Garment Odor Detection and Alerts for Timely Laundering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrequently laundered garments often become soiled and malodorous due to energy-conscious practices, but the odor may not be apparent to the wearer, leading to neglect in cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller and soiled garment detection apparatus that measures odor levels and provides alerts through a network, using sensors to determine if a garment is soiled and needs laundering, with notifications sent to the owner and visual alerts on the garment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If garments are laundered less frequently to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but garments become soiled and malodorous
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of soil and odor levels on garments before they become noticeably soiled or malodorous to the wearer. By monitoring these parameters continuously and alerting users in advance, the system enables proactive laundering decisions that prevent excessive soil accumulation while avoiding unnecessary frequent washes, thus optimizing energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If garments are worn many times before laundering, then energy consumption is reduced, but the wearer becomes accustomed to the odor and may not notice when laundering is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary odor detection device that objectively measures odor levels on garments. This mediator compensates for the wearer's diminished ability to detect odors by providing accurate, objective measurements and transmitting this information to the user, enabling informed laundering decisions without requiring the wearer to actively smell the garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where odor detection apparatus continuously monitor garment conditions and transmit information to user devices. This feedback mechanism alerts users when laundering is needed, preventing the situation where wearers become desensitized to odors and fail to notice when garments require cleaning.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If odor detection apparatus and notification systems are added, then garment cleanliness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional components that perform multiple tasks. For example, the odor detection apparatus not only detects odors but also measures soil levels and tracks garment wear cycles. The controller integrates data from multiple sensors and communicates with user devices, providing comprehensive garment care management through a single coordinated system rather than separate specialized devices.
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
Effectively reminds owners to launder soiled garments, preventing neglect and maintaining cleanliness, while also tracking garment degradation for timely replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to measure a concentration of particles released by the garment
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve an apparatus, systems, and methods for soiled garment detection and notification. The method may include receiving a measure of odor being released from a garment from a soiled garment detection apparatus. The method may further include determining that the measure of odor exceeds an acceptable odor threshold. A message may then be sent to a user device associated with the garment (e.g. a device of the owner of the garment) in response to determining that the measure of odor exceeds the threshold. The message may include a notification that the garment is soiled, and a suggested course of action to improve the measure of odor released by the garment.