Electrolyzed Water Sparging for Residue-Free Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning systems for hard and soft floors rely on chemical surfactants that leave residues and may have adverse health or environmental effects, while also requiring the use of detergents that can re-soil surfaces and pose environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrochemically activated (EA) water and EA liquids, generated through a functional generator with an anode and cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane, which produces acidic anolyte and basic catholyte liquids that can clean and sanitize surfaces without the need for traditional surfactants, reducing residue and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chemical surfactants are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but residue is left on surfaces and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning liquid by using electrochemically activated water with specific pH levels (acidic anolyte with pH 2-4 and basic catholyte with pH 10-12) and high oxidation-reduction potential (+600 to +1200 mV), replacing traditional surfactant-based chemistry while achieving effective cleaning without harmful residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of traditional surfactants with an electrochemical mechanism, using electrolysis to generate reactive species (hypochlorous acid, hydroxyl radicals) that provide cleaning and sanitizing action without leaving behind surfactant residues
2Reliability
If detergents are used to clean surfaces, then dirt and oils are removed, but surfaces tend to re-soil and health concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs strong oxidizing agents generated through electrolysis, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hydroxyl radicals, which effectively break down organic soils and oils while providing sanitizing action that prevents re-soiling and eliminates health concerns associated with traditional detergents
3Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning liquids are used, then cleaning function is achieved, but environmental and health safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an onboard electrolysis system that generates cleaning and sanitizing agents directly from water and electrolytes during operation, eliminating the need to store and transport harmful conventional cleaning chemicals while maintaining effective cleaning function and improving environmental and health safety
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 EA liquids demonstrate enhanced cleaning and sanitizing capabilities, reducing surface tension and effectively removing dirt and oils without leaving residues, while being safer for the environment and human health.
Implementation Method 1
an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane
Implementation Method 2
a sparging device and a functional generator
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided, which includes a sparging device and a functional generator. The functional generator is in fluid communication with the sparging device and includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane.