Disinfection robot, system for disinfection, and method of disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection methods in medical spaces, such as hospitals and nursing centers, are unreliable due to human error, pose risks to disinfectants, and are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection robot equipped with a radiation source for emitting ultraviolet radiation, movement means for navigating the space, sensor means for tracking its position, and a controller that adjusts the path based on cumulative exposure patterns to ensure efficient and thorough disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual disinfection is performed by human operators, then disinfection can be carried out in medical spaces, but human error reduces reliability and human operators are exposed to pathogens and allergens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual disinfection process with an automated robotic system. The robot comprises a radiation source for emitting ultraviolet light, movement means for autonomous navigation, and a controller that integrates sensor data to determine optimal disinfection paths and parameters, thereby eliminating human exposure to pathogens while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection robot is equipped with sensor means that enable it to autonomously determine its own position and navigate through the medical space without human intervention. The controller processes sensor signals to automatically adjust movement and radiation emission, allowing the system to serve itself in completing the disinfection task reliably
2Reliability
If thorough manual disinfection is performed to achieve high standards, then disinfection quality improves, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the disinfection process through the controller, which continuously receives sensor signals and adjusts the radiation source parameters and movement speed in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the robot to optimize the balance between disinfection thoroughness and time efficiency, achieving high standards without excessive duration
Solution Approach 2:
The robot incorporates sensor means that provide continuous feedback about the robot's position and environmental conditions to the controller. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to the disinfection path and parameters, ensuring high disinfection standards are met while minimizing unnecessary time consumption through optimized navigation and radiation exposure
3Ease of operation
If a predetermined fixed path is used for disinfection, then the path is simple to follow, but it cannot adapt to actual space conditions and may miss optimal disinfection areas
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with algorithms that process sensor data to determine optimal disinfection paths before and during the disinfection process. This preliminary computational action enables the robot to adapt to actual space conditions while maintaining systematic coverage, combining the simplicity of predetermined paths with the flexibility of real-time adaptation
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 robot enables reliable, efficient, and safe disinfection of medical spaces by optimizing the disinfection path based on real-time sensor data, reducing human risk, and minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source (4) for emitting ultraviolet radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Disinfection robot for disinfecting a space by means of ultraviolet radiation, which includes a radiation source for emitting the ultraviolet radiation, movement means for moving the radiation source in the space, and sensor means for generating a sensor signal that is indicative for a position of the radiation source in the space. The robot includes a controller that is arranged for receiving the sensor signal and that is arranged for controlling the movement means for moving the radiation source along a path in the space. The controller is arranged for determining a cumulative exposure pattern of the emitted ultraviolet radiation in the space. The controller is arranged for determining a target position to extend the path based on the sensor signal and on the cumulative exposure pattern in the space. and for controlling the movement means for moving the radiation source towards the target position.