Method for treating clothes and washing track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial laundries face flexibility issues in washing sensitive and less sensitive laundry due to the need for separate dewatering presses and centrifuges, limiting balanced ratios and increasing equipment requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method where laundry passes through a dewatering press for all types, with sensitive items receiving minimal mechanical stress and final dewatering in a centrifuge, using a shuttle to transfer between devices, allowing for flexible processing and reduced equipment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dewatering presses and centrifuges are permanently assigned to specific washing machines for sensitive and less sensitive laundry, then dewatering effectiveness is improved, but equipment complexity and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dewatering press is designed to handle all types of laundry (both sensitive and less sensitive items) through a single device, eliminating the need for separate permanently assigned presses and centrifuges. The press can adjust its operation to provide gentle pre-dewatering for sensitive items or more thorough dewatering for less sensitive items, making it a universal solution that reduces overall equipment complexity while maintaining dewatering effectiveness.
2Reliability
If separate dewatering presses and centrifuges are permanently assigned to specific washing machines, then dewatering effectiveness is improved, but operational flexibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic routing where laundry can be directed to different dewatering paths based on sensitivity requirements. The dewatering press operates dynamically, adjusting pressing force and duration based on the laundry type. This dynamic adaptability allows the same equipment to serve multiple functions and maintain flexibility in washing operations without requiring permanent assignments of specific equipment to specific laundry types.
3Productivity
If maximum pressing force is applied in the dewatering press, then dewatering efficiency is improved, but damage to sensitive laundry is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dewatering press applies partial pressing force - enough to achieve effective pre-dewatering of sensitive laundry without applying maximum force that would cause damage. For sensitive items, the press provides gentle pre-dewatering at reduced force levels, then the laundry proceeds to centrifugal dewatering for complete water removal. This partial action approach achieves sufficient dewatering efficiency while protecting sensitive fabrics from mechanical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The dewatering process is segmented into two stages: gentle pre-dewatering in the press followed by centrifugal dewatering. The pressing force is segmented in intensity - lower force for sensitive items in the press, with the understanding that maximum force may be applied to less sensitive items or in combination with centrifugal action. This segmentation allows the system to achieve overall high dewatering efficiency while protecting sensitive laundry through controlled force application at different stages.
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 flexible treatment of various laundry types with reduced mechanical stress on sensitive items, optimizing dewatering and processing efficiency while minimizing equipment requirements, allowing for balanced washing ratios.
Implementation Method 1
the laundry is dewatered both in the dewatering press and in a laundry centrifuge
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves washing clothes in a tunnel-type washing machine (10), and partially removing water from the clothes in a subsequent water-removal press (12), where the water is removed from the clothes selectively in the water-removal press and in a laundry centrifuge (13). A maximum pressing force is applied to the clothes in the water-removal press when water is removed from the clothes only in the water-removal press. The clothes are unloaded from the water-removal press, and the clothes are dried in a dryer (14) after the water is removed from the clothes. An independent claim is also included for an inline washing system comprising a washing machine.