Vacuum Cleaner Docking Station with 222 nm UV Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floor care devices, particularly those that come into contact with dirty surfaces, accumulate microbial contamination, posing a health risk to users, as existing solutions do not effectively address the decontamination of these devices during use or storage.
Innovation Solution
A docking station equipped with a light source emitting 222 nm light for decontamination, integrated with a controller and sensor system to detect contamination and initiate a decontamination program, ensuring parts are cleaned while the device is docked and not in use, thereby preserving battery power and preventing user exposure to microbes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decontamination is performed using the floor care device's own light source during operation, then the contaminated parts can be decontaminated, but the battery power is consumed reducing the device's operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The light source for decontamination is extracted from the floor care device and placed in the docking station instead. This allows the decontamination function to be separated from the battery-powered device, enabling decontamination without consuming the device's operational battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination process is performed automatically when the floor care device is placed in the docking station, before the next cleaning operation. This preliminary action ensures the device is decontaminated in advance without requiring battery power during actual cleaning tasks.
2Productivity
If the floor care device is continuously operated for cleaning, then cleaning productivity is maintained, but microbial contamination accumulates on surfaces and filters
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic decontamination cycles automatically when the device is docked between cleaning sessions. This periodic action maintains high cleaning productivity during operation while regularly eliminating accumulated microbial contamination without interrupting the cleaning workflow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If users frequently clean or replace filters to remove microbial contamination, then user safety is improved, but time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station automatically performs decontamination of the floor care device including filters without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach protects users from microbial exposure while eliminating the time and effort previously needed for manual filter cleaning and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station acts as an intermediary between the floor care device and the user, providing automated decontamination that protects users from direct contact with contaminants while maintaining device functionality.
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 docking station effectively decontaminates high-risk areas of floor care devices during the charging process, reducing the risk of microbial transmission and enhancing user safety without draining the device's batteries, and can be easily integrated into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source for emitting light with a wavelength of 222 nm
Implementation Method 2
illuminate the at least one part of the floor care device by emitting the light while the floor care device is being held in the docking bay
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station (190) is provided for allowing decontaminating parts of a floor care device (100). The floor care device (100) comprises at least one part (110) that is susceptible to contamination when the floor care device is used in a floor care mode. The method comprises detecting a transition of the floor care device (100) to a park mode, and in response thereto, executing a decontamination program, the decontamination program including emitting light with a wavelength of 222 nm and thereby illuminating the at least one part for the decontamination thereof.