On-Demand Electrolytic Cleaning Agent Generator with Gas Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning technologies in households are slow, impractical for on-demand delivery of desired cleaning agent concentrations, and can pose health hazards due to hazardous substance release.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a reaction vessel with electrodes for electrolyzing a salt solution to produce cleaning agents on demand, using a DC voltage source and a control device to manage the process, ensuring safe and precise delivery of cleaning agents directly to the cleaning location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cleaning agents are stored and transported in household devices, then cleaning agent is always available at the cleaning location, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent is segmented into its constituent components (salt and water) which are stored separately in the device. The active cleaning agent is generated in situ through electrolysis of the salt solution, eliminating the need to transport pre-mixed cleaning agents. This segmentation reduces the weight and volume of the device while ensuring cleaning agent availability at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-stores the raw materials (salt and water) needed for cleaning agent generation. The electrolysis process is initiated on-demand at the cleaning location, performing the chemical transformation in advance of actual cleaning needs. This preliminary preparation of materials rather than finished product reduces device burden while maintaining readiness.
2Productivity
If electrolysis is used to generate cleaning agent in the device, then cleaning agent can be produced on-demand, but gases are released that can pose health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolysis process generates chlorine gas as a byproduct, which is potentially harmful. However, the device immediately utilizes this chlorine gas in further chemical reactions to produce sodium hypochlorite (bleach), converting the harmful gas into a beneficial cleaning agent. This approach eliminates health hazards while maintaining on-demand cleaning agent production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary substance (salt solution) that mediates between the electrolysis process and the final cleaning agent. The salt solution undergoes controlled electrolysis to generate intermediate products (chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide) that are then further reacted to form the safe and effective cleaning agent (sodium hypochlorite). This intermediary step ensures safe handling and utilization of reactive intermediates.
3Manufacturing precision
If cleaning agent concentration is increased to improve cleaning effectiveness, then more contaminants are removed, but the risk of overdose and environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic control of the electrolysis process, adjusting the generation rate of cleaning agent based on real-time feedback from sensors that monitor contamination levels and cleaning progress. The cleaning agent concentration and flow rate are continuously optimized to achieve effective cleaning while minimizing chemical usage. This dynamic adjustment prevents both under-dosing (ineffective cleaning) and over-dosing (pollution).
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that monitor the cleaning process, contaminant levels, and cleaning agent consumption. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the electrolysis rate and cleaning agent delivery, ensuring optimal cleaning effectiveness while preventing overdose. The system learns and adapts to different cleaning scenarios, maintaining precision while minimizing environmental impact.
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 rapid, safe, and precise delivery of cleaning agents, reducing health risks and odor nuisance by collecting and dissolving gas by-products, allowing for efficient cleaning without overuse or accumulation of hazardous gases.
Implementation Method 1
a DC voltage source for providing an electric current through the solution by means of the electrodes so as to provoke a redox reaction which forms the cleaning agent
Implementation Method 2
two electrodes are mounted in the reaction vessel; a DC voltage source for providing an electric current through the solution by means of the electrodes so as to provoke a redox reaction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A device (105) for providing a cleaning agent comprises a reaction vessel (125) for receiving an aqueous solution (155) of a predetermined salt (160); wherein two electrodes are mounted in the reaction vessel (125); a DC voltage source (180) for providing an electric current through the solution (155) by means of the electrodes, so that a redox reaction is provoked which forms the cleaning agent; wherein the reaction vessel (125) has an upper cover (135) inclined with respect to gravity; and a dosing device (170) for conveying cleaning agent from an upper region of the cover (135) to a location to be cleaned.