Conveyor Laundry Washing and Drying With Spray Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry washing and drying methods involve mechanical stress and high energy consumption due to continuous movement in rotating drums, and require intermediate transport steps, leading to inefficient space use and energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for washing and drying laundry where items are sprayed or sprinkled with liquid in a spread-out state, using high-pressure nozzles and conveyor systems to minimize movement, allowing for gentle and energy-efficient treatment, with optional ultrasonic disinfection and liquid extraction to enhance cleaning and reduce drying energy needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laundry is continuously circulated in rotating drums for washing and drying, then washing and drying functions are achieved, but mechanical stress on laundry items increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotating drum system with a stationary conveyor belt system where laundry items remain relatively stationary. Washing is achieved by spraying liquid onto the laundry as it moves slowly on the conveyor, eliminating the continuous mechanical circulation and tumbling action that causes stress on fabric items.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing and drying processes are segmented into distinct zones along the conveyor path. The conveyor belt system divides the treatment into multiple sections where different functions (washing, rinsing, drying) can be applied sequentially to different portions of laundry items without requiring them to be continuously repositioned or tumbled.
2Reliability
If laundry is continuously circulated in rotating drums, then washing and drying are effective, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the energy-intensive rotating drum mechanism with a low-energy conveyor belt system. The conveyor requires minimal energy to move laundry items slowly through treatment zones, compared to the high energy needed to continuously tumble and circulate items in rotating drums for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system enables continuous movement of laundry through washing and drying zones without interruption, maintaining productive action while using less energy. Items are constantly exposed to treatment liquids and drying air along the conveyor path, eliminating the idle periods and repeated positioning cycles inherent in batch drum processing.
3Ease of manufacture
If intermediate transport steps are used between washing and drying, then process separation is achieved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washing and drying processes into a single integrated conveyor system. Both functions are performed sequentially on the same moving platform, eliminating the need for separate washing machines, dryers, and intermediate transport mechanisms that would occupy additional space in traditional multi-stage facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (separate machines at different locations requiring intermediate transport) to a horizontal linear arrangement where washing and drying zones are positioned sequentially along the conveyor path. This dimensional reorganization consolidates space usage while maintaining process separation.
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
This approach reduces mechanical stress on laundry, lowers energy consumption, and eliminates the need for intermediate transport, providing a more efficient and gentle washing and drying process while allowing for continuous treatment without reloading, thus optimizing space and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
the laundry is transported in a spread-out state on a conveyor through at least one drying section
Implementation Method 2
The spraying or sprinkling of the laundry items is preferably carried out at such an intensity that the laundry is washed hydrodynamically
Implementation Method 3
a disinfection with ultrasound and peracetic acid is carried out during the washing process
Implementation Method 4
during the drying phase the bound liquid from the wet treatment is extracted to at least a large extent
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses that provide for laundry to be washed and rinsed in a washing device in a state in which it lies spread out on an upper strand of a belt conveyor and, directly thereafter, to be dried in a likewise spread-out state on an upper strand of a belt conveyor. During the washing, rinsing and also the drying operations, the laundry rests on the belt conveyors, which also transport the laundry through the washing device and the dryer. The items of laundry here are washed, and also rinsed, by being sprayed with jets of liquid. The procedure described provides for a compact washing and drying system and is gentler on the items of laundry.