Dishwasher Cleaning Process Using Timed Dual-Phase Liquid Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing detergents face challenges in achieving effective cleaning performance, especially in low-temperature cycles and those with reduced water consumption, due to limitations in the use of new ingredients and packaging forms.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the timed metering of two liquid cleaning agents with specific compositions and pH levels into a dishwasher, where Agent A is metered in during a pre-wash cycle and Agent B during the cleaning cycle, with a time delay to optimize cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new ingredients such as more effective surfactants, polymers or bleaches are added to cleaning agents, then cleaning performance is improved, but the complexity of the cleaning agent composition and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent is divided into two separate liquid components (cleaning agent A and cleaning agent B) with different pH levels and functional compositions. These components are applied at different times during the cleaning cycle, allowing each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, thereby improving overall cleaning performance while maintaining manageable composition complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Cleaning agent A (with lower pH and enzyme content) is applied first during the pre-wash cycle to perform initial cleaning and preparation of the soiled surfaces. This preliminary action prepares the surfaces for subsequent treatment with cleaning agent B, optimizing the overall cleaning process efficiency
2Reliability
If the amount of ingredients used per cleaning cycle is increased, then cleaning performance is improved, but ecological and economic constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process uses periodic application of cleaning agents instead of continuous high-concentration application. Cleaning agent A is applied during the pre-wash cycle, and cleaning agent B is applied during the main cleaning cycle, allowing effective cleaning with reduced total ingredient consumption per cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pH parameter between the two cleaning agents (Agent A has pH 6-9, Agent B has pH 9-14), allowing each agent to work optimally in its specific pH range. This parameter differentiation enables effective cleaning performance while using lower concentrations of active ingredients compared to a single high-strength agent
3Reliability
If liquid cleaning agents are metered with a time delay between two consecutive points in time, then cleaning performance in low-temperature cycles is improved, but the cleaning process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cleaning agent A is applied during the pre-wash cycle before the main cleaning cycle begins. This preliminary application prepares the soiled surfaces and allows initial cleaning action to occur, improving overall cleaning performance especially in low-temperature conditions where chemical reactions are slower
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process uses dynamic timing and sequencing of agent application rather than static simultaneous application. The time delay between applying Agent A and Agent B allows each agent to work optimally during its specific phase, adapting the cleaning process to the thermal and chemical conditions present at different stages
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 enhances cleaning performance in low-temperature and low-water cycles by controlling the pH and temperature of the wash liquor, improving the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
the pH value (20°C) of liquid cleaning agent A differing from the pH value (20°C) of liquid cleaning agent B by at least two units
Implementation Method 2
A: 0.1 to 10% by weight protease
Implementation Method 3
the temperature of the cleaning liquor rises to values above 30°C, preferably above 40°C and in particular above 50°C
Data Source
AI summary
Method for machine cleaning of dishes in a dishwasher, characterized in that, over the course of a cleaning program, which comprises a pre-rinsing operation and a cleaning operation, two liquid cleansers A and B having the following composition: A: - 10 to 75 wt% of builder(s); - 0.1 to 10 wt% of enzyme(s); - 24.9 to 89.9 wt% of solvent; and B: - 10 to 74.9 wt% of builder(s); - 25 to 89.9 wt% of solvent; are metered into the interior of the dishwasher in this cleaning operation at two successive times t1 and t2, wherein the liquid cleanser A has a pH value (20°C) of between 6 and 9 and is metered in at time t1 while the liquid cleanser B has a pH value (20°C) of between 9 and 14 and is metered in at time t2.