Ozone Washing Machine Control for Maximized Cumulative CT Value
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ozone-based washing machine systems inefficiently dissolve and maintain ozone in water, leading to incomplete disinfection and sanitization of laundry, with ozone being rapidly dissipated and not all ozone added being effective due to low contact time and concentration.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a static mixer to thoroughly mix ozone with water, maintaining a high concentration of dissolved ozone through a dwell time before discharge into the washing machine, and includes sensors to control ozone production and ensure target levels are maintained, ensuring intimate contact with laundry for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ozone is bubbled through water in a washing machine drum, then ozone is introduced to the water, but the efficiency of dissolving ozone in the water is low and the concentration of dissolved ozone is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a venturi device that utilizes fluid dynamics to draw ozone gas into the water stream. The venturi creates a pressure differential that efficiently entrains ozone gas into the flowing water, dramatically improving dissolution efficiency and concentration compared to simple bubbling methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a static mixer as an intermediary device between the venturi and the washing machine drum. This static mixer thoroughly mixes the ozone-laden water stream, ensuring uniform distribution and maintaining high concentration of dissolved ozone throughout the washing process
2Reliability
If ozone is added to wash water, then cleaning and sterilization efficiency is improved, but undissolved ozone is rapidly given off and evaporated from the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by fully dissolving ozone in water before the water contacts the laundry. The venturi and static mixer ensure complete dissolution and uniform distribution of ozone in the water stream before it enters the drum, preventing subsequent evaporation and maintaining reliable disinfection throughout the wash cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of ozone from gas to dissolved form in water through the venturi mixing process. This parameter change from gaseous to dissolved state prevents rapid evaporation and maintains stable ozone concentration in the wash water throughout the cleaning process
3Duration of action of stationary object
If replacement liquid is added to the washing machine during wash cycles, then the washing process continues, but unozonated liquid increases the duration of cleaning and disinfection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by continuously ozonating the replacement water that is added during wash cycles. The venturi system remains active throughout the wash cycle, ensuring that every increment of replacement water is pre-saturated with ozone before entering the drum, maintaining continuous disinfection action without interruption or time extension
4Reliability
If more ozone is supplied to increase concentration, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but ozone safety risks and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control through ozone sensors that continuously monitor ozone concentration in the wash water and exhaust air. The system automatically adjusts ozone generation and venturi operation to maintain optimal concentration levels, ensuring effective disinfection while preventing hazardous accumulation and minimizing environmental release
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 significantly increases the cumulative contact time of ozone with laundry, achieving higher disinfection and sanitization efficiency, effectively killing a broader range of infectious diseases in the shortest time, while minimizing ozone loss and ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving the ozone within the water to provide a high concentration of the ozone in the liquid phase
Implementation Method 2
static mixer to thoroughly mix ozone with water
Implementation Method 3
ozone generator for producing ozone from oxygen or air
Implementation Method 4
venturi to draw the ozone into the stream of water passing through the venturi
Implementation Method 5
ozone is effective in cleaning as well as deodorizing and sanitizing laundry... killing all of the germs and bacteria contained within the laundry
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for controlling a concentration of ozone is a washing machine to be at or below a target value so that a cumulative contact time of the ozone with laundry approaches a duration of time of an entire wash stage or cycle thereby ensuring killing of any infectious diseases. The method comprises supplying ozone to the washing machine, upon filling the washing machine, and supplementing the supplied ozonated water by supplying additional ozone to the wash machine during each wash stage or cycle, and controlling the supply of ozone supplied to the wash machine so that the concentration of ozone sampled or exhausting from the washing machine is controlled to be within a control band between 60% and 100% of the target value and the cumulative contact time of the ozone with the laundry is at least 60% of the duration of the entire wash stage or cycle.