Automatic dishwashing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic dishwashing methods face challenges in effectively removing tea stains, especially in hard water with high bicarbonate levels, and short cycles, which compromise cleaning efficiency and shine.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dosing system is employed, where the bleach catalyst is delivered at the beginning of the cycle, and the complexing agent is slowly released throughout, using a phosphate-free composition with methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid and phosphonates like HEDP, to enhance tea stain removal and overall cleaning across varying water hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard dishwashing composition is used, then general cleaning is achieved, but tea stain removal is insufficient especially in hard water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic dosing by releasing the complexing agent gradually throughout the wash cycle rather than all at once. This dynamic approach allows the composition to adapt to different water hardness levels and stain severities during the wash process, improving tea stain removal reliability while maintaining versatility across different water conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the complexing agent over time during the wash cycle. By starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing it, the system optimizes performance for both light and heavy staining across various water hardness levels, resolving the contradiction between reliable stain removal and adaptability
2Reliability
If more complexing agent is added to improve tea stain removal, then cleaning performance improves, but cost and formulation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by releasing the complexing agent in controlled stages during the wash cycle. This staged release pattern achieves reliable cleaning performance through optimized timing rather than through increased formulation complexity or higher amounts of chemical ingredients
Solution Approach 2:
The complexing agent continues to act throughout the entire wash cycle with gradual release, maintaining useful cleaning action continuously. This approach achieves reliable performance through sustained action rather than complex formulations or high concentrations added all at once
3Use of energy by moving object
If a short wash cycle is used for energy saving, then energy consumption decreases, but tea stain removal becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the complexing agent gradually build up concentration during the short wash cycle, preparing the chemical environment for effective stain removal throughout the abbreviated time. This allows reliable tea stain removal to be achieved in short cycles without requiring high energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the complexing agent dynamically during the short wash cycle, optimizing the chemical conditions for stain removal within the reduced time frame. This parameter optimization enables effective cleaning in energy-efficient short cycles
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 excellent tea stain removal and leaves items shiny, even in hard water with high bicarbonate levels, while maintaining good cleaning performance across a range of water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a bleach catalyst... all the bleach catalyst is delivered at the beginning of the cleaning cycle
Implementation Method 2
bleach... effective cleaning, including tea stain removal
Implementation Method 3
a complexing agent... the complexing agent is slowly delivered during the cleaning cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning soiled ware in a dishwasher, the method comprising the step of delivering a phosphate-free cleaning composition using a multi-dosing system, the composition comprising bleach, metal bleach catalyst and a complexing agent and wherein the complexing agent is slowly released as compared to the bleach catalyst.