System and a method for washing items
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing systems that use purified water for laundry lack environmental sustainability and efficiency, particularly in terms of water usage and chemical consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a washing machine, water purification apparatus with reverse osmosis and deionizing filters, and a sediment filter for recycling used water, which eliminates the need for detergents and reduces environmental impact by reusing purified water for multiple washing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water is purified using reverse osmosis and deionizing filters for washing items, then water purity is improved and detergent usage is eliminated, but water consumption increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers used washing water through a sediment filter that captures particulate solids, then redirects the filtered water back to the water purification apparatus for re-purification and reuse in subsequent washing cycles, eliminating water waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where used water is continuously monitored, filtered through the sediment filter, and returned to the purification system when it meets quality standards, creating a closed-loop water management system
2Productivity
If used water is collected and filtered through sediment filter for recycling, then water usage efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sediment filter is integrated into the existing water purification apparatus, merging the water recycling function with the existing purification system. The tank for collecting used water is connected to the inlet of the water purification apparatus, combining storage and filtration functions in a unified system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The water purification apparatus serves multiple functions: it purifies fresh water for washing and simultaneously re-purifies used water from the tank for reuse, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated recycling equipment
3Manufacturing precision
If deionizing materials are used in water purification apparatus, then water purity is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous reuse of water through the sediment filter and re-purification loop, eliminating the need for continuous consumption of fresh water and reducing the frequency of deionizing material replacement by extending water usage cycles
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
The system achieves cost-effective and environmentally friendly laundry processing by recycling water, reducing chemical usage, and maintaining water purity through mechanical filtration without additional energy input, making it suitable for various locations with limited water resources.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse osmosis device
Implementation Method 2
first and second deionizing materials
Implementation Method 3
at least one sediment filter for filtering off particulate solids from the used water
Data Source
AI summary
A system (10) for washing items (12) with purified water alone, comprising a washing machine (11), a water purification apparatus (19), and a reservoir (20) for storing purified water, wherein the water purification apparatus (19) comprises a reverse osmosis device (26) and first and second deionizing materials. The washing machine (11) comprises a container (13) for receiving the items (12) to be washed, and said container (13) is arranged with an inlet connected to the reservoir (20), so that the items (12) are washable inside the container (13) with the purified water. The system (10) further comprises a tank (24) for collecting used water from the container (13), wherein an inlet of the tank (24) is connected to an outlet of the container (13). The system (10) also comprises a sediment filter (28) for filtering off particulate solids from the used water, wherein the sediment filter (28) is arranged between the tank (24) and the water purification apparatus (19).