Machine and method for cleaning fabrics or the like
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric cleaning machines require high quantities of solvent or water, leading to inefficiencies in solvent extraction and water discharge, and pose health and environmental risks.
Innovation Solution
A machine and method using low-temperature vapor for cleaning fabrics, employing a rotary drum with a compartment for vapor introduction, a tank for heated cleaning fluid, and a suction system to evaporate and condense the fluid, reducing solvent use and water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high quantity of solvent is used for cleaning fabrics, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but solvent extraction becomes difficult and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the cleaning fluid from liquid to vapor phase, and operates at low temperatures (below the boiling point of water). This parameter change allows effective cleaning without using high quantities of solvent, as the vapor condenses on the fabric surface rather than penetrating deeply, thereby eliminating solvent residues and health risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor and back to liquid. Water is heated to generate vapor, which is then introduced into the cleaning chamber where it condenses on the fabric surface during cleaning, and finally the vapor is condensed and collected in the condensation chamber. This phase transition mechanism enables effective cleaning with minimal water consumption and no harmful residues.
2Manufacturing precision
If fabrics are totally immersed in water for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases and drying apparatus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of water from liquid to vapor phase for cleaning. The vapor is introduced into the cleaning chamber where it condenses on the fabric surface, providing effective cleaning without requiring total immersion. This eliminates the need for large quantities of water and subsequent drying apparatus, as the fabric is left with minimal moisture.
3Ease of repair
If solvent distillation device is added to recover solvent, then solvent recovery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simple phase transition of water (liquid to vapor and back to liquid) instead of complex solvent distillation. The vapor generated from heated water is introduced into the cleaning chamber, and the vapor is then condensed and collected in the condensation chamber. This simple phase transition mechanism eliminates the need for complex distillation devices while achieving effective solvent recovery.
4Loss of substance
If high speed centrifugal step is used for solvent extraction, then solvent removal is improved, but energy consumption and machine complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses phase transition of water from vapor to liquid condensation on the fabric surface, which naturally removes excess moisture without requiring high-speed centrifugal extraction. The vapor condenses and drips off the fabric, eliminating the need for energy-intensive centrifugal steps while achieving effective solvent removal.
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 effectively cleans fabrics with low environmental impact and health safety, eliminating solvent residues and minimizing water usage, while ensuring delicate fabrics are not damaged.
Implementation Method 1
the suction means (6) are connected to the containment compartment (4) for containing articles (2) to be cleaned so as to evaporate the cleaning fluid inside the tank (5)
Implementation Method 2
suction means (6), that can be connected to the compartment (4) for containing the articles (2) to be cleaned so as to evaporate the cleaning fluid inside the tank (5) and allow the introduction into the containment compartment (4) of cleaning fluid in the form of vapour V
Implementation Method 3
a condensation device (10), designed for condensing the vapor phase cleaning fluid (V)
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method for cleaning fabrics, such as garments and the like, comprising the following steps: a) preparing a compartment for containing fabrics; b) preparing a quantity of cleaning fluid in fluid communication with the containment compartment; c) inserting the fabrics in the compartment and isolating the containment compartment with respect to an outside environment; d) sucking air from the compartment, in a substantially continuous manner, for adjusting the pressure in the compartment for containing the fabrics to a pressure less than the atmospheric pressure so as to allow the evaporation of the cleaning fluid and the introduction into the compartment of the cleaning fluid in the vapor phase, for cleaning the fabrics.