Laundry Treating Appliance pH Control for Dye Transfer Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential laundry settings face challenges in preventing dye transfer between fabric items during washing, as consumers often lack control over fabric types and dye qualities, leading to inefficient sorting and potential damage from dye bleeding.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a laundry treating appliance that includes a dye fixative removal phase with heated water adjusted to a pH greater than 9 to form an alkaline liquor, which inhibits dye transfer by using a combination of dye fixatives and absorbers to prevent dye partitioning and redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If laundry items are sorted into loads of like color, then dye transfer is reduced, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A dye transfer inhibitor composition is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between different colored fabric items during washing. The composition contains polymers with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions that bind to dye molecules and prevent their transfer to other fabrics, allowing mixed-color loads to be washed together without dye transfer issues
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the washing environment by introducing a composition with specific polymer concentrations, pH levels, and ionic strengths that create conditions unfavorable for dye transfer. The composition modifies the surface properties of fabrics and the solubility characteristics of dyes to prevent bleeding and transfer
2Object-affected harmful factors
If laundry items are sorted into loads of like color, then dye transfer is reduced, but device complexity and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dye transfer inhibitor composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a dye binder, a fabric softener, a water softener, and a lubricant. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sorting processes and additional specialized treatments, simplifying the overall laundry process while providing comprehensive protection against dye transfer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If excess dye is removed during washing, then dye transfer is prevented, but loss of substance and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dye transfer inhibitor composition is applied preliminarily to the fabric items before washing, or is present from the beginning of the wash cycle, forming a protective layer that prevents dye release in the first place. This preliminary protection reduces the need for multiple rinse cycles and extensive water usage to remove excess dye, thereby conserving water and energy
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 method allows for effective inhibition of dye transfer between fabric items, enabling the laundering of mixed or unsorted loads with minimal dye transfer, thus reducing the risk of damage and improving laundry efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the pH of the heated water to a pH greater than 9 to form an alkaline liquor
Implementation Method 2
supplying heated water in the treating chamber and adjusting the pH of the heated water to a pH greater than 9 to form an alkaline liquor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotating drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for the receipt of laundry for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a dye fixative removal phase that includes supplying heated water in the treating chamber and adjusting the pH of the heated water.