Laundry Air Conduit Steam Integration Without Extra Water Plumbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating appliances require multiple water systems for heat exchanger washing and separate steam generation, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where atomized liquid is introduced into the air conduit upstream of the heat source in a laundry treating appliance, allowing the heat source to heat both the air and the atomized liquid before it enters the drum, eliminating the need for a separate steam generating system by utilizing the existing air recirculation loop for both cleaning and steam cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water systems are used for heat exchanger washing and separate steam generation, then cleaning and steam functions are provided, but costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing air recirculation loop and heat source are made multi-functional by introducing atomized liquid into them. The air conduit that originally only circulated air now serves dual purposes: circulating air for drying and delivering heated atomized liquid for steam generation and heat exchanger cleaning. This eliminates the need for separate water systems while maintaining both cleaning and steam functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the steam generation function and heat exchanger cleaning function into the existing air recirculation system. By injecting atomized liquid into the air conduit upstream of the heat source, the system combines air circulation, steam generation, and cleaning operations into a single integrated pathway, reducing the number of separate water systems and plumbing components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water systems are used for heat exchanger washing and separate steam generation, then cleaning and steam functions are provided, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air recirculation loop and heat source are made multi-functional to perform drying, steam generation, and heat exchanger cleaning. This eliminates the need for separate water systems, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining steam generation and cleaning functions into the existing air recirculation system, the patent reduces the total number of components required. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs, as fewer separate water systems, pumps, and plumbing components are needed.
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 approach reduces costs and complexity by integrating the water wash system with the steam cycle, eliminating the need for additional plumbing and components, while providing effective cleaning and steam functions within the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
heating the air by operating the heat source, and introducing atomized liquid into the air conduit upstream of the heat source wherein the heat from the heat source heats the air and atomized liquid
Implementation Method 2
introducing atomized liquid into the air conduit upstream of the heat source wherein the heat from the heat source heats the air and atomized liquid prior to the introduction of the air containing atomized liquid into the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a drum, and an air conduit fluidly coupled to the drum, with a heat source associated with the air conduit, includes moving air through an air conduit to the drum; heating the moving air by operating the heat source; and introducing atomized liquid into the air conduit upstream of the heat source.