Ozone Generator Array for Chemical-Free Laundry Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for pathogenic control in water, particularly in large laundry washing machines, rely on hot water and chemicals, which increase costs and drying times, and are ineffective against resistant pathogens and disinfection byproducts.
Innovation Solution
A system that supplies a water-ozone mixture to large laundry washing machines, eliminating the need for hot water and chemicals by using an ozone generator box with multiple ozone generators connected to injectors, which mix ozone with water under pressure to create an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) for enhanced cleansing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hot water and chemicals are used in large laundry washing machines, then washing effectiveness is improved, but operating costs and drying time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the washing medium by introducing ozone (O3) instead of traditional chemicals and hot water. Ozone is injected into the water to create an ozonated water solution that provides both cleaning and disinfection capabilities at lower temperatures, thereby reducing drying time while maintaining washing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ozone, a strong oxidant, as the active cleaning and disinfecting agent. The ozone generator produces ozone gas that is injected into the water supply, creating an ozonated water solution that rapidly oxidizes organic matter and kills pathogens, providing effective washing without requiring hot water or traditional chemicals, thus reducing drying time.
2Reliability
If hot water and chemicals are used in large laundry washing machines, then washing effectiveness is improved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical composition parameter by using ozonated water instead of hot water and chemicals. This substitution reduces energy consumption for heating and eliminates the need for chemical purchases and disposal, thereby lowering operating costs while maintaining washing effectiveness through ozone's oxidative cleaning action.
Solution Approach 2:
By using ozone, a strong oxidant, the system achieves effective washing and disinfection without requiring hot water (reducing heating energy costs) or traditional chemicals (reducing chemical procurement and disposal costs). The ozone generator produces ozone on-demand, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive chemical additives and high-temperature washing.
3Reliability
If traditional water treatment is used, then pathogen control is achieved, but disinfection byproducts are formed that pose health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ozone, a strong oxidant, as the disinfectant instead of traditional chlorine-based treatments. Ozone oxidizes and destroys pathogen cell walls and genetic material, providing effective pathogen control. Unlike chlorine, ozone decomposes into oxygen after disinfection, leaving no harmful disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes or haloacetic acids, thus eliminating the harmful effects associated with traditional water treatment.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple ozone generators are connected in series and parallel, then ozone production capacity is increased, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ozone generation system into multiple separate ozone generator units that can be connected in series and/or parallel configurations. Each generator unit is a discrete component that produces ozone independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high ozone production capacity by combining multiple units while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design, where each unit can be installed, maintained, and replaced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple ozone generator units into a single integrated system that supplies ozonated water to the washing machine. The generators are connected through a common water distribution system and control mechanism, merging their individual outputs into a unified high-capacity ozone production system. This combining approach increases overall ozone production capacity while using shared infrastructure to minimize the increase in system complexity.
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 water-ozone mixture effectively reduces drying time and costs by enhancing washing efficiency without the use of chemicals or hot water, while providing antimicrobial protection.
Implementation Method 1
an ozone generator box with multiple ozone generators positioned therein
Implementation Method 2
mix ozone with water under pressure to create an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) for enhanced cleansing
Data Source
AI summary
The instant invention relates to a system and method for supplying a water-ozone mixture to a large laundry washing machine. The system includes a plurality of ozone generators and a plurality of injectors for supplying a water-ozone mixture to the laundry washing machine.