate autonomously to sanitize objects, improving efficiency while maintaining consistent sanitization quality
2Productivity
If manual sanitization methods are used, then individual objects can be cleaned, but multiple objects cannot be sanitized simultaneously in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sanitization system is divided into distinct functional segments: a conveyor belt mechanism for object transport, UV-C light sources for radiation sanitization, and chemical dispensing components. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple objects simultaneously through different sanitization methods while maintaining a compact structure suitable for limited spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple sanitization functions (UV-C radiation, chemical sanitizing agents, and controlled environmental exposure) into a single unified apparatus. This multi-functionality enables simultaneous sanitization of multiple objects through different mechanisms, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless automated sanitization is implemented, then wear and tear on objects is minimized, but the system requires complex automation components
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical contact-based sanitization (wiping, scrubbing) with non-contact UV-C light radiation and chemical mist dispensing. This substitution eliminates wear and tear on objects while using relatively simple automation components (conveyor belt, UV-C lights, chemical dispensers) rather than complex robotic manipulation systems
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 presence of harmful pathogens on objects, ensuring high-quality sanitization, minimizing wear and tear, and enabling efficient sanitization of multiple objects in a timely manner, thus enhancing public health and safety while meeting regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) light structure configured to apply UV light to the object, wherein the UV light disables and destroys one or more pathogens
Implementation Method 2
UV light disables and destroys one or more pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for cleaning and sanitizing objects are discussed herein. An object may include an unpowered object such as a shopping cart or a powered object such as a power wheel-chair. A sanitization structure may be connected to a reservoir and may apply a sanitizing agent to the object via one or more nozzles. A drying structure may apply filtered gas such as filtered air to the object via one or more air ducts. An ultraviolet (UV) light structure may apply UV light to the object via one or more UV lamps. A UV curtain structure may include one or more curtains that block the UV light. A bumper rail may guide the object received by the various structures from an entrance side to an exit side of the various structures.