Cleaning Machine Microorganism Treatment for Long-Lasting Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Malodor issues in laundry and cleaning machines persist due to bacterial biofilms thriving in low-water washing cycles and the use of manmade fabrics, 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 targeting odor-causing bacteria, either by applying them directly or through compositions like detergents and fabric softeners, which can be in various forms such as solid, liquid, or aerosol.
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 long-term odor control is not effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the metabolic activity of microorganisms to convert malodor-causing substances into beneficial byproducts. The microorganisms consume volatile organic compounds and bacterial metabolites that cause odors, transforming the harmful odor problem into a beneficial biological degradation process that provides sustained odor control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microorganisms as intermediary agents between the odor source and the environment. These microorganisms act as biological mediators that actively degrade malodor-causing compounds through metabolic processes, providing a more effective and sustained solution compared to direct perfume application
2Quantity of substance
If low-water washing cycles are used to save water, then water consumption is reduced, but bacterial biofilms flourish causing malodor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microorganisms that self-replicate and self-regulate within the washing system. These microorganisms naturally colonize the washing machine environment and continuously degrade organic substrates that would otherwise support harmful biofilm formation, providing autonomous odor control without additional water or chemical inputs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the biological parameters of the washing environment by introducing beneficial microorganisms. This shifts the microbial ecosystem balance, enabling the system to maintain cleanliness and prevent malodor even under low-water conditions where traditional chemical treatments would be insufficient
3Adaptability or versatility
If manmade fabrics are used to provide performance benefits, then functional properties are improved, but odor retention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies microorganisms as a preliminary treatment to fabrics before they are subjected to washing or wear. This pre-treatment establishes a protective microbial layer that proactively prevents odor-causing bacteria from colonizing the fabric, addressing the odor retention issue before it occurs during normal use
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 prevents, reduces, or eliminates malodor by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria, reducing volatile substance production, or consuming these substances, providing long-term odor control in laundry and cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a cleaning machine, cleaning process and/or article treated in the cleaning machine/process with at least one microorganism which is able to inhibit malodor caused by a malodor causing microorganism
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to malodor controlling bacteria and related methods and compositions for the control and prevention of malodor.