Soiled Garment Detection Using Odor Sensors for Timely Laundry Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clothing and textiles 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 laundering.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of soil and odor levels on garments before they become noticeably soiled or malodorous to the wearer. By detecting these conditions in advance, the system enables timely laundering decisions that prevent harmful accumulation while avoiding unnecessary washes, thus resolving the contradiction between energy savings and hygiene maintenance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If garments are worn multiple times before laundering, then energy consumption is reduced, but the wearer becomes accustomed to the odor and may not notice when laundering is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary odor detection device that objectively measures odor levels on garments, replacing the wearer's diminished olfactory detection capability. This intermediary sensor continuously monitors odor accumulation and provides accurate information about when laundering is needed, enabling energy-conscious wearing patterns without sacrificing hygiene awareness.
3Measurement precision
If odor detection devices are added to detect soiled garments, then hygiene monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The odor detection device is designed to autonomously monitor garments and automatically communicate laundering needs to the wearer without requiring manual inspection or complex user interaction. The system self-calibrates, self-monitors, and provides notifications only when necessary, maintaining high measurement precision while minimizing operational complexity and user burden.
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 are soiled, prompting timely laundry and maintaining hygiene and comfort, while reducing energy consumption by optimizing laundry cycles.
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 providing a status of an item based on sensor data. The method may include determining a status of an item based on a comparison of sensor data and a baseline sensor measurement of the item. The method may further include providing an electronic notification based on the status of the item.