Appliance with hand held steam accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliances, such as laundry machines and dishwashers, often have limited steam generating capabilities and require manual water filling, restricting their use for external steaming operations beyond primary cycles.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an internal steam generator in major appliances, coupled with a handheld steam accessory, allowing for external steaming operations by controlling the steam generator through a central controller, enabling flexible steam usage for laundry treatment, surface cleaning, and other applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable hand held steam appliances are used for external steaming operations, then the appliance can be manually operated outside the cabinet, but the steam generating capability is limited and takes several minutes to generate steam after being turned on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the steam generator into a major appliance (washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher) that can serve both its primary function and provide steam for external handheld operations. The steam generator is controlled by the appliance's existing controller, allowing it to function as both a primary appliance component and a steam source for the handheld accessory, thereby eliminating the need for separate portable steam devices with limited capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable hand held steam appliances are used for external steaming operations, then the appliance can be used outside the cabinet, but manual water filling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is integrated into the major appliance's water supply system, which automatically provides water to the steam generator during operation. The controller manages the water supply to the steam generator without requiring manual intervention, thereby enabling external steam operations without the need for users to manually fill water reservoirs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steam generator is integrated into the major appliance and controlled by the controller, then steam can be selectively actuated for both primary cycle and external steaming operations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to manage the steam generator in addition to its existing control functions for the primary appliance cycle. By utilizing the existing controller hardware and software infrastructure, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring a separate dedicated control system, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling selective steam actuation for both primary and external operations.
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
Enhances the utility of major appliances by providing a convenient and efficient means for external steaming operations, offering faster steam generation and continuous supply, beyond their primary functions, with added functionality for wrinkle removal and surface cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator disposed within the cabinet, the steam generator fluidly coupled to the water inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A major appliance such as a laundry washing machine, a dryer, a cooking appliance or a dishwasher includes an internal steam generator fluidly coupled to a hand held steam accessory that is configured to be manually operated to perform a steaming operation external to the cabinet.