Tagged Laundry Control for pH and Bleach-Sensitive Fabrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry systems lack an efficient method to automatically protect pH/bleach sensitive fabrics during the washing process, requiring manual sorting and the use of additional chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A washing system with an in-situ hydrogen peroxide generating system and pH regulating device, controlled by electronic tags attached to sensitive fabrics, which adjust hydrogen peroxide and pH levels automatically, eliminating the need for manual sorting and additional chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sorting of sensitive fabrics is performed before washing, then fabric protection is improved, but labor time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensitive fabrics themselves perform the identification function through embedded electronic tags that automatically communicate with the washing machine's reader, eliminating the need for manual sorting by the user. The system serves itself by having the garments carry their own identification information.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical sorting process is replaced by an automated electronic identification system using RFID tags and readers, which automatically detect and communicate fabric sensitivity requirements to the washing machine controller.
2Reliability
If additional chemicals are added to protect sensitive fabrics, then fabric protection is improved, but chemical usage and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system protects sensitive fabrics by dynamically changing the washing parameters (temperature, detergent dosage, cycle duration) based on tag information, rather than adding separate protective chemicals. The controller adjusts existing system parameters to create a gentler washing environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the need for additional protective chemicals by using electronic communication between tags and the washing machine to automatically adjust washing conditions, eliminating the requirement for separate chemical additives.
3Measurement precision
If electronic tags are attached to all fabric items, then automatic identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic tags serve multiple functions: they identify fabric sensitivity, communicate washing instructions, and can potentially track garment lifecycle information. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive garment management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic tags act as intermediaries that carry information between the fabric and the washing machine system, enabling automatic communication without requiring direct integration or complex sensing systems within the washing machine itself.
4Reliability
If in-situ hydrogen peroxide generation is used, then bleaching effectiveness is improved, but harm to sensitive fabrics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the hydrogen peroxide generation level based on real-time detection of sensitive fabrics via electronic tags. When sensitive items are detected, the controller reduces or disables the in-situ peroxide generation, creating a variable rather than fixed chemical environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic tags provide feedback information about fabric sensitivity to the washing machine controller, which then uses this feedback to automatically adjust the intensity of hydrogen peroxide generation, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents damage while maintaining effectiveness.
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 effectively protects sensitive fabrics by automatically adjusting bleaching and pH levels, reducing the need for manual sorting and chemical additions, while maintaining the benefits of bleaching without harming sensitive items.
Implementation Method 1
an in situ hydrogen peroxide generating system
Implementation Method 2
a pH regulating device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
A washing system for washing multiple fabric items including one or more sensitive fabric items in a washing machine with a detergent composition comprising 5-99.9% surfactant, the washing system comprising: an in situ hydrogen peroxide generating system (4); a pH regulating device (2) a tag communicating device which reads a laundering instruction contained in an electronic tag attached to any sensitive fabric item, - a controller in communication with the tag communicating device to control the laundry machine (9) to adjust the hydrogen peroxide generation system according to bleach and/or pH sensitivity of the fabric item.