Device and method for incorporating laundry in a water-bearing household device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying finishing substances like cyclodextrins and microcapsules to textiles in domestic appliances result in significant loss and uneven distribution, leading to inefficient use and environmental pollution, as well as the inability to achieve permanent finishing effects.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an atomizing device within a domestic washing machine or washer-dryer that sprays a finishing composition at or above the drum's lay-on speed, ensuring even distribution and minimizing losses, with a control unit managing the application process to fix the substances onto the textiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If finishing substances are applied to laundry in a washing machine using conventional methods, then the laundry can be treated with finishing substances, but significant substance loss occurs and distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spray device that utilizes pneumatic principles to atomize and distribute the finishing composition evenly across the laundry. The spray device creates a fine mist that penetrates and coats the textile surfaces uniformly, minimizing runoff and substance loss while ensuring consistent application throughout the drum.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and delivery parameters of the finishing composition by converting it from a liquid or paste form into an aerosol or fine spray. This parameter change allows for better dispersion, reduced clumping, and more uniform distribution on the laundry surfaces, directly addressing both substance loss and distribution uniformity.
2Reliability
If microcapsules and cyclodextrins are used as finishing substances, then functional properties are enhanced, but the substances are gradually destroyed or come off during washing and wearing
Solution Approach 1:
The spray device applies the finishing composition containing microcapsules and cyclodextrins to the laundry before the washing cycle completes. This preliminary application ensures that the functional substances are already in position on the textile surfaces, allowing them to withstand subsequent washing and wearing cycles more effectively rather than being introduced later when damage has already occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcapsules themselves act as flexible shells that protect the enclosed finishing substances during the spray application and subsequent washing cycles. The thin film structure of these capsules allows them to conform to textile surfaces while protecting the internal functional materials from premature destruction or release.
3Ease of operation
If liquid finishing substances are dispensed using a mechanical spray device, then the substances can be applied to laundry, but large droplets are formed causing staining
Solution Approach 1:
The spray device uses pneumatic atomization to break down the liquid finishing composition into fine droplets or mist. By utilizing compressed gas or air flow through specially designed nozzles, the system achieves consistent droplet size reduction without requiring complex mechanical moving parts, maintaining operational simplicity while precisely controlling droplet dimensions to prevent staining.
4Loss of substance
If the drum rotates at low speed during finishing substance application, then substances can be applied to laundry, but distribution is uneven and substance loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the drum rotation speed to a specific dynamic range that creates ideal conditions for spray application. At this optimized speed, the laundry items are sufficiently agitated and distributed throughout the drum to receive uniform spray coverage, while the rotation is not so fast as to cause excessive centrifugal force that would throw substances off the laundry or create uneven distribution patterns.
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 significantly reduces substance loss to less than 10%, ensures even application, and allows for permanent finishing, enhancing the functionality and longevity of treated textiles.
Implementation Method 1
an atomizing device capable of dispensing the finishing composition into the treatment room
Implementation Method 2
while the drum is being moved at at least the lay-on speed
Implementation Method 3
a control unit with an associated control program ensures that the equipment composition is dispensed into the treatment chamber while the drum is being moved at at least the lay-on speed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device (1) has a delivery device staying in connection with a treatment area, and control unit (26) assigned to a control program, which ensures that a finishing compound e.g. Cyclodextrin, is dispensed into the treatment area, while a drum (3) is operated with an application rotation speed. An atomizing device i.e. pressure atomizer, comprises a dosing device to control the delivery of amount of the finishing compound. A receiving container of the atomizing device is arranged outside or within a housing of the device. An independent claim is also included for a method for bringing a finishing compound of washing goods into a household appliance for the care of washing materials.