Compact Steam Generator Control for Faster Laundry Steam Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam generators for washing machines have large volumes, leading to increased production costs and inefficiencies, with issues such as energy and water waste, prolonged steam generation times, and potential damage to laundry due to high temperature water and bubble interference with water level sensors.
Innovation Solution
A compact steam generator design that omits the low water level sensing sensor and associated heater controlling algorithms, using a control unit to manage the heater based on temperature, and embedding the heater within the housing to enhance heat efficiency and reduce production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional steam generator with low water level sensor is used, then water level can be monitored, but production cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the low water level sensor and its associated control algorithms from the steam generator system. Instead of using electronic sensors and complex control logic, the invention uses a simple mechanical float valve that automatically opens or closes based on water level, thereby reducing device complexity and production cost while maintaining reliable water level monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve system is self-regulating and automatically responds to water level changes without requiring external power or complex control algorithms. The valve itself performs the sensing and actuation functions, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for additional electronic components.
2Ease of manufacture
If heater is placed outside housing, then installation is simple, but heat efficiency is low and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heater with the housing by embedding the heater directly into the housing structure. This integration ensures that heat is generated within the housing itself, maximizing heat efficiency and minimizing energy loss to the surrounding environment, while the embedding process during manufacturing maintains ease of production.
3Volume of stationary object
If steam generator volume is reduced, then production cost decreases, but steam generation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters including using a float valve mechanism instead of electronic sensors, embedding the heater in the housing, and optimizing the water supply control logic. These parameter changes enable a compact steam generator design that maintains rapid steam generation capability while reducing overall volume and production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic water supply control based on float valve activation, where water is supplied in controlled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the compact generator to maintain efficient steam production by preventing water waste and ensuring optimal heating conditions.
4Productivity
If water supply time is extended, then steam generation is sufficient, but high temperature water damages laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve provides continuous feedback on water level, enabling the control system to precisely regulate water supply timing and duration. This feedback mechanism ensures water is supplied only when needed and for the exact duration required, preventing high temperature water from contacting the laundry while maintaining sufficient steam generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts water supply timing based on real-time steam generation needs and water level conditions. The float valve automatically responds to changing conditions, enabling flexible and adaptive control that prevents laundry damage while ensuring adequate steam production.
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 reduces steam generation time, prevents high temperature water from being supplied to the drum, and minimizes damage to laundry, while maintaining efficient steam supply even at low water pressure, thus enhancing overall washing machine performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the water accommodated in the housing by heating the housing to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
a control unit configured to cut off or apply an electric power of the heater based on the temperature of the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments may relate to a home appliance, more specifically, to a washing apparatus having a steam generator and a controlling method of the same and embodiments may relate to a home appliance including a steam generator. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance includes a steam generator (100) configured to generate steam to supply the generated steam to an object accommodation part where an object is accommodated, wherein the steam generator (100) includes a housing (120) configured to accommodate water supplied thereto; a heater (130) configured to heat the water accommodated in the housing (120) by heating the housing (120) to generate steam; and a control unit (140) configured to cut off or apply an electric power of the heater (130) based on the temperature of the housing (120).