Method for the wet-treatment, preferably the washing, of laundry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for neutralizing laundry after washing often result in overdosing of neutralizing agents, leading to pH value shifts and environmental pollution, as they rely on estimated quantities rather than precise measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving continuous sampling and filtration of the laundry liquid after rinsing, with pH value measurements used to add neutralizing agents in targeted quantities until a neutral pH is achieved, preventing overdosing and ensuring complete neutralization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If neutralizing agent is added in estimated quantity based on practical experience, then neutralization process can be carried out, but overdosing occurs causing pH value shift and environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutralization completenessVSAvoidneutralizing agent overdose

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the pH value of the laundry liquid is continuously measured during the neutralization process. Based on the measured pH value, the control unit regulates the addition of neutralizing agent, adjusting the dosage in real-time to achieve complete neutralization without overdosing. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for estimated quantities and prevents both under-neutralization and overdosing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If neutralizing agent is added in larger quantity to ensure complete neutralization, then neutralization effectiveness improves, but costs increase and environmental pollution worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutralization effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the pH value and regulates neutralizing agent addition accordingly, ensuring complete neutralization is achieved with the minimum necessary dosage. This prevents excessive neutralizing agent from being discharged into the environment, thereby reducing environmental pollution while maintaining neutralization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the empirical, experience-based method of neutralizing agent addition with an automated control system that uses pH measurement and electronic regulation. This substitution of mechanical/manual operation with an automated measurement-control system enables precise dosage control, eliminating the need to add excess neutralizing agent as a safety margin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If pH value measurement is performed without filtration, then measurement process is simpler, but measurement accuracy is affected by particles and impurities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement simplicityVSAvoidpH value measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs filtration of the laundry liquid as a preliminary action before pH value measurement. By removing particles and impurities through filtration beforehand, the measurement is protected from interference, ensuring accurate pH readings without complicating the overall measurement process. This preliminary preparation step enables precise measurement while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for precise neutralization of laundry liquids, reducing environmental impact and costs by using the minimum necessary amount of neutralizing agents, ensuring a pH-neutral outcome.

Implementation Method 1

the sample is filtered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

at least one pH value of the filtered sample is measured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a neutralization of the laundry is carried out in that neutralizing agent is added as necessary to the liquid in which the laundry is located and/or which is bound in the laundry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutralization reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS10619283B2Method for the wet-treatment, preferably the washing, of laundry

Publication Date: 2020.04.14 HERBERT KANNEGIESSER GMBH & CO

AI summary

Washed laundry that has been rinsed still contains bound acidic or basic rinsing liquid. In many cases this must be neutralized. This used to be conducted on the basis of values gained from experience, which generally resulted in only partial neutralization. Herein, sample liquid is taken continuously from the neutralization chamber (18) and, after the fine filtration of same, the pH value of the sample liquid is continuously measured by a pH value measurement device (31). In this manner a pH value control system is possible which ensures an automatic and complete neutralization of the rinse liquid still bound in the laundry after rinsing.