Ozone Washer Control With Exhaust Sensing and Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with ozone systems face inefficiencies in ozone dissolution, leading to low concentrations in water, increased off-gas, and hazardous ozone levels, along with a lack of control over ozone generation, posing health and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system that injects ozone into a mixing chamber below the washing machine drum using spargers, allowing for controlled ozone distribution and circulation within the wash volume, with sensors to regulate ozone production based on safe levels and environmental conditions, minimizing water and detergent usage while ensuring effective cleaning and sanitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple bubble system is used to introduce ozone into water, then the system is simple and easy to install, but the efficiency of dissolving ozone is low and the concentration of dissolved ozone is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a venturi as an intermediary device between the ozone generator and the washing machine water system. The venturi creates a low-pressure zone that draws ozone gas into the water stream, forcing dissolution through the venturi effect. This intermediary mechanism significantly improves ozone dissolution efficiency and concentration without requiring major plumbing changes to the washing machine itself.
2Quantity of substance
If a venturi system is used to forcibly dissolve ozone in water, then the concentration of dissolved ozone is improved, but the system becomes complex and requires major changes to the plumbing or pipework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the venturi system to serve multiple functions: it acts as an ozone dissolution device, a mixing chamber, and a flow regulator simultaneously. The venturi is positioned to utilize existing water flow from the washing machine, requiring minimal integration with the original plumbing. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high ozone dissolution efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If a venturi system is used to dissolve ozone, then ozone dissolution efficiency is improved, but further space is required for the venturi itself and associated components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the venturi system within the existing washing machine structure, nesting the ozone dissolution components within the washing machine's internal volume. The venturi is positioned to utilize the existing water flow paths and chamber spaces within the washing machine drum or sump area, minimizing the additional space required while maximizing ozone dissolution efficiency.
4Device complexity
If there is no mechanism for controlling the amount of ozone generated, then the ozone generation system is simple, but a dangerous level of ozone can be generated creating a hazardous situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor ozone levels in the washing machine environment and provide feedback to the ozone generation control system. When ozone levels approach hazardous thresholds, the feedback mechanism automatically reduces or shuts off ozone generation. This feedback control ensures safe operating levels while maintaining simple overall system architecture through automated regulation.
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 solution enhances ozone dissolution and distribution, ensuring efficient cleaning and sanitization with reduced ozone exposure risks, optimizing resource use and maintaining safe ozone levels during the wash cycle.
Implementation Method 1
systems using venturis have been developed. Such systems forcibly dissolve ozone in the water and improve the concentration of dissolved ozone
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor for sensing a level of ozone being exhausting from the washing machine during operation thereof, and the at least sensor being coupled to interrupt production of ozone
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine during operation thereof. The system comprising a washing machine having an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity of a water. An ozone generator is connected to the washing machine and the ozone generator produces and supplies the produced ozone to the washing machine for ozonating the water. At least one sensor is provided for sensing a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine during operation thereof, and the at least sensor being coupled to the ozone generator for interrupting production of ozone when a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a safe level.