Methods and compositions for treating laundry items

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Solution Overview

Problem

In residential laundry settings, dye transfer between fabric items during washing is a common issue due to excess or loose dyes, which can lead to color bleeding and ruin items, especially when mixed or unsorted loads are washed, as consumers lack control over fabric types and dye treatments.

Innovation Solution

A cycle of operation that includes a pre-wetting phase with a misting of a pre-wetting liquid followed by a pre-wash phase where a dye fixative is supplied to the laundry surface, using a combination of dye fixatives and absorbers to inhibit dye transfer by forming a film on the fabric surface and suspending dyes in solution, respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If laundry items are sorted into loads of like color, then dye transfer is reduced, but washing time and user effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye transferVSAvoidsorting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the washing machine to automatically detect dye types in laundry items using sensors (e.g., UV fluorescence detection) and autonomously sort items into appropriate wash loads without user intervention. The system performs load classification and dye transfer prevention measures automatically during the washing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by detecting optical properties (fluorescence characteristics under UV light) of dyes to identify and classify different dye types. The system changes washing parameters (temperature, cycle type, chemical additives) based on detected dye characteristics to prevent dye transfer while maintaining efficient unsorted load processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If dye fixative is applied to fabric surface, then dye transfer is inhibited, but additional washing steps and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye transferVSAvoidwashing cycle complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the dye fixation function with the regular washing cycle by integrating dye fixative into the detergent formulation or wash water. This combines multiple functions (dye fixation, cleaning, and protection) into a single integrated process, eliminating the need for separate fixation steps and reducing overall cycle complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dye fixatives as intermediary substances that mediate between the dye molecules and fabric fibers. These fixatives form protective complexes or films that trap loose dyes and prevent their transfer, acting as a chemical intermediary that simplifies the overall dye transfer prevention mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If unsorted loads are washed together, then washing efficiency increases, but dye transfer between items occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoiddye transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect the presence and type of dyes in the wash load, then automatically adjusting washing parameters (temperature, cycle duration, chemical additives) based on this information. The system continuously monitors and adapts the washing process to prevent dye transfer while maintaining efficient unsorted load processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting washing conditions (temperature, agitation intensity, chemical composition) based on detected dye characteristics. The system modifies these parameters in real-time during the washing cycle to optimize dye transfer prevention while maintaining high washing efficiency for unsorted loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively minimizes dye transfer between fabric items, allowing for the washing of unsorted loads with minimal dye migration, thereby preventing color bleeding and maintaining the integrity of laundry items.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-wetting phase which includes misting an exposed surface of the laundry with a pre-wetting liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Implementation Method 2

using a combination of dye fixatives and absorbers to inhibit dye transfer by forming a film on the fabric surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilm formation: Thin Films

Implementation Method 3

using a combination of dye fixatives and absorbers to inhibit dye transfer by forming a film on the fabric surface and suspending dyes in solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9758914B2Methods and compositions for treating laundry items

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A cycle of operation for a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation, the cycle of operation including a pre-wetting phase which includes misting an exposed surface of the laundry with a pre-wetting liquid and a pre-wash phase which includes supplying a dye fixative to the surface of the laundry wet by the pre-wetting liquid for distributing a dye fixative to a laundry surface.