Laundry Dryer Steam Generation Using Integrated Heating Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry drying machines lack the capability to efficiently heat water to produce high-temperature steam for enhanced cleaning, sterilization, and wrinkle elimination, and often require additional components that increase manufacturing costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid flow-through apparatus in close proximity to a heating apparatus within the air heating channel, where water is heated and evaporated into steam, with optional features like a hydrophilic coating and nozzle to enhance heat transfer and steam generation, allowing for direct steam delivery to the drying chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate steam generator is added to the laundry drying machine, then steam generation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generation function with the existing heating apparatus by positioning a liquid flow-through apparatus in close proximity to the heating element. Water flows through channels adjacent to the heating apparatus, absorbing heat directly and converting to steam, thereby integrating steam generation into the existing heating system without requiring a separate steam generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating apparatus serves dual functions: it heats air for the drying chamber and simultaneously generates steam by transferring heat to water flowing through the liquid flow-through apparatus. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated steam generation equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate steam generator is added to the laundry drying machine, then steam generation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generation function with the existing heating apparatus by positioning a liquid flow-through apparatus in close proximity to the heating element. Water flows through channels adjacent to the heating apparatus, absorbing heat directly and converting to steam, thereby integrating steam generation into the existing heating system without requiring a separate steam generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating apparatus serves dual functions: it heats air for the drying chamber and simultaneously generates steam by transferring heat to water flowing through the liquid flow-through apparatus. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated steam generation equipment.
3Productivity
If additional heating components are added for steam generation, then steam generation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generation function with the existing heating apparatus by positioning a liquid flow-through apparatus in close proximity to the heating element. Water flows through channels adjacent to the heating apparatus, absorbing heat directly and converting to steam, thereby integrating steam generation into the existing heating system without requiring a separate steam generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid flow-through apparatus enables continuous heat transfer from the heating apparatus to water, maintaining steady-state steam generation. The continuous flow of water ensures consistent heat absorption and steam production without interrupting the drying process, maximizing energy utilization 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
Enables effective steam generation for improved cleaning, sterilization, and wrinkle removal while reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs by utilizing existing heating components, and allows for controlled temperature adjustments for optimal laundry processing.
Implementation Method 1
water is heated and evaporated into steam
Implementation Method 2
A fluid is heated by the heating apparatus after entering the liquid flow-through apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophilic coating and nozzle to enhance heat transfer and steam generation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A laundry drying machine is provided, including a drying chamber (2) and an air heating channel (3) in fluid communication with the drying chamber. A heating apparatus (5) is disposed in the air heating channel (3); a liquid flow-through apparatus (6; 61; 62; 63) is disposed close to or surrounding the heating apparatus, and an input channel (7) and an output channel (8) are connected to the liquid flow-through apparatus (6; 61; 62; 63). A fluid is heated by the heating apparatus (5) after entering the liquid flow-through apparatus (6; 61; 62; 63) from the input channel (7), and then flows out of the output channel (8), so that the heated liquid is obtained. When the liquid flow is relatively small, high-temperature steam after the liquid is evaporated may be obtained.