Laundry Ozone Injection Through Chemical Lines for Wash-Cycle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ozone and hydroxyl radical injection systems for laundry machines face limitations such as low maintenance, high installation costs, inability to customize ozone and hydroxyl levels per wash cycle, and inefficiencies in maintaining adequate cleaning concentrations throughout the wash cycle.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating ozone and hydroxyl generators into the chemical lines of laundry systems, allowing for variable injection of ozone and hydroxyl radicals at different stages and entry points, using UV light or venturi systems to minimize off-gassing and optimize cleaning efficacy, and controlling concentrations through a solenoid valve and pump system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ozone and hydroxyl generators are integrated into the chemical lines with multiple injection points, then the ability to customize ozone and hydroxyl levels per wash cycle is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the injection process into multiple independent injection points (first injection point in chemical line, second injection point in water line) that can be controlled separately. Each injection point has its own solenoid valve and dosage control, allowing independent customization of ozone and hydroxyl levels without requiring complete system redesign for different wash cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through solenoid valves that can be opened or closed at different times during the wash cycle, and dosage pumps that can adjust flow rates dynamically. This allows the system to adapt ozone and hydroxyl concentrations to match different wash cycle requirements while maintaining a relatively simple fixed physical infrastructure
2Reliability
If multiple injection points are used throughout the wash cycle, then adequate cleaning concentrations are maintained throughout the cycle, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first injection point introduces ozone and hydroxyl radicals into the chemical line before the wash cycle begins, pre-charging the chemicals with oxidizing agents. This preliminary action ensures that cleaning concentrations are established from the start of the wash cycle, maintaining reliability without requiring continuous complex injection systems throughout the entire cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous injection of ozone and hydroxyl radicals through multiple injection points throughout the wash cycle. The second injection point in the water line provides continuous supplementation, ensuring adequate concentrations are maintained throughout the entire cycle without interruption or depletion
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light or venturi systems are used to minimize off-gassing, then safety is improved, but the installation cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces water as an intermediary medium to dissolve and carry ozone and hydroxyl radicals through the chemical lines and into the wash cycle. This water-based transport system minimizes off-gassing compared to direct gas injection, while avoiding the need for expensive UV light systems or complex venturi devices by using simple dissolution and flow-based delivery
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
This approach reduces maintenance, lowers installation costs, allows for customizable ozone and hydroxyl levels based on wash load, and maintains effective cleaning concentrations throughout the cycle, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the laundry process.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes UVA (black light) in the 365 nm to 385 nm wavelength to excite (irradiate) nano sized Titanium Dioxide sol gel particles
Implementation Method 2
The hydroxyl radical which was first discovered by scientists in 1963 is often referred to as the 'detergent' of the troposphere, or the lowest part of the atmosphere, because it reacts with many pollutants and helps destroy them
Implementation Method 3
Hydroxyls are formed in nature by the reaction of UV light from the sun disassembling water vapor (H2O) to get a hydrogen atom and oxygen (O2) which are combined together to form the hydroxyl radical (*OH)
Data Source
AI summary
An ozone and/or hydroxyl laundry system that injects ozone and/or hydroxyls into the chemical injection system in order to allow the system to inject ozone and/or hydroxyls as other cleaning chemicals are injected into the washer. This allows ozone and/or hydroxyls to be injected through the wash cycle rather than just during the initial fill phase and additional avoids the expense and maintenance of adding ozone and/or hydroxyls recirculation plumping to an ozone and/or hydroxyls laundry system. Accordingly, ozone and/or hydroxyl levels may be maintained at superior levels throughout the wash cycle.