Washing Machine Bleaching Chamber for Dye Transfer Decolorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in minimizing the risk of discoloration during the washing process due to the wide range of dyes used in textiles, as current dye transfer inhibitors are often ineffective against a broad spectrum of dyes and can cause undesirable fading of colors, especially in light-colored fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a decolorizing device that uses UV radiation to form free radicals in the washing liquor, which decompose dissolved dyes, reducing the risk of discoloration without affecting the textile substrates, and includes a reservoir for water-insoluble solid particles that are regenerated and reused, allowing for efficient decomposition of various dyes without the need for strict color sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dye transfer inhibitors are added to detergent compositions to prevent discoloration, then the effectiveness against individual dyes is improved, but the complexity and cost of detergent formulations increase when attempting to cover a broad spectrum of dyes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a decolorizing device as an intermediary system between the washing chamber and the textile substrates. This device contains UV radiation sources and chemical agents that act as mediators to decompose dyes in the washing liquor, thereby preventing dye transfer without requiring complex detergent formulations with multiple inhibitors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical approach (using multiple dye transfer inhibitors in detergent) with a physical-chemical approach (UV radiation and oxidative decomposition in a separate decolorizing device). This substitution simplifies the detergent formulation while maintaining effectiveness against a broad spectrum of dyes
2Reliability
If UV radiation is used to decompose dyes in the washing liquor, then the effectiveness against a broad spectrum of dyes is improved, but the risk of fading textile substrates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the washing system into distinct functional zones: the washing chamber where textiles are washed and the decolorizing device where UV radiation and chemical decomposition occur. This spatial segmentation allows UV treatment of the washing liquor without direct exposure of textile substrates to harmful radiation, preventing fading while maintaining dye decomposition effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses chemical agents (oxidizing substances) as intermediaries between UV radiation and dyes. The UV radiation activates these chemical agents, which then decompose dyes through oxidative reactions. This intermediary mechanism allows indirect dye decomposition that is less likely to cause fading compared to direct UV exposure of textiles
3Reliability
If multiple different dye transfer inhibitors are included to achieve adequate effectiveness against dye mixtures, then the effectiveness against broad color spectrum is improved, but the cost of the detergent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decolorizing device serves as a universal solution that handles a broad spectrum of dyes (direct dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, acid dyes, vat dyes) through a single mechanism combining UV radiation and chemical oxidation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized inhibitors, thereby reducing detergent cost while maintaining effectiveness against diverse dye mixtures
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 solution effectively minimizes the risk of discoloration by decomposing a wide variety of dyes in the washing liquor, reducing the need for multiple dye transfer inhibitors and eliminating the risk of fading, while allowing the reuse of water-insoluble solid particles, thus simplifying detergent formulations and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one activating agent, which includes a UV_radiation source and is suitable for starting a process for the formation of free radicals in the washing liquor within the decolorizing device (3)
Implementation Method 2
starting a process for the formation of free radicals in the washing liquor within the decolorizing device (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a washing compartment (2) for receiving a detergent solution and textile substrates to be cleaned, and a bleaching device (3) which has an inlet (4) for introducing detergent solution from the washing compartment (2) into the bleaching device (3) as well as an outlet (5) for discharging detergent solution from the bleaching device (3) into the washing compartment (2), and which moreover has at least one activating means that is suitable to initiate, within the bleaching device (3), a process for forming free radicals in the detergent solution. According to the invention, the washing machine includes a reservoir containing water-insoluble solid particles. Furthermore, a method for washing textile substrates in a washing machine of said type is also disclosed.