Bacterial Spore Fabric Treatment for Cold Quick Wash Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing problem of malodor in laundry, particularly with lower temperature and shorter washing programs, necessitates an environmentally friendly and low-energy consumption solution for effective malodor reduction and prevention.
Innovation Solution
A method using a cold and quick laundry program with a treatment liquor containing bacterial spores, preferably Bacillus spores, at concentrations between 1×10² to 1×10⁸ CFU/liter, to provide sustained malodor removal and prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature and long washing time are used, then malodor removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature to cold water (below 30°C) and adjusts the washing time parameter to create a quick program (less than 40 minutes). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving malodor removal effectiveness through cold and quick washing without the high energy consumption associated with traditional high temperature and long duration washing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (bacterial spores or enzymes) that facilitates malodor removal at lower temperatures and shorter times. This intermediary enables the washing process to achieve effective malodor control without requiring high energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If high temperature and long washing time are used, then malodor removal effectiveness is improved, but washing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to cold water (below 30°C) and the time parameter to create a quick program (less than 40 minutes). This dual parameter change achieves malodor removal effectiveness without the extended washing time required by traditional methods, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and washing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bacterial spores or enzymes as intermediaries that actively facilitate malodor removal. These intermediaries work efficiently at cold temperatures and short durations, enabling effective malodor control in quick programs without requiring long washing times, thereby resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and time loss.
3Reliability
If traditional washing methods are used, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to cold water (below 30°C), which significantly reduces energy consumption and environmental impact compared to traditional high temperature washing. This parameter change maintains cleaning effectiveness while improving environmental friendliness, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces environmentally benign intermediaries (bacterial spores or enzymes) that enhance cleaning effectiveness at cold temperatures. These natural intermediaries replace harsh chemicals and high energy input, maintaining effective cleaning while reducing environmental harm, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and environmental friendliness.
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 malodor removal and prevention lasting at least 24 hours, leveraging bacterial spores that germinate with external stimuli to combat malodor effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the bacterial spores germinate with external stimulus such as heat and sweat from the user, thereby producing malodor removal and prevention during the wearing of the fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a fabric in a washing machine using a cold and/or a quick program, including contacting the fabric with a treatment liquor comprising at least 1×102 CFU/l of liquor, of bacterial spores wherein the cold program includes a wash having a bath temperature below 30° C. and/or the quick program lasts less than 40 minutes.