Laundry Machine Steam Supply Control Using a Heated Duct Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry machines without dedicated steam generators struggle to efficiently generate and utilize steam for laundry freshening and sterilization due to suboptimal control and utilization of their drying mechanisms, leading to inadequate performance in creating a suitable washing environment.
Innovation Solution
A control method for laundry machines that involves a controller to judge the amount of water supplied for steam generation, using algorithms to determine when to generate steam based on temperature increase rates, and utilizing a nozzle to directly supply water to a heater while a blower generates air flow to distribute the steam effectively within the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a drying mechanism is used for steam generation without additional devices, then production cost is reduced, but steam generation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drying mechanism is designed to serve dual purposes: traditional drying function and steam generation function. By controlling the heater and water supply system, the same heating components generate steam for laundry freshening and sterilization, eliminating the need for a separate steam generator and reducing production costs while maintaining adequate steam generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system adjusts operational parameters (heating power, water supply rate, air circulation) of the drying mechanism to optimize steam generation. By dynamically changing these parameters based on detected conditions, the system achieves efficient steam production from the existing drying components without requiring additional hardware
2Device complexity
If no independent steam generator is installed, then device complexity is reduced, but steam supply performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors operational parameters and steam generation effectiveness, adjusting water supply rate and heater power in real-time to maintain reliable steam supply. This closed-loop control ensures that the simplified system without independent steam generator can still achieve desired laundry freshening and sterilization functions
Solution Approach 2:
Water is supplied to the duct space before or during the heating phase, pre-positioning the water in optimal locations for steam generation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when heating occurs, steam is generated efficiently and reliably, compensating for the absence of a dedicated steam generator
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
This method enables efficient steam generation and distribution, enhancing the machine's ability to perform laundry freshening and sterilization functions, improving washing performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
heating a predetermined space within a duct in communication with a tub and/or drum of the laundry machine to a higher temperature than a temperature of the other space within the duct
Implementation Method 2
directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam
Implementation Method 3
supplying air flow towards the heated predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the tub
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling steam supply in a laundry machine. The control method includes heating a predetermined space within a duct in communication with a tub and/or drum of the laundry machine to a higher temperature than a temperature of the other space within the duct, directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam, supplying air flow towards the heated predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the tub, and judging the amount of water supplied during the supply of water based on a temperature increase rate within the duct for a predetermined time.