Laundry Steam Generator Water Feed Control for Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam generators in laundry appliances require frequent maintenance and are not user-friendly due to fluctuating temperatures and water supply, leading to cyclic thermal stress and varying noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling the steam generator in a laundry appliance, where the water supply is adjusted based on temperature measurements to maintain a target temperature range, reducing maintenance needs and providing a constant water flow, thus minimizing thermal stress and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If water supply to the heater is continuously adjusted to maintain temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but component reliability deteriorates due to cyclic thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a control routine that operates in cycles: measuring temperature, comparing with target range, and adjusting water supply accordingly. This periodic control maintains temperature precision while reducing continuous adjustment frequency, thereby minimizing cyclic thermal stress on components and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from continuous water supply adjustment to periodic adjustment based on temperature measurements. By monitoring temperature and only adjusting water supply when temperature deviates from the target range, the system maintains control precision while reducing the frequency of thermal cycles, thus protecting components from excessive thermal stress.
2Stability of the object's composition
If water supply is frequently adjusted to control temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the heater temperature, comparing it with the target temperature range, and adjusting water supply based on the deviation. This feedback mechanism ensures temperature stability while keeping the control logic straightforward: measure, compare, adjust if necessary, and repeat, avoiding excessive system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves temperature stability through self-service control where the control routine automatically monitors temperature and adjusts water supply without external intervention. The heater and water supply means work together autonomously to maintain temperature within the target range, simplifying the overall control architecture while ensuring stability.
3Measurement precision
If water supply is continuously varied to maintain temperature, then temperature control is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces noise by implementing periodic rather than continuous water supply adjustment. The control routine measures temperature and adjusts water supply only when temperature deviates from the target range, creating periodic operation cycles. This reduces the frequency of water supply changes, thereby minimizing noise generation from the water supply means while maintaining temperature control precision.
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 extends the lifespan of components, reduces maintenance requirements, and provides a more user-friendly operation by maintaining a consistent temperature and sound level within the target range, ensuring efficient steam production and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (13) to heat water and to produce steam
Implementation Method 2
a water pump (14) to supply water from the tank (10) to the heater (13)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
According to the present invention, a method of operating a steam generator 4 of a laundry appliance 1 is presented, wherein the steam generator 4 comprises a heater 13 to generate steam S from water W and a water supply means 14 to supply water W to the heater 13, the method comprising at least the following steps: measuring a temperature Tmeas of the heater 13 and, if the measured temperature Tmeas is below a lower target temperature TPm?n, decreasing a supply of water W to the heater 13; if the measured temperature Tmeas is above an upper target temperature TPmax, increasing a supply of water W to the heater 13; if the measured temperature Tmeas is between the lower target temperature TPm?n and the upper target temperature TPmax, keeping the supply of water W to the heater 13 substantially constant. The inventive laundry appliance 1 is adapted to perform the inventive method.