A method of operation for a washing machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require additional components like ultraviolet lamps or steam generators to effectively remove allergenic organisms from textiles, increasing production costs and making them less economical.
Innovation Solution
A method for a washing machine that initiates an allergy program, heats washing liquid to 63°C-70°C for 55-70 minutes, followed by multiple rinses with water at 30°C-35°C to remove microbes, bacteria, house dust mites, fungi, and molds without additional materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ultraviolet lamp is added to sterilize clothes during washing, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultraviolet lamp (mechanical/optical system) with a thermal processing system using heated air and water vapor to achieve sterilization. The washing machine uses a heating element to heat air to 60-80°C and water to 90-95°C, then circulates this hot air and vapor through the clothes during a 30-60 minute cycle, eliminating the need for expensive UV components while achieving effective sterilization against bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from ultraviolet radiation to thermal energy. By controlling temperature parameters (air: 60-80°C, water: 90-95°C) and time parameters (30-60 minutes), the system achieves sterilization through thermal effects rather than requiring UV lamps, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a steam generator is added to remove house dust mites before washing, then allergen removal effectiveness is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the water heating system serve dual functions: both washing clothes and generating steam for allergen removal. The existing heating element that heats water for washing is also used to generate hot water vapor (90-95°C) that acts as steam to kill house dust mites and remove allergens. This eliminates the need for a separate steam generator, reducing production cost while maintaining allergen removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the steam generation function with the water heating system. By circulating hot water vapor generated from the heating element through the clothes during a pre-treatment phase before washing, the system combines allergen removal and washing functions into a single integrated process, eliminating the need for additional steam generator components.
3Reliability
If additional materials are used to disinfect laundry, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but economic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the washing machine to perform disinfection using only water and electricity, without requiring additional chemical disinfectants or materials. The heating element heats water to 90-95°C and generates hot water vapor that naturally disinfects clothes during the washing cycle. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to purchase and add separate disinfection materials, improving economic efficiency while maintaining disinfection effectiveness through thermal action.
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 method achieves 100% reduction of allergenic organisms on textiles, eliminating the need for extra disinfection materials and enabling the production of a cost-effective, reliable washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
heating the washing liquid to a first predetermined temperature value in the range of 63°C to 70°C
Implementation Method 2
heating the rinsing liquid to a second predetermined temperature value in the range of 30°C to 35°C
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method of operation according to the present invention, which is suitable for use in a washing machine comprising at least one control unit, comprises the steps of initiating an allergy program which is effective against the factors on textile products that cause allergenic effects; introducing a washing liquid to the washing machine upon initiation of the application; heating the washing liquid to a first predetermined temperature (T1) value in the range of 63°C to 70°C; washing the textile products, at least once, with the washing liquid at the first temperature (T1) value for a first predetermined time (s1) in the range of 55-70 minutes; discharging the washing liquid from the washing machine; introducing a rinsing water to the washing machine; heating the rinsing liquid to a second predetermined temperature (T2) value in the range of 30°C to 35°C; rinsing the textile products with the rinsing water at the second temperature (T2) value; discharging the rinsing water; repeating the rinsing process 4 to 6 times for a second predetermined time (s2) and terminating the allergy application.