Drying Duct Nozzle Layout for Efficient Steam Laundry Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry machines without independent steam generators struggle to efficiently generate steam for laundry freshening and sterilization, as they lack optimized control and utilization of their drying mechanisms, leading to inadequate steam production and performance.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine design that includes a tub or drum, a duct with a heater, a nozzle for direct water supply to the heater, and a blower to blow air for efficient steam generation, where the nozzle is positioned between the heater and blower to ensure effective steam distribution, and may incorporate a swirling device or thermal conductive member for enhanced steam production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If laundry machines use existing drying mechanisms without independent steam generators, then production costs are reduced, but steam generation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drying mechanism's heater and blower are made to serve dual functions: traditional drying and steam generation. By controlling water supply to the heater during specific cycles, the same components generate steam for laundry freshening and sterilization, eliminating the need for separate steam generation equipment while reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the existing drying mechanism are optimized for steam generation. The heater temperature, blower speed, and water supply rate are adjusted to specific ranges that maximize steam generation efficiency. This allows the existing components to efficiently produce steam without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Device complexity
If laundry machines lack optimized control of drying mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but steam generation performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A control system continuously monitors the steam generation process by detecting parameters such as temperature, humidity, and water supply rate. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the heater power and water supply to maintain optimal steam generation conditions, ensuring reliable performance for freshening and sterilization functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system pre-configures optimal operating parameters for steam generation mode before the cycle begins. Water supply rates, heater temperatures, and blower speeds are predetermined based on the selected program, allowing the drying mechanism to transition smoothly into efficient steam generation without complex real-time calculations.
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 enables efficient steam generation and distribution within the machine, effectively performing laundry freshening, sterilization, and creating a suitable washing environment, improving the overall washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heater installed in the duct and heating only a predetermined space within the duct
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle installed in the duct and serving to directly supply water to the heated predetermined space
Implementation Method 3
supply water to the heated predetermined space...so as to supply the generated steam into the tub or drum
Implementation Method 4
a blower installed in the duct and serving to blow air toward the predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the tub or drum
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine including a tub in which wash water is stored and/or a drum in which laundry is accommodated, the drum being rotatably provided, a duct configured to communicate with the tub and/or drum, a heater installed in the duct and heating only a predetermined space within the duct, a nozzle installed in the duct and serving to directly supply water to the heated predetermined space, and a blower installed in the duct and serving to blow air toward the predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the tub or drum.