Low-Temperature Dishwashing Chemistry for Enzyme-Safe Sanitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Low temperature fill-and-dump dishwashing machines require chemical sanitizers due to inadequate temperature for hot water sanitization, which degrade enzymes in detergent compositions, limiting effective enzymatic cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A detergent composition comprising enzymes and a sanitizer mitigator is used during the wash cycle, with a chlorine or iodine-based sanitizer added during the rinse cycle, allowing for enzymatic cleaning while mitigating sanitizer degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a chemical sanitizer (chlorine or iodine) is used in low temperature fill-and-dump dishwashing machines, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but enzyme activity in detergent composition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidenzyme activity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into two separate cycles: wash cycle and rinse cycle. The detergent composition with enzymes is applied during the wash cycle, while the chemical sanitizer is applied during the rinse cycle. This temporal segmentation prevents direct contact between sanitizer and enzymes, allowing both to function effectively without mutual degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rinse cycle acts as an intermediary phase between the wash cycle and final sanitization. During this intermediate rinse cycle, the machine performs rinsing operations that separate the enzyme-containing wash solution from the sanitizer-containing rinse solution, preventing direct interaction while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by stationary object

If low temperature operation (49-60°C) is used in fill-and-dump machines, then energy consumption is reduced, but sanitization capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsanitization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal sanitization mechanism (relying on high temperature) is replaced with chemical sanitization using chlorine or iodine-based compounds. This substitution allows effective sanitization to occur at low temperatures (49-60°C), maintaining energy efficiency while achieving reliable sanitization through chemical action rather than thermal action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables effective enzymatic cleaning in low temperature fill-and-dump machines by protecting enzymes from sanitizer degradation, ensuring optimal dishware cleaning performance.

Implementation Method 1

the mandated sanitizer reacts negatively with most detergent enzymes that are present for effective dishware cleaning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical protection:

Implementation Method 2

detergent composition comprising at least one enzyme and at least one sanitizer mitigator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic degradation: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

the sanitizer comprises at least one chlorine or iodine-based compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical sanitization: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS10154771B2Cleaning system for a low temperature fill-and-dump dishwashing machine

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A method of cleaning dishware in a low temperature fill-and-dump dishwashing machine wherein the detergent composition doused in the wash cycle comprises sanitizer mitigator and enzymes, and the rinse cycle comprises sanitizer and rinse aid.