Cleaning Machine Microbial Odor Control for Residual Water Biofilms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Malodor issues in laundry and cleaning machines persist due to residual water in front load wash machines, bacterial biofilms, and the use of manmade fabrics that retain odors, with existing solutions like perfumes being short-term and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating specific microorganisms such as Bacillus species into cleaning machines and processes to inhibit malodor production by contacting surfaces, process water, or fabrics, either directly or through derived substances, which can inhibit the growth or volatile production of odor-causing bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If perfumes are used to mask malodor, then short-term odor coverage is achieved, but the solution is temporary and ineffective for long-term malodor control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful odor-causing bacteria into beneficial effects by using probiotic microorganisms that outcompete and inhibit the growth of malodor-producing bacteria. The probiotics produce antimicrobial substances and compete for resources, transforming the harmful bacterial presence into a controlled ecological balance that eliminates odors at their source rather than masking them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probiotic microorganisms as intermediary agents that mediate between the odor-causing bacteria and the environment. These probiotics act as biological mediators that produce antimicrobial compounds and compete for nutrients, thereby inhibiting the growth of malodor-producing organisms and providing sustained odor control.
2Loss of substance
If residual water is left in front load wash machines to save water, then water consumption is reduced, but bacterial biofilms flourish causing malodor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs probiotic microorganisms that perform self-service by automatically colonizing the residual water and drum surfaces, producing antimicrobial substances that continuously inhibit biofilm formation. The system maintains itself through the self-replicating nature of probiotics, which compete with odor-causing bacteria for resources and produce bacteriocins that prevent biofilm development without requiring additional water or manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If manmade fabrics are used for athletic wear, then performance and comfort are improved, but odors are retained more than natural fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies probiotic microorganisms as a preliminary treatment to athletic wear fabrics before they are worn. The probiotics colonize the fabric surfaces and create a protective biofilm that actively inhibits odor-causing bacteria. This preliminary establishment of beneficial microorganisms prevents odor retention during subsequent wear, allowing the fabric to maintain its performance benefits without developing unwanted odors.
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
Effectively reduces or eliminates malodor perception in laundry and cleaning machines by using microorganisms that inhibit the production or secretion of odorous substances, providing both preventative and treatment solutions for malodor control.
Implementation Method 1
at least one microorganism which is able to inhibit malodor caused by a malodor causing microorganism (e.g., bacteria)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to malodor controlling bacteria and related methods and compositions for the control and prevention of malodor.