Electrolyzed Water Cell Control for Residue-Free Surface 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 remains in the carpet leading to faster dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddirt accumulation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

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, replacing conventional soaps and detergents. This parameter change allows effective cleaning without residue accumulation, as the electrolyzed water breaks down organic matter through oxidation rather than leaving surfactant residues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical emulsification and micelle formation mechanism of conventional detergents with an electrochemical mechanism. The electrolytic cell generates electrolyzed water through electrochemical reactions that directly oxidize and break down organic matter, eliminating the need for surfactants and their associated residue problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional cleaning techniques are used, then cleaning is provided, but stain removal efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidstain removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs strong oxidation through electrolyzed water generated by the electrolytic cell. The electrochemical process produces highly reactive oxygen species and adjusts the oxidation-reduction potential to create a potent cleaning agent that rapidly breaks down and removes stains, significantly improving stain removal efficiency compared to conventional cleaning methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Productivity

If electrolytic cell with sensors and processors is used, then optimal operation and minimal water consumption are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater usage efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that monitor parameters such as pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and water flow, with processors that adjust the electrolytic cell operation in real-time based on this feedback. This closed-loop control system optimizes water usage and cleaning effectiveness while automatically adapting to different cleaning conditions, justifying the increased device complexity through improved efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The system effectively cleans and disinfects surfaces by producing high-quality cleaning agents that reduce residue and improve stain removal, while minimizing water usage and enhancing cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using an electrolytic cell to 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

PatentUS11383993B2Systems and methods for providing a magnetically treated electrolyzed water

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 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 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.