Method for detecting presence of a marker molecule in a solution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-utilizing appliances, such as washing machines, face challenges in ensuring the correct detergent composition is used, which can lead to process failures, device damage, and safety issues, necessitating a method to control and detect the formulation accurately.
Innovation Solution
A detergent composition with a marker molecule that can be detected by a sensor assembly in the appliance, utilizing a pulse train and electrochemical signatures to differentiate between normal and enhanced modes of operation, allowing for accurate detection and selection of the appropriate mode based on the presence of the marker molecule, such as potassium iodide, in the detergent solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is provided to detect the appropriate formulation, then the reliability of process operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A marker molecule (iodide or iodine-containing compound) is introduced as an intermediary substance in the detergent formulation. This marker serves as a detectable signal that indicates the presence and correctness of the detergent composition without requiring complex sensors. The sensor assembly detects the marker through electrochemical reactions, providing a simple and reliable way to verify formulation correctness while maintaining device simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If specific electrodes are used to detect a specific active substance, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly uses a universal detection approach based on electrochemical reactions that can detect multiple marker molecules (iodide, iodine-containing compounds) using the same electrode configuration. The electrodes are not specific to a single substance but rather detect the electrochemical signature of the marker class, making the system versatile and reducing complexity while maintaining precision for detecting the presence of correct detergent formulations.
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
Enables highly accurate and reliable detection of the marker molecule, enabling the appliance to select an enhanced mode of operation that includes wastewater treatment, thereby ensuring proper operation and preventing potential damage or safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
The marker molecule is capable of being reversibly reduced or oxidized in response to a plurality of applied potential levels
Implementation Method 2
the marker molecule is detected in a solution of the detergent composition by sensor assembly in the appliance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention provides a detergent composition for use in a water-utilizing appliance, that allows for selection of an enhanced mode of operation of the appliance, based on the detection of a marker molecule in the solution of the detergent composition, where the enhanced mode comprises treatment of waste water generated during use of the appliance. The present invention also provides a method of selecting an enhanced mode of operation in a washing machine including a sensor assembly for detecting the presence of a marker molecule in a solution of the detergent composition.