Dishwasher detergent, use of the dishwasher detergent in a dishwasher, dishwasher and method for operating said dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwasher methods fail to achieve optimal cleanliness of dishes due to limitations in soiling removal and efficiency, particularly in alkaline solutions where oxidizing agents lose reactivity quickly.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the sequential metering of a strongly alkaline solution with a pH greater than 12 and a hydrogen peroxide solution into the washing liquor, with a time delay between their additions to enhance cleaning efficacy, utilizing a dosing system to optimize the ratio and timing of these components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydrogen peroxide is added to alkaline solution, then oxidizing effect is enhanced for better cleaning, but hydrogen peroxide decomposes quickly and loses reactivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidizing effectVSAvoidreactivity duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The alkaline solution is added to the washing liquor before the hydrogen peroxide solution. This preliminary action allows the alkaline solution to first dissolve and loosen the soiling on the dishes, creating optimal conditions for subsequent oxidizing action while preventing premature decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous metering of both alkaline solution and hydrogen peroxide solution into the washing liquor during the rinse cycle. This continuous addition maintains a sustained concentration of active cleaning agents throughout the rinse period, ensuring prolonged effective action rather than a single brief pulse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If strongly alkaline solution is used alone, then cleaning ability is maintained, but soiling removal is insufficient compared to combined approach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning abilityVSAvoidsoiling removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different cleaning mechanisms - the alkaline solution provides saponification and emulsification of organic soiling, while hydrogen peroxide provides oxidation of stains and disinfection. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where the combination achieves superior cleaning results compared to either agent alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If sequential metering with time delay is implemented, then cleaning performance is optimized, but device complexity increases due to dosing system requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoiddosing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cleaning agent delivery into two separate dosing streams - one for alkaline solution and one for hydrogen peroxide solution. Each stream is controlled independently with its own metering pump, allowing precise control of addition rates and timing sequences. This segmentation enables optimized cleaning performance while using standard dishwasher dosing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 results in improved cleaning performance by maintaining the oxidizing effect of hydrogen peroxide, achieving better soiling removal and maintaining safety for food contact surfaces, with the two-component system outperforming conventional one-component detergents in both domestic and industrial dishwashers.

Implementation Method 1

strongly alkaline solution with a pH greater than pH=12... dissolves part of the soiling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSaponification: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

liquid dishwashing detergents... cleaning agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

solution containing hydrogen peroxide... oxidizing agent... increased oxidizing effect enables a short-term high cleaning effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

hydrogen peroxide... lose their oxidizing effect after several minutes in a basic solution... faster conversion of the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP2529656B1Dishwasher detergent, use of the dishwasher detergent in a dishwasher, dishwasher and method for operating said dishwasher
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 STOCKMEIER CHEM GMBH & CO
  • EP2529656B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Method for operation of dishwasher involves adding strong alkaline solution having pH of 10 or more to rinsing water, and adding an oxidant-containing solution to rinsing water. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) rinsing agent; and (2) dishwasher.