Mobile UV-C Sanitization Trolley for Aircraft Cabin Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabins present unique sanitization scenarios due to varying seating configurations and geometries, requiring adaptable and aircraft-specific sanitization solutions that account for recent use and health considerations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile UV light sanitization apparatus with a trolley equipped with a controller circuit, motion sensors, and UV light sources that adjust angular orientation and emission intensity based on real-time location and seating configuration, using actuators and user input to ensure optimal disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed UV light sources are mounted vertically on an automated apparatus, then sanitization coverage is improved, but adaptability to different aircraft configurations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable trolleys that can be repositioned along aircraft aisles, replacing fixed vertical UV light mounts. The trolleys carry UV light sources that can be dynamically adjusted in position and orientation to adapt to different seating configurations and aircraft geometries, thereby maintaining reliable sanitization coverage across various aircraft types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile trolley system serves multiple aircraft configurations universally. By combining movable trolleys with adjustable UV light sources and control systems that accommodate different seating arrangements, the apparatus achieves multi-functionality across various aircraft models, resolving the contradiction between reliable coverage and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If UV light sources are fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different seating configurations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed UV light sources with movable trolleys that can be repositioned and adjusted. This dynamic configuration allows the UV sources to adapt to different seating arrangements without requiring complex fixed installations for each aircraft type, balancing simplicity with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable parameters including trolley position, UV light source orientation, and emission intensity. These changeable parameters enable the system to adapt to various seating configurations while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, resolving the contradiction between low complexity and high adaptability.
3Reliability
If UV radiation intensity is increased for effective disinfection, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but damage to cabin components is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple UV light sources distributed across movable trolleys, allowing localized irradiation of specific areas. This enables effective disinfection of targeted zones while limiting UV exposure to necessary areas only, reducing cumulative damage to cabin components through selective rather than uniform high-intensity exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic or intermittent UV light emission patterns rather than continuous high-intensity exposure. By cycling UV sources on and off or using pulsed emission, the system achieves effective disinfection over time while reducing peak radiation intensity and cumulative damage to sensitive cabin materials.
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 apparatus provides adaptive UV light sanitization tailored to each aircraft, ensuring effective disinfection while minimizing damage to cabin components by optimizing UV radiation levels and distribution according to specific aircraft requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of UV light sources, each UV light source configured to emit UV light outward from the trolley
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile apparatus and methods for ultraviolet (UV) light sanitization of an aircraft. The mobile apparatus generally comprises a mobile platform, such as a trolley, that has integrated therewith circuitry and devices that control and actuate ultra-violet C-spectrum (UV-C) light sources that are mechanically coupled to the trolley. The proposed mobile apparatus includes a controller that receives input from an operator and, optionally, from dosimeters mounted on the proposed system and/or within the aircraft. Based on the inputs received, the controller provides guidance to the operator in the form of alerts and messages, as well as automatically adjusting components of the mobile apparatus to adapt itself to a specific aircraft type.