Textile washing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile washing technologies face challenges in improving washing performance and efficiency, particularly in household washing machines, despite advancements in machinery and detergents.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage washing process in household washing machines involving a main wash cycle with timed dosing of a first detergent composition containing anionic and non-ionic surfactants, enzymes, and a second detergent composition with peroxycarboxylic acid and surfactant, optimized for different stages of the wash cycle to enhance cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single detergent composition is used throughout the main wash cycle, then the washing process is simple to operate, but the cleaning performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The washing process is divided into two distinct dosing stages: initial dosing at the start of the main wash cycle with a first detergent composition containing surfactants and enzymes, and delayed dosing before cycle completion with a second detergent composition containing peroxycarboxylic acid. This segmentation allows each detergent composition to perform its optimal function at the appropriate time, improving overall cleaning performance while using standard washing machine dosing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The first detergent composition is dosed at the beginning of the main wash cycle to prepare the washing liquid with surfactants and enzymes that will be active throughout the cycle. This preliminary action ensures that mechanical cleaning and enzymatic breakdown occur during the majority of the wash time, while the second detergent composition is then introduced later to provide oxidative finishing
2Manufacturing precision
If peroxycarboxylic acid is introduced early in the wash cycle, then oxidation and stain removal are enhanced, but surfactant effectiveness is reduced due to water softener interference
Solution Approach 1:
Surfactants and water softeners are introduced first at the beginning of the main wash cycle, allowing them to establish proper micelle formation and water softening conditions. Only after this preliminary action is complete is the peroxycarboxylic acid introduced in the delayed dosing stage, ensuring that surfactant performance is not compromised while still achieving oxidation and stain removal
Solution Approach 2:
The washing process uses periodic dosing actions with two distinct intervals: initial dosing of surfactants and water softeners, followed by delayed dosing of peroxycarboxylic acid. This periodic approach ensures that each chemical component acts at the optimal time without interfering with the effectiveness of other components
3Manufacturing precision
If the main wash cycle duration is extended, then cleaning performance is improved, but energy consumption and time usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delayed dosing of peroxycarboxylic acid is timed to occur shortly before the end of the main wash cycle, allowing the oxidizing agent to act during the final stages without requiring an extended cycle time. This preliminary timing of the second dosing action maximizes cleaning performance within the existing cycle duration by ensuring oxidative stain removal occurs at the most critical moment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temporal parameter of detergent introduction by using delayed dosing instead of simultaneous dosing. This parameter change allows the peroxycarboxylic acid to be introduced at an optimal time point (80-95% through the cycle) rather than at the beginning, maximizing its effectiveness while maintaining the standard wash cycle duration
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 process achieves improved cleaning performance by leveraging the synergistic effects of timed detergent compositions, resulting in enhanced stain removal and laundry freshness.
Implementation Method 1
a first detergent composition comprising at least one surfactant
Implementation Method 2
a second detergent composition comprising peroxycarboxylic acid
Implementation Method 3
a first detergent composition comprising at least one surfactant and at least one enzyme preparation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for washing textiles in a household washing machine, having the steps of a) providing a washing machine with a wash program, including a main wash cycle with the duration tw, and activating said wash program; b) introducing textiles into the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine; c) introducing an aqueous liquor into the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine; d) introducing a first detergent composition, comprising at least one surfactant, into the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine during the main wash cycle at a point in time of 0 to 10% tw; and e) introducing a second detergent composition, comprising peroxycarboxylic acid and a surfactant, into the aqueous liquor of the main washing cycle at a point in time of 11 to 99% tw.