Two-Step Textile Cleaning System to Remove Biofilm and Prevent Odor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern synthetic and synthetic blend high-performance textiles face challenges with rapid re-soiling and odor issues due to soapy residues, body oil, bacteria, and sweat, as traditional detergents fail to effectively remove biofilms and provide long-lasting protection against bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Innovation Solution
A two-step cleaning system comprising a cleaning agent and a protective agent, where the cleaning agent includes nonionic/cationic surfactants, enzymes, and organosilane antimicrobials to remove unwanted matter, and the protective agent creates a bonded barrier against odors using antistatic and antimicrobial properties, applied during the wash and rinse cycles respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional detergents are used to clean high-performance textiles, then general cleaning is achieved, but soapy residues remain that cause rapid re-soiling and odor issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by incorporating specific enzymes (protease, amylase, lipase) and surfactants that are tailored to break down the specific types of soils and residues on performance textiles, rather than using general-purpose detergents. This targeted chemical approach prevents residue buildup while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized cleaning agents including enzymes and specific surfactants that act as intermediaries to bridge the cleaning process and the unique challenges of performance textiles. These intermediaries specifically target and break down biofilms and oily residues without leaving harmful soapy deposits.
2Productivity
If more detergent is used to improve cleaning, then soil removal is enhanced, but biofilm and odor issues worsen due to increased residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of detergent residues into a benefit by using enzyme-based cleaning systems that completely break down organic soils and residues rather than leaving soapy deposits. The enzymes transform problematic biofilms and oils into soluble compounds that rinse away completely, turning the cleaning process into a residue-free solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration and type of cleaning agents used, specifically employing enzyme formulations and surfactant blends at optimized concentrations that provide thorough cleaning without residue buildup. The chemical composition is specifically adjusted to prevent the formation of biofilms and odors.
3Ease of operation
If bleach and fabric softeners are used to enhance cleaning and softness, then stain removal and fabric feel are improved, but moisture wicking perforations become clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific areas and types of soil contamination on performance textiles rather than using blanket treatments. The enzymatic cleaning system specifically addresses oily and organic residues in the moisture-wicking channels without depositing materials that would clog the perforations, maintaining local functionality while providing overall cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of fabric treatment by replacing traditional fabric softeners with enzyme-based conditioning that does not deposit waxy or polymeric residues. This maintains fabric softness while preserving the moisture-wicking capability of the textile's perforated structure.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then general odor masking is achieved, but long-lasting odor protection against bacteria and mold is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating antimicrobial agents into the cleaning process itself, so that bacteria and mold are eliminated during washing rather than allowed to grow and produce odors between washes. This preventive approach provides long-lasting odor protection by addressing the root cause before it manifests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful presence of odor-causing bacteria and mold into a benefit by using the cleaning process to eliminate these microorganisms entirely. The enzymatic and antimicrobial treatment transforms the odor problem into an opportunity for comprehensive microbial elimination, providing lasting freshness.
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 removes soil and pollutants while providing a long-lasting, bonded barrier against odor-causing microbes, enhancing the performance and longevity of high-performance textiles and sports gear by reducing odor emission and improving fabric softness and wicking properties.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning surfactant agent, configured to remove unwanted matter from general household and commercial laundry as well as high performance textiles
Implementation Method 2
a protective agent configured to create a bonded barrier of protection against odors caused by bacteria, mold, mildew and/or the like
Implementation Method 3
The protective agent may include (an) antistatic agent(s), antisoiling, color retention, softness enhancing properties, and (an) organosilane antimicrobial(s)
Implementation Method 4
The protective agent may include (an) antistatic agent(s)
Implementation Method 5
This detergent agent may include small amounts of organosilane that is introduced into the laundry wash cycle. The cleaning agent may include a variety of eco friendly (a) chelator(s), a plurality of nonionic/cationic surfactants, (an) organosilane antimicrobial(s) and a plurality of enzymes
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for all laundry, high performance textiles, and sports gear, which includes a washing agent and a protective agent. The washing agent is configured to remove unwanted matter from the high performance textiles, sports gear, and/or other laundry. The protective agent is configured to create a bonded barrier comprising organosilane antimicrobial(s) on the high performance textiles, sports gear, and/or other laundry for protection against odors from bacteria, mold and mildew and/or the like. The washing agent and the protective agent are configured to be used in a two-step water-based treatment process in which the washing agent is provided in a given first step of the treatment process and the protective agent is provided in a given subsequent second step of the treatment process.