Electrolytic Cleaning Agent Generator for On-Demand Dosing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning agent technologies require handling of aggressive chemicals, making it difficult to dose correctly and complicating automated processing, leading to potential overuse and complex wastewater treatment.

Innovation Solution

A generator system comprising a first and second container for liquids, a reaction vessel with electrodes for electrolytic generation of cleaning agents, and a control device to manage the liquid flow and electrolytic process, allowing precise control of cleaning agent production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cleaning agents are provided directly at the location of use (electrolytic generation), then dosing precision and control are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for electrolytic generation equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an electrolytic cell as an intermediary device that converts common salt and water into cleaning agents (hypochlorous acid and hydroxide) on-demand. This intermediary process enables precise dosing control through electrical current regulation while avoiding the need to store and handle large quantities of aggressive chemicals, thus improving dosing precision while keeping the overall system manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical dosing systems (pumps, valves, tanks) with an electrolytic generation system controlled by electrical parameters. The cleaning agent is generated in-situ through electrolysis of salt water, with the amount produced directly controlled by the electrical current applied, substituting complex mechanical dosing mechanisms with simpler electrical control while improving precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If aggressive chemicals are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to dosing difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts common, non-hazardous materials (salt and water) into effective cleaning agents through electrolysis. The salt and water themselves are harmless, but the electrolytic process transforms them into hypochlorous acid and hydroxide, which provide the necessary cleaning effectiveness. This eliminates the need to handle and dose aggressive chemicals directly, improving both safety and ease of operation while maintaining cleaning performance

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the cleaning system by generating active cleaning agents in-situ through controlled electrolysis. By adjusting electrical parameters (current, voltage, time), the system can precisely control the concentration and amount of cleaning agent produced, ensuring effective cleaning while avoiding the hazards associated with storing and dosing concentrated aggressive chemicals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If cleaning agents are stored and transported, then availability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to overuse and wastewater

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidloss of substance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores common salt and water (non-hazardous, abundant materials) instead of pre-prepared cleaning agents. The actual cleaning agents are generated in advance only when needed, through electrolytic conversion of the stored salt and water. This preliminary storage of raw materials combined with on-demand generation eliminates overuse and waste, as the cleaning agent is produced in the exact amount required for each cleaning task

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service cleaning agent production at the point of use. The electrolytic cell continuously converts salt and water into cleaning agents as needed, without requiring external supply chains, storage of finished products, or complex distribution systems. This self-service approach ensures that cleaning agents are available exactly when and where needed, while minimizing loss through precise on-demand generation that matches actual usage requirements

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

Enables simplified and effective control of cleaning agent supply, avoiding problems with chemical dosing and conveyance, and facilitating automated production of cleaning agents on demand.

Implementation Method 1

a reaction vessel with electrodes for the electrolytic generation of cleaning agent based on the first and second liquids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4599748A1Generator for providing cleaning agents
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4599748A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4599748A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4599748A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A generator (110) for cleaning agents comprises a first container (150) for holding a first liquid; a second container (150) for holding a second liquid; a reaction vessel (120) with electrodes (130) for electrolytically generating cleaning agents based on the first and second liquids; and a control device (170) for guiding the first and second liquids into the reaction vessel (120).