Detergent Dispenser Ozone Sanitization in Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
High humidity environments lead to bacterial growth on washing machine detergent dispensers, which can contaminate laundry and water during the washing process, compromising hygiene.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an ozone generator that delivers ozone gas directly into the detergent dispenser before or after the washing process to eliminate microorganisms, with optional user control or automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the detergent dispenser is left in place during washing, then the washing process can proceed continuously, but microorganisms accumulate on the detergent dispenser surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by detaching the detergent dispenser before the washing cycle starts, preventing microorganism accumulation during the wash process. This anticipatory measure eliminates the contamination problem before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent dispenser is extracted or detached from the main washing machine body during the washing process. This separation removes the surface where microorganisms would accumulate, allowing continuous washing while preventing contamination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the detergent dispenser is detached for cleaning, then microorganisms can be removed, but the washing process requires user intervention and stops
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent dispenser is equipped with self-cleaning structured walls that automatically clean themselves during the washing process. The structured surface interacts with the washing water to remove microorganisms without requiring user detachment or manual cleaning intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
A structured intermediate surface is introduced between the detergent dispenser and the washing environment. This structured wall acts as a mediator that facilitates automatic cleaning through its special geometry, enabling microorganism removal without direct user involvement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV radiation is used to eliminate microorganisms, then sanitation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex UV radiation system is replaced with a simpler mechanical/structural solution. The structured walls of the detergent dispenser provide automatic cleaning functionality through their physical geometry, substituting the need for electronic UV radiation generation and control systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If the detergent dispenser has smooth surfaces, then it is easy to manufacture, but microorganisms accumulate more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent dispenser walls are given a local structured quality rather than a uniform smooth surface. This localized structuring of the wall surfaces creates properties that prevent microorganism accumulation, while the overall dispenser remains easy to manufacture using standard molding techniques.
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 sanitizes the detergent dispenser and softener partition, ensuring hygienic conditions for both the washing machine and laundry, preventing microbial contamination during and after the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
an ozone generator (4) providing to deliver the ozone gas into the detergent dispenser (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
By means of the present invention, the microorganisms accumulated inside the detergent dispenser (5) are eliminated thus the washed laundry is hygienic and also the washing machine (1) is made ready to start the next washing program in a more hygienic manner. This is achieved through introducing ozone gas directly into the detergent dispenser (5).