Electrolytic Cell Cleaning System to Eliminate Soap Residue Buildup

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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

1Quantity of substance

If conventional soaps and detergents are used for carpet cleaning, then cleaning action is provided, but residue is left on the carpet that attracts more dirt and requires additional rinsing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning agent residueVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful residue component from conventional cleaning agents by using electrolyzed water that naturally breaks down into carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and water vapor, leaving no soap or detergent residue on surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by using electrolyzed water with specific pH levels (acidic anolyte or basic catholyte) that provide effective cleaning and disinfection without leaving residue, unlike conventional soaps and detergents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If conventional cleaning techniques are used, then cleaning is performed, but additional rinsing is required to remove soap and detergent residue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverinsing timeVSAvoidcleaning process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for separate rinsing operations by using electrolyzed water that decomposes into harmless substances (CO2, H2, H2O) that evaporate or dissipate, eliminating residue that would require rinsing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyzed water performs self-rinsing by naturally decomposing into carbon dioxide, hydrogen gas, and water vapor that evaporate, automatically removing any cleaning agent traces without requiring additional water or manual rinsing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional cleaning agents are used, then cleaning is achieved, but stains are not effectively removed requiring much effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning effort time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical properties of the cleaning solution by controlling the electrolysis process to produce electrolyzed water with specific pH levels and oxidation-reduction potentials that enhance stain removal capability compared to conventional neutral-pH cleaning agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the oxidizing properties of electrolyzed water, particularly the acidic anolyte which contains dissolved oxygen and hypochlorous acid, to break down and remove stains more effectively than conventional cleaning agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

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 process for various surfaces, including carpets, by utilizing electrolyzed water solutions that are generated and controlled by the electrolytic cell.

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, and/or any other suitable salt and/or other electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11565952B2Systems and methods for providing an electrolytic cell
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 Z INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDING COMPANY LLC
  • US11565952B2 patent drawing
  • US11565952B2 patent drawing
  • US11565952B2 patent drawing

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 sensor 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.