Detergent Pourer UV Sterilization for Mold-Free Washer Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine detergent pourers often remain wet, leading to germ and mold reproduction, contamination of the washing tub, and user inconvenience due to frequent cleaning needs and potential contamination from dust accumulation when left open.
Innovation Solution
A detergent pourer sterilizer equipped with UV LEDs, high-pressure water spraying, and air injection, which automatically sterilizes the detergent pourer by emitting UV light, washing, and drying only when the washing machine is idle and the detergent pourer is closed, preventing contamination and maintaining cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the detergent pourer is left open to dry, then drying speed is improved, but contamination from dust and germs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sterilization using UV LEDs before the detergent pourer is left open for drying. This preliminary action eliminates germs and mold spores in advance, allowing the pourer to be left open without contamination risk. The control unit activates UV LEDs when the pourer is detected to be closed, completing sterilization before the drying phase begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the sterilization system (UV LEDs) and the drying process. It monitors the state of the detergent pourer and automatically activates UV sterilization when conditions are appropriate (pourer closed), enabling the drying process to proceed safely without manual intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the detergent pourer is kept closed to prevent contamination, then contamination is reduced, but moisture accumulation increases leading to germ reproduction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sterilization with UV LEDs when the detergent pourer is closed, eliminating germs and mold spores before they can reproduce. This preliminary action addresses the moisture accumulation issue by sterilizing the environment in advance, allowing the pourer to remain closed without risking germ reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous protection against germ reproduction by repeatedly activating UV sterilization whenever the detergent pourer is closed. This continuous useful action maintains a sterile environment throughout the drying process, preventing germ reproduction even though the pourer remains closed for extended periods.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed frequently to maintain hygiene, then cleanliness is improved, but user inconvenience and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-sterilization automatically using UV LEDs integrated into the detergent pourer structure. When the pourer is closed, the control unit automatically activates UV LEDs to sterilize the interior, eliminating the need for manual cleaning. This self-service capability maintains hygiene reliability while completely removing the time and effort burden from users.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning action is replaced by an automated UV light sterilization system. Instead of users physically cleaning the detergent pourer, the system uses UV LEDs to sterilize the interior automatically, substituting a mechanical process with an automated optical sterilization process that requires no user intervention.
4Reliability
If UV sterilization is activated continuously to maintain sterility, then sterility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV sterilization system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the real-time state of the detergent pourer. The control unit monitors whether the pourer is closed or open and activates UV LEDs only when the pourer is closed, making the sterilization process dynamic rather than continuous. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining sterility during the critical closed periods when contamination risk is highest.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operation, the UV sterilization is activated periodically whenever the detergent pourer is detected to be closed. This periodic action is triggered by the control unit based on sensor input, providing sterilization at appropriate intervals without wasting energy during periods when the pourer is open and sterilization is unnecessary.
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 solution effectively prevents germ and mold growth, reduces contamination risk, and maintains the detergent pourer's cleanliness, ensuring a hygienic washing tub and reducing user inconvenience by automating the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the detergent pourer being positioned in the hollow portion
Implementation Method 2
the detergent pourer or the housing has at least one region of an inner surface coated with TiO2 such that TiO2 causes photocatalytic reaction with ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a detergent pourer sterilizer. In one aspect, a detergent pourer sterilizer is provided to include a housing including a hollow portion having an open side; a detergent pourer configured to be detachably attached to the housing; a cover member configured to open or close the one open side of the hollow portion; and at least one UV LED configured to emit ultraviolet light toward the hollow portion.