Dual-Path Laundry Machine for Steam Refresh Without Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines that generate steam using a washing heater face challenges in efficiently utilizing steam for refreshing without wetting the laundry, as they require water washing as a precondition, leading to increased energy costs and the need for separate drying procedures.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine with a dual wash water passage system, where one passage supplies water directly to the drum for washing and the other supplies water to the tub without passing through the drum, allowing for steam generation and use without wetting the laundry, enabling effective refreshing and reduced drying requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If steam is generated using a washing heater in a conventional laundry machine, then steam can be supplied to create a high-temperature washing environment, but water washing must be performed as a precondition which wets the laundry and requires separate drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water supply system into two separate passages: a first wash water passage that supplies water through the drum for washing, and a second wash water passage that supplies water directly to the tub without passing through the drum. This segmentation allows independent control of washing water supply and steam generation water supply, enabling steam refreshing without wetting laundry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the steam generation function from the washing process by providing a separate water supply path (second wash water passage) that bypasses the drum. This allows water to be supplied to the tub for steam generation without wetting the laundry inside the drum, separating the steam generation function from the washing function
2Temperature
If a separate steam generator is employed to generate steam, then steam can be effectively supplied for washing, but costs increase and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the washing heater perform multiple functions: it can heat water for washing and also generate steam for refreshing. By controlling the water supply to the tub through the second wash water passage, the washing heater generates steam without requiring a separate steam generator, reducing system complexity while maintaining steam generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The washing heater serves itself by generating steam from water supplied through the second wash water passage. The system uses its existing heating capability to provide steam generation function, eliminating the need for additional dedicated steam generation equipment
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 dual passage system allows for optimal steam generation and supply, enhancing washing and refreshing effects while minimizing energy consumption and eliminating the need for separate drying, enabling clothes to be worn immediately after refreshing.
Implementation Method 1
a washing heater provided at the tub, to heat wash water
Implementation Method 2
Steam may be generated through heating of water to the boiling point of water or above
Implementation Method 3
a second wash water passage for supplying the wash water from the external water supply source to an interior of the tub while preventing the wash water from passing through the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, to receive laundry, a washing heater provided at the tub, to heat wash water, a first wash water passage for supplying the wash water from an external water supply source to the drum via a detergent box, a second wash water passage for supplying the wash water from the external water supply source to an interior of the tub while preventing the wash water from passing through the drum, a course selector for selecting one of a plurality of washing courses, and a controller for selectively opening the first wash water passage or the second wash water passage in accordance with the course selected through the course selector.