Device for treating stains and method for treating stains using such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stain removal technologies are inadequate for treating a wide variety of stains on textiles independently of a regular wash cycle, particularly when low washing temperatures are used, and often require specific stain treatment liquids that are ineffective against other types of soiling.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that uses a chemical formulation containing hydrogen peroxide or titanium dioxide, activated by UV radiation to generate free radicals, which decompose dyes in stains, allowing for effective stain removal regardless of wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specific stain treatment fluid is used, then it is effective against a specific type of stain, but it shows little effect against other types of soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single stain treatment fluid containing hydrogen peroxide and titanium dioxide that can treat multiple types of stains (organic and inorganic) through UV-activated free radical generation, replacing the need for multiple specialized treatments
2Reliability
If high washing temperatures are used, then stubborn stains are removed more effectively, but textiles made of heat-sensitive materials cannot be washed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal mechanism (heat) with a photochemical mechanism (UV radiation activating hydrogen peroxide and titanium dioxide to generate free radicals), allowing effective stain removal at low temperatures suitable for heat-sensitive textiles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from thermal energy to UV radiation energy, enabling the stain treatment to occur at low temperatures by using photochemical activation instead of thermal activation
3Ease of operation
If a portable device is designed for immediate stain treatment, then it can be used independently of regular wash cycles, but the device must be compact and lightweight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (chemical formulation storage, UV radiation source, and application mechanism) into a single integrated portable device, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure
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 device provides versatile and efficient stain removal across various types of stains, enabling effective treatment of stubborn stains without the need for high wash temperatures, and can be used anywhere due to its compact and mobile design.
Implementation Method 1
UV irradiation of chemical substances containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or titanium dioxide (TiO2)... The UV radiation emitted by the radiation source activates the hydrogen peroxide or titanium dioxide, producing highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals)... These OH radicals are capable of decomposing dyes
Implementation Method 2
Free radicals are generated, for example, by UV irradiation of chemical substances containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or titanium dioxide (TiO2)... The UV radiation emitted by the radiation source activates the hydrogen peroxide or titanium dioxide, producing highly reactive hydroxyl radicals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for treating stains, which can be carried by a person, comprising a reservoir (6) for receiving a chemical formulation, where the reservoir (6) has an outlet port (7) for dispensing the chemical formulation and where the device comprises a UV radiation source (9) which emits its radiation in a direction essentially away from the device. The invention further relates to a method for treating spots using such a device.