Dying process for textile materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dyeing systems for textiles often result in dye residues in washing machine compartments, unintended dye reactions with water rather than fibers, and the risk of incorrect or missed dye additions, leading to suboptimal staining results.

Innovation Solution

Spatially separate the dye and salt or fixer in different containers, with the dye released after the salt has partially or completely released, creating a time delay in their interaction to prevent unwanted reactions and ensure even dye distribution on the textile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the dye is added to the washing machine drum at the same time as the salt, then the dyeing process can be simplified, but the dye may react with water instead of fabric fibers causing hydrolysis and useless dye hydrolysate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedyeing process complexityVSAvoiddyeing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the dyeing process into two separate stages by using two distinct containers: one for salt and one for dye. The salt container releases salt first to prepare the washing liquor, while the dye container delays dye release until after salt dissolution is complete. This segmentation prevents premature dye hydrolysis while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the dye is added delayed in the dispenser drawer, then the dye distribution can be improved, but the process requires manual intervention and is not automated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedye distribution uniformityVSAvoiddyeing process automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs time-delay mechanisms that automatically control the release timing of salt and dye without requiring manual intervention. The salt container dissolves salt first, and the dye container automatically delays dye release until salt dissolution is complete, achieving both uniform distribution and full automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the dye concentration is increased in the drum, then the dyeing efficiency can be improved, but cloud-like discolorations or dye stains may form on the textile materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedyeing efficiencyVSAvoiddyeing uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the salt container dissolve salt into the washing liquor before the dye is released. This pre-preparation of the washing environment ensures that when dye is subsequently added, it disperses uniformly throughout the pre-mixed liquor rather than concentrating in localized areas, preventing stains while maintaining efficient dyeing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method prevents dye residues and hydrolysis, reduces the formation of unwanted stains, and ensures a consistent, spot-free dyeing process by controlling the release of dye and salt into the washing liquor.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one second container is configured such that the commencement of the release of the dye(s) occurs after the partial or complete release of the salt from the at least one first container, the time delay of the commencement of the release of the dye relating to the commencement of the release of the salt being in the range of about 1 minute to about 10 minutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime-delayed release:

Implementation Method 2

If the dye leaks prematurely from its container into the drum, the salt may not be sufficiently distributed, causing the dye to react with the water instead of the fabric fibers. The resulting dye hydrolysate is useless for dyeing purposes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3346053B1Dying process for textile materials
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 BRAUNS HEITMANN

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dyeing system for textile materials comprising at least one salt in at least one first container and at least one dye in at least one second container, the at least one first container having a first opening or a first group of several openings, and the at least one second Container having a second opening or a second group of several openings, the use of the dyeing system for dyeing textile materials and a method for dyeing textile materials based on the dyeing system.