Development of a Shoe Sole Disinfection Machine for Office and Hospital Use

Abstract

The pervasive role of footwear as a vector for pathogenic microorganisms
necessitates effective disinfection solutions, particularly in hygiene-
sensitive environments like hospitals and offices. This study presents the
design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of an automated shoe sole
disinfecting machine that integrates mechanical brushing with ultraviolet C
(UV-C) light sterilization. The system employs a chain-driven dual-brush
mechanism powered by a 24V DC motor, complemented by 254 nm UV-C
lamps for microbial inactivation. Activation is automated via a limit switch,
ensuring touch-free operation. Performance testing using dry and wet mud
samples demonstrated high cleaning efficiency, with dry mud removal rates
of 95-99% within 4-7 seconds and wet mud removal rates of 88-92% within
8-11 seconds. The results validate the machine as a rapid, efficient, and eco-
friendly alternative to conventional chemical- based methods, offering a
practical solution for reducing cross- contamination via footwear in public
and clinical settings it is recommended that future work focus on quantitative
microbiological testing.