System and methods for soiled garment detection and notification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Clothing items often become soiled and malodorous due to infrequent laundering, which can go unnoticed by the wearer, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health issues, as energy-conscious consumers try to minimize laundry usage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller and soiled garment detection apparatus that measures odor levels using sensors, determines if a garment is soiled, and provides alerts through a network to the wearer, either via a device or visual alerts, to remind them of the need for laundry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If garments are laundered less frequently to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but garments become soiled and malodorous which may go unnoticed by the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors odor levels in the garment using sensors and provides real-time feedback to the wearer through notifications. This feedback loop enables the wearer to make informed decisions about when laundering is necessary, balancing energy savings with hygiene maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The odor detection system acts as an intermediary between the garment's actual state and the wearer's perception. Since wearers become accustomed to their garments' smells and may not notice when they become malodorous, the sensor system serves as an objective mediator that detects and communicates the garment's condition.
2Use of energy by moving object
If garments are worn many times before laundering, then energy consumption is reduced, but the garment's hygiene deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides objective feedback on garment hygiene status through odor level monitoring, enabling wearers to maintain reliable hygiene standards while minimizing unnecessary laundering and energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If traditional odor detection by wearer is used, then no additional devices are needed, but the wearer cannot detect odor in their own garments due to habituation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves as an intermediary that objectively detects odor levels, overcoming the wearer's inability to self-detect due to habituation. This intermediary provides accurate measurements that the wearer's own senses cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/biological odor detection mechanism (human nose) with electronic sensors that can objectively detect and quantify odor levels, providing superior measurement precision.
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
Effectively notifies users when garments require washing, helping maintain hygiene and reducing the risk of malodorous conditions, while encouraging more frequent yet energy-efficient laundry practices.
Implementation Method 1
the soiled garment detection apparatus is configured to measure an amount of odor released from a garment
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve an apparatus, systems, and methods for soiled garment detection and notification. The method may include receiving a measure of odor being released from a garment from a soiled garment detection apparatus. The method may further include determining that the measure of odor exceeds an acceptable odor threshold. A message may then be sent to a user device associated with the garment (e.g. a device of the owner of the garment) in response to determining that the measure of odor exceeds the threshold. The message may include a notification that the garment is soiled, and a suggested course of action to improve the measure of odor released by the garment.