Laundry Drum Steam Control to Prevent Fabric Condensation Droplets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for supplying steam into fabric storage compartments in laundry treatment devices result in inefficient steam distribution due to condensation issues, leading to uneven temperature and humidity conditions that can cause fabric damage, wrinkles, and reduced treatment efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor and adapt steam supply parameters based on internal conditions to prevent droplet formation, ensuring precise steam delivery by adjusting steam flow and temperature in real-time according to air humidity and temperature, and using a control unit to optimize steam generation and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If steam is supplied into the fabric storage compartment, then the steam treatment effect is improved, but steam droplets condense and form on fabrics causing damage and uneven treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats the air in the storage compartment before steam supply begins, raising the ambient temperature to prevent steam condensation. This preliminary thermal preparation creates favorable conditions for subsequent steam treatment, eliminating the harmful droplet formation while maintaining effective steam action on fabrics.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature and humidity sensors continuously monitor conditions in the storage compartment, providing feedback to the control unit. Based on this real-time data, the system dynamically adjusts steam supply parameters and heater operation to maintain optimal conditions, preventing droplet condensation while ensuring effective steam treatment.
2Productivity
If air circulation is maintained during steam supply, then steam distribution is improved, but steam is blown out of the drum and condenses in the exit channel
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between phases of enhanced air circulation for steam distribution and phases of reduced circulation to retain steam within the drum. This periodic modulation allows the system to achieve effective steam distribution during treatment phases while minimizing steam loss during retention phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation system dynamically adjusts its operation during steam supply, modulating fan speed and circulation patterns based on real-time steam generation rates and treatment requirements. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between steam distribution efficiency and steam retention, preventing excessive steam escape and condensation in the exit channel.
3Productivity
If steam supply rate is increased to improve treatment efficiency, then treatment speed is improved, but droplet formation increases causing fabric damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperature and humidity parameters and dynamically adjusts steam supply rate based on these changing conditions. When temperature and humidity reach optimal levels that prevent condensation, the system increases steam supply rate for efficient treatment. When conditions approach condensation thresholds, the system reduces steam supply rate, preventing droplet formation while maintaining safe treatment efficiency.
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 enhances the precision of steam treatment, reduces fabric damage, and maintains consistent treatment efficiency by minimizing droplet formation and optimizing steam flow and temperature, thereby improving fabric handling and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the heat of a heater normally used for heating the circulated air heats and evaporates water which is supplied into a cup located in the air channel
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the steam introduced into the drum is again flown out of the drum into the exit channel where it then may condensate at a condenser and other elements in the air passages
Implementation Method 3
the steam generated in the air channel can condense and inhomogeneously cool down at or close to the channel walls and the backside of the drum wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of supplying steam (38) to a fabrics storage compartment (6) of a treatment apparatus (2), in particular a dryer, a refreshment apparatus or a washing machine having drying function, wherein the steam flow and/or the temperature of the steam (38) supplied into the storage compartment (6) is set in dependency of at least one process parameter.