Methods for cleaning and caring for an automatic dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning automatic dishwashers require separate cycles and products, leading to increased energy, water consumption, and user inconvenience, while failing to maintain a clean and hygienic machine impression.
Innovation Solution
A care product containing an acid and/or buffer system with non-ionic surfactants, formulated in two different proportions, is added to the normal dishwashing cycle to effectively remove grease and limescale deposits without affecting dishwashing performance, providing a clean and hygienic impression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If special dishwasher cleaners containing acids are used to remove limescale deposits, then limescale removal performance is improved, but cleaning performance of neutral to alkaline dishwasher detergents is significantly reduced and energy and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines limescale removal function and grease removal function into a single care product that can be used together with dishwashing detergent in the same cleaning cycle. The care product contains both acid components (for limescale) and non-ionic surfactants (for grease), eliminating the need for separate cleaning programs and achieving multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The care product is designed to perform multiple functions: removing limescale deposits, removing grease deposits, and maintaining a clean overall impression of the dishwasher interior. It works universally with both acidic and alkaline cleaning agents without compromising the cleaning performance of the main dishwashing detergent.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate cleaning programs are used for limescale removal, then limescale deposits are effectively removed, but energy and water consumption increase and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the limescale removal function with the regular dishwashing cycle, allowing users to clean dishes and remove limescale deposits in the same program. The care product is formulated to be effective at the temperatures and conditions of normal dishwashing cycles, eliminating the need for separate high-temperature cleaning programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The care product enables continuous cleaning action throughout the entire dishwashing cycle. The acid components and surfactants work simultaneously with the detergent to clean both dishes and dishwasher interior continuously from the start to the end of the cycle, maximizing the utility of each degree of heating and each liter of water used.
3Manufacturing precision
If acidic cleaning agents are used to clean the dishwasher, then limescale deposits are removed, but a clean and hygienic overall impression is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The care product uses a composite formulation combining acid components (citric acid, lactic acid, or malic acid) with non-ionic surfactants (such as alkyl polyglucosides or alkyl ethers). This composite approach allows the product to simultaneously dissolve mineral deposits through acid action and remove organic grease deposits through surfactant action, achieving both limescale removal and a clean overall impression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the limitation of mild acids (slower action compared to strong acids) into a benefit by combining them with surfactants. The mild acids are sufficient for limescale removal when given the full duration of a dishwashing cycle, and their gentleness prevents damage to dishwasher surfaces while the surfactants compensate for any reduced cleaning aggressiveness by effectively removing grease.
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 simultaneous cleaning of dishes and the dishwasher, reducing energy and water usage, preventing stubborn dirt accumulation, and improving microbiological conditions within the machine.
Implementation Method 1
a care product which comprises at least one acid and/or a buffer system comprising at least one acid and at least one base
Implementation Method 2
at least one non-ionic surfactant... component B has an acid from i) and/or ii) and at least one non-ionic surfactant from iii)
Implementation Method 3
a buffer system comprising at least one acid and at least one base... component A has at least one non-ionic surfactant from iii) and/or at least one base from ii)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods for cleaning and/or caring for an automatic dishwasher. In a normal cleaning cycle for cleaning items to be washed, in particular soiled dishes, a pre-portioned care agent for automatic dishwashers is metered automatically by an automatic dishwashing means, said agent being formulated separately from the dishwashing detergent. The care agent has an acid and/or a buffer system, which consists of at least one acid and at least one base, and at least one non-ionic surfactant. The care agent has at least two different components A and B, wherein component B has an acid made of i) and/or ii) and at least one non-ionic surfactant made of iii), and component A has at least one non-ionic surfactant made of iii) and/or at least one base made of ii).