Dual Water-Passage 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 consumption 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
1Adaptability or versatility
If steam is generated using a washing heater in conventional laundry machines, then steam can be used for refreshing laundry, but water washing must be performed as a precondition which wets the laundry and requires separate drying procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water supply system into two separate passages: one for water washing (supplying water to the drum) and another for steam generation (supplying water to the tub bottom). This segmentation allows steam generation without requiring water washing, enabling refreshing without wetting the laundry and eliminating the need for separate drying procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate steam generator is employed to generate steam, then steam can be generated for washing and refreshing, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the washing heater perform multiple functions: it can heat water for both water washing and steam generation. By controlling which water passage receives water based on the selected course, the same heater serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for a separate steam generator and reducing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If water is supplied to the drum for water washing, then washing effects are enhanced, but laundry becomes wet requiring drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between different water supply modes based on the selected course. For refreshing courses, water is supplied to the tub bottom for steam generation without wetting laundry. For washing courses, water is supplied to the drum for direct washing. This dynamic control optimizes energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary drying cycles.
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 use, 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 is generated and supplied to a drum in order to create a hot and humid washing environment for enhanced washing effects
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a tub (200), a drum (300) rotatably installed in the tub, to receive laundry, a washing heater (600) provided at the tub, to heat wash water, a first wash water passage (150) for supplying the wash water from an external water supply source to the drum via a detergent box (153), a second wash water passage (160) 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 (800) for selecting one of a plurality of washing courses, and a controller (805) for selectively opening the first wash water passage (150) or the second wash water passage (160) in accordance with the course selected through the course selector (800).