On-Board Vehicle Decontamination System Using Atomized Disinfectant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles such as ambulances and other first response vehicles often face challenges in effectively sanitizing interior and exterior surfaces exposed to harmful viruses, bacteria, and chemicals, as existing decontamination systems are not always portable or efficient for on-board use.
Innovation Solution
A decontamination system integrated on-board vehicles, comprising a reservoir for disinfectant solution, a pressurized air supply, pumps, and a programmable controller, with nozzles for atomized disinfectant distribution, along with sensors and motion detectors to ensure safe operation and efficient disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chamber-based decontamination system (PADS) is used, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate because the vehicle must be driven into a large chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable decontamination system that acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and the decontamination process. Instead of requiring the vehicle to enter a large chamber, the system brings the decontamination capability directly to the vehicle through a portable unit with integrated reservoir, pump, and nozzle assembly that can be positioned adjacent to the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination system is segmented into separate functional components: a portable unit containing the reservoir, pump, and control system; and a nozzle assembly that can be positioned near the vehicle. This segmentation allows the system to be transported and deployed more easily while maintaining decontamination effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If manual nozzle application is used, then portability is improved, but decontamination uniformity and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a programmable controller that dynamically adjusts pump operation and timing to optimize disinfectant delivery. The controller can be programmed with specific sequences and timing parameters to ensure uniform distribution across different vehicle surfaces, maintaining productivity while preserving portability
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes sensors that provide feedback on disinfectant solution delivery and distribution. This feedback mechanism allows the programmable controller to adjust operation in real-time, ensuring uniform decontamination coverage while maintaining the portability benefits of the handheld or positionable nozzle system
3Quantity of substance
If timed interval delivery is used, then disinfectant solution usage efficiency is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action through programmable timed intervals for disinfectant solution delivery. The pump operates in controlled cycles with specific on/off timing sequences that optimize solution usage efficiency. This periodic operation is managed by a programmable controller that can be configured with simple time parameters, avoiding excessive system complexity while achieving efficient disinfectant utilization
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 ensures thorough and safe disinfection of vehicle interiors and exteriors by delivering a controlled amount of disinfectant in an atomized form, minimizing exposure risks to personnel and maintaining effective disinfectant levels, thus providing a reliable and efficient decontamination solution for frequently exposed vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
deliver the disinfectant solution and pressurized air to the one or more nozzles, wherein the solution is dispersed in atomized form in an interior space of the vehicle to be decontaminated
Data Source
AI summary
A decontamination system on-board a vehicle may comprise a reservoir on-board a vehicle and the reservoir contains a disinfectant solution. The system may also include a pressurized air supply on-board the vehicle; and, one or more nozzles secured on-board the vehicle and in fluid communication with the reservoir and the pressurized air supply. In addition, one or more pumps may be on-board the vehicle and the one or more pumps are in fluid communication with the reservoir and the one or more nozzles. The system may also include a programmable controller in signal communication with the one or more pumps and pressurized air supply to activate the one or more pumps and pressurized air supply to deliver the disinfectant solution and pressurized air to the one or more nozzles, wherein the solution is dispersed in atomized form in an interior space of the vehicle to be decontaminated.