A laundry dryer provided with a steam generator and a corresponding method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers with steam generators require cumbersome and risky manual loading of liquids, which can lead to damage risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer with a liquid loading unit featuring a filter and a selectively closable lid, allowing liquid loading through dedicated openings even when the lid is closed, integrated within a box-shaped seat for easy access and reduced risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is opened to access the filter for manual liquid loading, then the user can reach and clean the filter, but the risk of damage increases and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid loading function is segmented from the filter maintenance function. Liquid can be loaded through dedicated loading openings without opening the lid, while the lid can be opened independently for filter access. This segmentation allows independent access to each function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Liquid loading openings act as intermediaries that allow liquid to reach the liquid receiving element without requiring the lid to be opened. This intermediary structure enables liquid loading while keeping the lid closed, thereby preventing damage risks while maintaining operational ease.
2Reliability
If the lid is kept closed during liquid loading, then the damage risk is reduced, but the user cannot access the filter for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent access paths: one for liquid loading (through loading openings) and one for filter maintenance (through lid opening). This segmentation allows the lid to remain closed during liquid loading, reducing damage risk, while still enabling filter access when needed for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid loading openings are pre-configured to allow liquid entry without lid opening. This preliminary design enables liquid loading to be performed first with the lid closed, and filter maintenance can be performed separately when required, optimizing both protection and accessibility.
3Productivity
If manual liquid loading is required, then the steam generator can be refilled, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid receiving element is designed with self-service features including automatic liquid guidance through the filter and direct flow to the steam generator. The system serves itself by automatically filtering and directing liquid without requiring complex manual operations, thereby increasing productivity while simplifying the user's task.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid loading openings and internal fluid paths are pre-configured to guide liquid directly from the opening through the filter to the steam generator. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex manual pouring or transfer operations, making the refilling process quick and simple.
4Quantity of substance
If a filter is installed in the liquid loading path, then the liquid quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is merged with the liquid receiving element structure, combining the filtration function with the liquid collection and transfer function. This integration achieves liquid purification without adding separate, complex filtration systems, thereby improving liquid quality while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid receiving element serves multiple functions: it collects liquid from the loading opening, filters it through the integrated filter, and directs it to the steam generator. This multi-functionality achieves liquid purification without requiring separate dedicated filtration components, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Facilitates quick and easy liquid loading with reduced risk of damage, efficient steam production, and improved maintenance access, while ensuring filtered and clean liquid input for the steam generator.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid heating device, operable for generating heat to heat a liquid contained in and/or coming from the main liquid reservoir, so as to produce steam
Implementation Method 2
the steam generator comprising a main liquid reservoir, in which a liquid can be loaded, and a liquid heating device, operable for generating heat to heat a liquid contained in and/or coming from the main liquid reservoir, so as to produce steam
Implementation Method 3
a filter, provided upstream to or at the outlet opening, so as to filter a liquid flowing out of the liquid receiving element via the outlet opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A laundry dryer (1) comprising: - a cabinet (2); - a laundry treating compartment (5); - a drying system (9) comprising an air conduit (10), an air moving device (11), an air heating device (13); - a steam generator (18) comprising a main liquid reservoir (19) and a liquid heating device (20); - a liquid loading unit (23) comprising a liquid receiving element (24), having an outlet opening (25), and a filter (26), wherein the liquid loading unit (23) comprises a lid (27), movable with respect to the liquid receiving element (24) between a closed position, in which the lid (27) at least partially overlaps the filter (26), preventing a user from reaching the latter, and an opened position, wherein the liquid loading unit (23) comprises one or more liquid loading openings (28, 31) allowing to load a liquid in the liquid receiving element (24) even when the lid (27) is in the closed position.