Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile treatments with antimicrobial agents face inefficiencies due to fixed initial dosages that decline over time, require significant upfront investments, and result in discoloration, discomfort, and difficulty in laundering, while also failing to effectively address microbial contamination in healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a washer system that uses identification tags to track textiles and dynamically adjust antimicrobial agent dosages based on laundry cycles, exposure time, and water quality, ensuring optimal efficacy and reducing waste by recirculating treated water, thereby maintaining antimicrobial properties and extending textile life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the textile is treated with an antimicrobial agent during manufacturing with fixed dosage, then the textile initially has antimicrobial properties, but the efficacy declines over time as the agent is washed away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dosing where the antimicrobial agent concentration is adjusted based on the number of laundry cycles. The system uses sensors to detect laundry cycle count and automatically modifies the treatment parameters, transitioning from a static manufacturing process to a dynamic maintenance process that adapts over time to sustain efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor laundry cycles and antimicrobial agent depletion. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust dosing levels in subsequent cycles, ensuring consistent efficacy by compensating for agent loss during washing based on real-time data about usage history.
2Reliability
If commercial linen users purchase new antimicrobial agent-impregnated linen inventory, then the textiles have antimicrobial properties, but it requires large upfront capital investment and existing inventory must be discarded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding existing textile inventory when upgrading to antimicrobial protection, the system recovers and reprocesses existing linens. The retrofittable treatment device applies antimicrobial agents to currently owned textiles, allowing facilities to maintain and extend the life of existing inventory rather than making large capital investments in new stock.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service treatment where facilities can independently reapply antimicrobial agents to their own inventory using the retrofittable device. This eliminates dependency on manufacturer-provided pre-impregnated products and allows ongoing maintenance without external intervention or large upfront purchases.
3Reliability
If the textile is treated with antimicrobial agent during manufacturing, then the textile has antimicrobial properties, but it exhibits soiled off-white discoloration appearance and is uncomfortable to the touch
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies antimicrobial treatment locally and selectively rather than uniformly impregnating all textiles during manufacturing. The retrofittable device targets specific textiles that require treatment based on usage conditions, allowing facilities to maintain aesthetic quality of frequently visible linens while providing antimicrobial protection where most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies treatment parameters such as agent concentration, application method, and treatment duration to achieve antimicrobial efficacy without the side effects of traditional manufacturing processes. By controlling these parameters in the retrofittable system, the treatment provides protection while preserving the original appearance and comfort properties of the textiles.
4Reliability
If the textile is treated with antimicrobial agent during manufacturing, then the textile has antimicrobial properties, but it is difficult to launder, dry and press versus traditional linens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses lower concentrations of antimicrobial agents applied temporarily rather than permanent high-concentration impregnation. This approach allows the textiles to maintain antimicrobial properties through multiple washes while remaining easier to launder, as the treatment is designed to be replenished periodically rather than requiring extreme care to maintain.
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 approach optimizes antimicrobial agent usage, reduces healthcare-acquired infections, minimizes waste, and extends the life of textiles by ensuring consistent antimicrobial efficacy and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The antimicrobial agent includes a metallic ion
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of treating a textile with an antimicrobial agent includes receiving a textile in a washer system. The textile includes an identification tag, which uniquely identifies the textile among a plurality of textiles. The method also includes detecting, in the washer system, the identification tag. The method further includes determining, based on the detected identification tag, one or more parameters for treating the textile with an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent includes a metallic ion. The method also includes washing the textile with a detergent, and, after washing the textile with the detergent, treating the textile with the antimicrobial agent based on the one or more parameters.