Methods and systems for bleaching textiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ozone bleaching systems for textiles lack reproducibility and uniformity due to variable ozone concentration and circulation, leading to inconsistent bleaching results, especially in commercial washers and dryers modified for ozone use.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid washing machine with an integrated blower for air circulation and an ozone dosing control system that maintains a constant ozone concentration, allowing for precise and reproducible bleaching by recirculating ozonated air or water, depending on the process, within the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ozone is injected into commercial washers without integrated circulation system, then the machine can perform ozone bleaching, but the ozone concentration varies and circulation is insufficient leading to inconsistent results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveozone bleaching capabilityVSAvoidbleaching consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the washing machine with an integrated blower system and ozone generator into a single unified device. The blower is integrated directly into the washing machine structure, creating a hybrid system that merges the functions of ozone generation, air circulation, and washing operations within one machine, thereby ensuring consistent ozone distribution and reliable bleaching results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a blower-driven pneumatic circulation system to force ozonated air through the washing machine chamber. This pneumatic system ensures uniform distribution of ozone gas throughout the洗涤 space, maintaining consistent ozone concentration levels during the bleaching process and resolving the issue of variable ozone delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If ozone generator power is varied manually based on operator knowledge, then the system can adapt to different processing needs, but reproducibility of bleaching effects decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveozone level adjustmentVSAvoidbleaching reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an ozone analyzer that continuously monitors ozone concentration levels within the washing machine chamber. This feedback system provides real-time data on ozone levels, allowing the control system to maintain precise and consistent ozone concentrations during bleaching operations, thereby ensuring reproducible results across different processing runs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-regulation of ozone concentration through the integrated analyzer and control mechanism. The machine automatically monitors and maintains appropriate ozone levels without requiring manual intervention or operator expertise, ensuring consistent bleaching outcomes through automated process control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If dryer type machines are used for ozone treatment, then cost is reduced, but the machines cannot handle water injection and lack ozone flow rate control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine costVSAvoidwet process capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a hybrid washing machine that can perform both wet and dry ozone bleaching processes. The machine is equipped with water injection capability for wet processes while also incorporating an integrated blower system for dry ozone circulation, making it a multi-functional device that can adapt to different processing requirements within a single machine

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 hybrid system ensures consistent and reliable bleaching by maintaining a constant ozone concentration and circulation, improving the reproducibility and effectiveness of the bleaching process for both dry and wet treatments.

Implementation Method 1

Methods and systems for bleaching textiles using ozone gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

an integrated blower for air circulation... for circulating ozonated air inside the machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3137670B1Methods and systems for bleaching textiles
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 GUARDIAN MFG
  • EP3137670B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3137670B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3137670B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention described herein provide systems and methods for bleaching textiles that are more reliable and reproducible. This disclosure provides for process control that allows a particular dosage rate or concentration of ozone to be held throughout the process. This disclosure also provides a hybrid washing machine that includes a blowing system for recirculating ozonated air during the bleaching process. The hybrid washing machine may incorporate features of a sealed vessel, a washing machine, and the air circulation volume typically associated with commercial dryers.