Electrolytic Cell Conditioning for Residue-Free Carpet Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carpet cleaning techniques often leave soap and detergent residue, leading to faster dirt accumulation and inefficiency in stain removal, as they rely on ineffective cleaning agents that fail to thoroughly clean carpets.

Innovation Solution

The use of an electrolytic cell to generate electrolyzed alkaline water or electrolyzed oxidizing water by electrolyzing solutions like sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, which are then used to clean and disinfect surfaces, employing sensors and processors for optimal operation and minimizing water consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional soaps and detergents are used for carpet cleaning, then cleaning action is provided, but residue is left on the carpet causing faster dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddirt accumulation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning agent by using electrolyzed water with specific pH levels (acidic or alkaline) and oxidation-reduction potential instead of conventional soaps and detergents. This parameter change allows effective cleaning without leaving residue that attracts dirt, directly resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and dirt accumulation rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of residue buildup into a benefit by using electrolyzed water that actively prevents soil attraction. The electrolyzed water not only cleans effectively but also creates a surface that repels or prevents dirt accumulation, turning the previous harmful outcome into a beneficial effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of operation

If conventional cleaning techniques are used, then cleaning is performed, but the process is inefficient and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning process simplicityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the cleaning system universal by using electrolyzed water that can perform multiple functions: cleaning, disinfecting, and preventing soil attraction. This single multi-functional agent replaces the need for multiple separate cleaning steps, products, and rinsing operations, thereby improving both ease of operation and productivity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If electrolyzed water is produced using an electrolytic cell, then effective cleaning agents are generated, but water consumption and energy use increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning agent qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the electrolytic cell system to automatically produce cleaning agents on-demand at the point of use. The system monitors cleaning needs and generates electrolyzed water only when required, eliminating the need for pre-prepared large quantities of cleaning solutions and reducing both water consumption and energy waste from storing and transporting pre-mixed cleaners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively removes dirt and stains without leaving residues, providing a more efficient and sustainable cleaning solution by producing high-quality cleaning agents that can be tailored for various cleaning tasks.

Implementation Method 1

generate electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water by electrolyzing a solution comprising sodium carbonate, soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, washing soda, soda crystals, crystal carbonate, sodium acetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

a fluid flows past a magnet before entering the cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field effect: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11629076B2Systems and methods for providing an electrolytic cell that produces conditioned electrolyzed water

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 Z INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDING COMPANY LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to systems and methods for cleaning materials, such as flooring and upholstery. In some cases, the systems and methods use an electrolytic cell to electrolyze a solution comprising sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium percarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and/or any other suitable chemical to generate electrolyzed alkaline water and/or electrolyzed oxidizing water. In some cases, the cell comprises a recirculation loop that recirculates anolyte through an anode compartment of the cell. In some cases, the cell further comprises a senor and a processor, where the processor is configured to automatically change an operation of the cell, based on a reading from the sensor. In some cases, a fluid flows past a magnet before entering the cell. In some additional cases, fluid from the cell is conditioned by being split into multiple conduits that run in proximity to each other. Additional implementations are described.