Biosensor-Based Textile Soiling Detection for Targeted Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying and removing contaminants from textiles, such as clothing and bedding, are unreliable and often require manual inspection, making it difficult to determine the composition and origin of contaminants, which can lead to ineffective cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor-based system that uses biologically active immobilized systems, such as antibodies, enzymes, or microorganisms, to measure physicochemical changes caused by contaminants, providing reliable information on their composition and recommending optimal cleaning strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sensors (pH, conductivity, turbidity) are used to detect contamination, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of contaminant composition identification are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant composition identificationVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from general physical properties (turbidity, conductivity) to specific biochemical parameters (enzyme activity, antigen-antibody binding) that directly indicate contaminant composition. This allows precise identification of contaminant type while using targeted biosensors rather than complex multi-parameter systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces biosensors as intermediary elements that specifically interact with contaminants through biochemical mechanisms (enzyme-substrate binding, antigen-antibody recognition). These biosensors act as mediators that convert complex contaminant composition information into measurable signals, achieving high precision without requiring direct complex analysis of all contaminant properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual inspection is used to identify contaminants, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and reliability of contaminant detection are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant detection speedVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection (mechanical/human system) with automated biosensor-based detection. The biosensors automatically interact with contaminants and generate measurable signals, eliminating the need for manual inspection while providing faster, more reliable results. This substitution introduces controlled complexity in exchange for significant gains in productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If general cleaning programs are used without contaminant identification, then the ease of operation is high, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using biosensor measurement results to determine appropriate cleaning parameters. The system automatically adjusts cleaning program selection and parameters based on identified contaminant composition, ensuring effective cleaning without requiring user expertise. This feedback loop maintains ease of operation while significantly improving cleaning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables accurate identification of contaminant composition and origin, facilitating effective cleaning by providing tailored cleaning recommendations, improving the removal of contaminants and ensuring hygienic standards.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one biosensor comprises at least one biologically active immobilized system, the biologically active immobilized system being based on antibodies, enzymes, organelles, microorganisms, nucleic acids, cells and/or tissues

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen interaction:

Implementation Method 2

the at least one biosensor comprises at least one biologically active immobilized system, the biologically active immobilized system being based on antibodies, enzymes, organelles, microorganisms, nucleic acids, cells and/or tissues

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme-substrate reaction: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3485079B1Method and device for determining soiling
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3485079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3485079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3485079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention especially relates to a method, carried out by one or more devices, said method comprising: obtaining a measurement result of at least one biosensor (200) which result is representative of soiling (302) of a textile (304); determining, on the basis of the measurement result, at least one output variable that depends on the composition of the soiling (302); and outputting or initiating output of the at least one output variable. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method, and to an associated computer program.