Integrated Steam Nozzle Layout for Fast, Low-Condensation Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam spraying apparatuses are inefficient in generating steam quickly and maintaining sufficient pressure, leading to condensation issues and inadequate steam distribution in clothing drying machines, which results in prolonged drying times and potential clothing damage.
Innovation Solution
A steam spraying apparatus with a flow passage forming unit that heats water as it flows, using a nozzle integrated with the flow passage unit to generate steam at a higher pressure, reducing condensation and ensuring steam reaches clothing effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If water is heated in a container to generate steam, then steam is produced, but steam generation time is prolonged and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the steam generation process from a separate container and integrates it directly into the flow passage where water flows. The heating element is positioned within the flow passage to heat water as it moves, eliminating the need for a separate container and reducing steam generation time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary heating of water as it flows through the flow passage before the water reaches the end of the passage. This preliminary action ensures that water is already heated and ready for rapid steam generation when needed, reducing overall steam generation time and energy requirements.
2Reliability
If steam is generated in a container and transported through a hose to the nozzle, then steam can be sprayed, but heat loss occurs causing condensation and reducing spray pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the steam generation process with the flow passage structure. The heating element, flow passage, and nozzle are integrated into a single unit, eliminating the separate hose connection. This integration prevents heat loss during transport and maintains steam pressure and temperature from generation to spray.
3Ease of operation
If the nozzle is disposed outside the drum in washing machines, then the drum can rotate freely, but steam cannot reach the clothing effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the nozzle dynamic by integrating it with the rotating drum structure. The nozzle rotates together with the drum, ensuring that steam is continuously directed toward the clothing throughout the drum's rotation cycle. This dynamic positioning maintains both drum rotation freedom and effective steam delivery.
4Productivity
If high-temperature steam is sprayed onto clothing, then drying efficiency is improved, but clothing may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the steam by controlling the heating process and water flow rate. The system generates steam at optimized temperatures that balance drying efficiency with clothing safety, preventing excessive heat damage while maintaining effective drying performance.
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 apparatus significantly reduces steam generation time, minimizes power consumption, and prevents clothing damage by maintaining a lower steam temperature and higher spray pressure, ensuring efficient and effective steam distribution within the clothing drying machine.
Implementation Method 1
water is heated until steam is generated through the phase change of water
Implementation Method 2
a steam generating heater applying heat to water flowing along the flow passage
Implementation Method 3
the spray pressure of the nozzle is completely dependent on the volume expansion induced by the generation of steam in the container
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a steam spraying apparatus and a clothing drying machine including the same. The steam spraying apparatus include a flow passage forming unit (160, 660), a steam generating heater (130, 630), and a nozzle (170, 670). The flow passage forming unit (160, 660) has a flow passage for guiding water introduced through an inlet to an outlet. The steam generating heater (130, 630) applies heat to water flowing along the flow passage. A nozzle (170, 670) sprays steam generated by the heating of the steam generating heater (130, 630) at a certain pressure.