Household device including a steam generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam generators for household appliances are either bulky and expensive due to their boiler-type design or have performance fluctuations and high costs due to solenoid valves and pressure switches, with inefficient energy storage leading to longer heating times and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance with an instantaneous vaporization steam generator connected to a steam distribution circuit featuring a non-return valve for pressurizing the distribution duct, a manually operated valve for steam control, and a pump for increased pressure supply, along with safety and depressurization valves for pressure regulation, allowing for efficient steam production and energy storage without the need for solenoid valves and complex electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a boiler-type steam generator is used, then steam production performance is improved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using an instantaneous vaporization steam generator that operates at high temperature (above boiling point of water) to produce pressurized steam on demand, rather than maintaining a large volume boiler. This parameter change allows small size while achieving good steam production performance through high-temperature flash vaporization.
2Ease of operation
If solenoid valves and pressure switches are used for steam control, then steam distribution control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the expensive solenoid valves and pressure switches from the system. Instead, it uses a simple manually operated valve for steam distribution control, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate control functionality for household use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electronic control components with simple, inexpensive mechanical components including a manually operated valve and basic pressure regulation mechanisms, achieving cost-effective steam control suitable for household appliances.
3Productivity
If a large mass of aluminum is used for energy storage, then steam production capacity is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from storing thermal energy in a large mass of aluminum to storing energy in pressurized steam itself. By operating the instantaneous vaporization generator at high temperature and pressure, energy is stored in the enthalpy of the steam rather than in thermal mass, dramatically reducing weight and size while maintaining steam production capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water to steam under pressure as the energy storage mechanism. The pressurized steam contains stored energy that can be rapidly released, replacing the need for large thermal mass storage and achieving high steam production capacity with minimal weight.
4Ease of manufacture
If instantaneous vaporization steam generator is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but steam pressure fluctuates greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure regulation system with a non-return valve and manually operated valve as intermediary components. These valves regulate and stabilize the steam pressure from the instantaneous vaporization generator, maintaining constant performance despite the generator's inherent pressure fluctuations, while keeping the system simple and cost-effective.
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 provides economical, high-performance steam generation with constant operation, reduced weight and size, and improved energy storage capacity, while ensuring safe pressure regulation and efficient steam distribution, comparable to boiling-type steam generators but at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
the generator comprising a heating resistor
Implementation Method 2
a pump is interposed between the reservoir and the steam generator, the pump making it possible to supply the steam generator with liquid with a pressure greater than the setting pressure
Implementation Method 3
a non-return valve for pressurizing a distribution duct connected to the accessory for the treatment of the linen, the valve pressurization non-return device having a calibration pressure adapted so as to allow the steam to pass in the direction of the accessory for the treatment of laundry only when the pressure in the distribution duct is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 4
the steam generator is instantaneous vaporization
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Household appliance comprising an instantaneous vaporization steam generator (12) supplied by a reservoir (11), said steam generator (12) being connected to a steam distribution circuit, characterized in that said steam distribution circuit comprises a pressurization non-return valve (150) of a distribution duct (15) connected to an accessory (1) for the treatment of laundry, said pressurization non-return valve (150) having a setting pressure adapted in such a way to allow steam to pass in the direction of said laundry treatment accessory (1) only when the pressure in the distribution duct (15) is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold and in that said laundry treatment accessory comprises a manually operated valve for interrupting, on command, the diffusion of steam through said accessory (1) for the treatment of laundry.