Clothes treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clothes treating apparatuses with electronic valves are costly and prone to air layer formation in the water supply pump, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential breakdowns due to backflow of steam.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical valve unit is introduced in the flow channel, which opens during water supply operations and closes during steam operations, preventing backflow and air layer formation by utilizing a rod member and sealing mechanism that moves based on gravity and steam pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic valve is used to control the flow channel, then the steam backflow prevention function is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic valve with a mechanically driven check valve that uses the steam pressure itself to drive the valve opening and closing actions. The steam pressure opens the valve during steam generation and the mechanical structure closes it automatically, eliminating the need for electronic control while maintaining backflow prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve utilizes the steam pressure from the steam generator to automatically open the valve and allows the mechanical structure to automatically close it when steam pressure decreases. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external electronic control signals, reducing manufacturing cost while ensuring reliable steam backflow prevention.
2Ease of manufacture
If a general check valve is used to prevent steam backflow, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but air layer formation in the water supply pump occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the check valve with a dynamic opening and closing mechanism that adapts to different operational phases. During water supply, the valve remains open to allow continuous water flow to the steam generator, preventing air layer formation. During steam generation, the valve closes automatically in response to steam pressure, preventing backflow. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between cost reduction and pump reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve structure is designed to close the flow channel before steam can backflow into the water supply pump, and remains open during water supply operations. This preliminary action prevents air layer formation in the pump by ensuring continuous water flow, while also preventing steam backflow when needed, all without requiring electronic control.
3Manufacturing precision
If an electronic valve is used to control water supply, then the water supply control precision is improved, but the driving current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic valve with a mechanically driven check valve that requires no electrical power. The valve opening and closing are driven entirely by steam pressure and mechanical structure, eliminating driving current consumption while maintaining adequate water supply control through the mechanical operation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve operates autonomously using steam pressure to open and mechanical structure to close, without requiring external electrical power supply. This self-service mechanism eliminates driving current consumption while providing sufficient water supply control for the steam generator operation.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, eliminates the need for driving current for electronic valves, prevents steam backflow, and enhances the stability of the apparatus by avoiding air layer formation in the water supply pump.
Implementation Method 1
the valve unit opens or closes the flow channel by at least one of water and steam flowing in the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
the valve unit opens or closes the flow channel by at least one of water and steam flowing in the flow channel
Implementation Method 3
the rod member is provided to be movable within the main body, and opens or closes the hollow portion of the main body by moving within the hollow portion
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treating apparatus includes a case including a treatment chamber for holding clothes, a steam unit for supplying steam to the treatment chamber, a tank module storing water to be supplied to the steam unit, a valve unit disposed in a flow channel connecting the tank module and the steam unit, a water supply pump for generating driving power to transmit water stored in the tank module to the steam unit, and a control unit controlling the steam unit and the water supply pump, wherein the valve unit opens or closes the flow channel by at least one of water and steam flowing in the flow channel.