Laundry Drum Detergent-Steam Sequence for Local Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses, such as washing machines and combination washing and drying machines, face challenges in completely removing local dirt from laundry using steam alone, and existing methods for treating textiles with aqueous treatment compositions and saturated steam do not effectively address stain removal and fiber softening simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method involving spraying a detergent composition comprising 5-10wt% polyoxyethylene alkylether, 3-10wt% sodium ethylhexyl sulfate, and balance of water, with optional additives like sodium hydroxide, 2-Ethyl Hexanol, Alcohols, Glycol ether, and Chelating agents, is used in conjunction with steam and heated air to treat laundry, providing effective stain removal, fiber softening, and deodorant functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If steam alone is used to treat laundry, then the treatment process is simple, but local dirt cannot be completely removed from the laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steam treatment with a sprayed liquid detergent composition into a single integrated process. The detergent solution is sprayed onto the laundry followed by steam application, creating a synergistic effect where the detergent penetrates stains and the steam activates and rinses the detergent, achieving complete dirt removal while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid detergent composition acts as an intermediary between the steam and the stains on laundry. The detergent contains surfactants and cleaning agents that directly interact with and break down dirt, while the steam serves as a delivery mechanism and activator, allowing the detergent to work more effectively without requiring direct contact between steam and stains alone.
2Reliability
If aqueous treatment composition is sprayed onto textile material and left to act in saturated steam atmosphere, then treatment time is extended, but local dirt removal is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by spraying the liquid detergent composition in intervals rather than continuous application. The detergent is sprayed, allowed to act briefly, then steam is applied to activate and rinse it, creating a rhythmic cycle of application and activation that reduces overall treatment time while maintaining effective stain removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by applying steam (gas phase) to activate the liquid detergent on the fabric, causing rapid dissolution and distribution of the detergent components. The phase change from liquid to gas and back to liquid condensate creates mechanical action and thermal energy that accelerates the cleaning process, reducing the time needed compared to static liquid treatment alone.
3Reliability
If detergent is applied by spraying followed by steam and heated air, then stain removal and fiber softening are achieved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated system that performs staining removal, fiber softening, and deodorizing in one process sequence. The detergent composition contains multiple active ingredients that provide various functions, and the steam-heated air system serves both as a rinsing mechanism and a drying/softening agent, eliminating the need for separate treatment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple treatment functions into a single integrated process flow. The spray application of detergent, steam activation and rinsing, and heated air drying are combined in one continuous operation, allowing stain removal, fiber softening, and deodorizing to occur simultaneously rather than requiring separate machines or sequential processes.
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 method enables efficient removal of local stains, reduces treatment time, and provides both water-soluble and fat-dissolved contamination removal, while maintaining adequate washing performance and fiber softening, thus enhancing the laundry treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
the detergent comprises 5 to 10wt% of polyoxyethylene alkylether, 3 to 10wt% of sodium ethylhexyl sulfate
Implementation Method 2
spraying steam into the drum to rinse the laundry
Implementation Method 3
supplying heated air into the drum to dry the laundry
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for treating laundry comprising spraying a liquid with dissolved detergent into a drum holding laundry, waiting a predetermined time period after spraying the liquid, to allow the detergent to be absorbed in the laundry, spraying steam into the drum to rinse the laundry and supplying heated air into the drum to dry the laundry, wherein the detergent comprises 5 to 10wt% of polyoxyethylene alkylether, 3 to 10wt% of sodium ethylhexyl sulfate, and balance of water.