Drum Washer Vapor Generator for Low-Water Sterilizing Wash Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines consume a large quantity of water and lack a sterilization function due to the absence of a device for forcibly circulating wash water and a sterilizer.
Innovation Solution
A drum type washing machine equipped with a vapor generator that automatically generates vapor using a water level detecting sensor, which is used to inject high-pressure vapor into the drum for circulating and sterilizing wash water, thereby reducing water consumption and enhancing washing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a device for forcibly circulating wash water is not installed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the water consumption increases and washing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the drum's own rotation to generate centrifugal force that circulates wash water, eliminating the need for external circulation pumps. The wash water is naturally circulated through the laundry by the drum's motion, achieving self-service water circulation that reduces both device complexity and water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vapor injection system that uses high-pressure vapor to enhance wash water circulation and penetration. The vapor is injected through nozzles to create high-pressure zones that force wash water to circulate through the laundry, improving washing efficiency without requiring mechanical circulation devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sterilizer is not installed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sterilization function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor injection system serves multiple functions: it enhances wash water circulation, improves washing efficiency, and provides sterilization. By using high-pressure vapor injected through the drum, the system achieves sterilization without requiring a separate sterilizer device, thus adding versatility while maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor form. The vapor generator converts water to high-pressure vapor, which is then injected into the drum. This phase transition enables the vapor to penetrate laundry effectively, providing both washing enhancement and sterilization functions through the same mechanism.
3Productivity
If vapor is not used for circulating wash water, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the washing efficiency with small quantity of water cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs phase transition of water to vapor form to achieve efficient washing with small water quantity. The vapor generator converts water to high-pressure vapor that is injected into the drum, where it penetrates laundry and enhances wash water circulation. This phase transition enables effective washing with reduced water and energy consumption compared to traditional mechanical circulation systems.
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 system efficiently washes laundry with a small quantity of water while providing sterilization capabilities, improving washing efficiency by using vapor to circulate and inject wash water with high pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a heater installed in the case for heating water stored in the case
Implementation Method 2
a water level detecting means installed at the case for detecting a level of water stored in the case
Implementation Method 3
a vapor generator installed at one side of the cabinet for generating vapor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a drum type washing machine and a vapor generator thereof. The vapor generator of the drum type washing machine comprises: a case provided with a space portion for storing water therein, a water supplying portion for supplying water at one side thereof, and a vapor exhaustion portion for exhausting vapor at another side thereof; a water level detecting means installed at the case for detecting a level of water stored in the case; and a heater installed in the case for heating water stored in the case.