Laundry Steam Generator Layout for Compact Overflow Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment machines require significant installation space and complex valve systems for steam generation, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in assembly, with issues like uneven steam distribution and potential overflows.
Innovation Solution
A compact steam generating device with a tank designed for flushing, where the tank includes an overflow connected directly to the nozzle via a line, bypassing the pump, allowing for a simplified and space-saving design with a siphon valve to prevent steam backflow, and a heating element with a low heat output for efficient steam production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is stored in full within the steam generating device, then sufficient water is available for steam generation, but the device requires great installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage function is segmented from the steam generating device. A separate tank stores water, and only the necessary amount is pumped to the steam generator when needed. This divides the system into storage (tank) and processing (steam generator) components, reducing the space required within the steam generating device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
A pump acts as an intermediary between the water tank and the steam generating device. The pump transfers water on demand, eliminating the need for full water storage within the steam generator. This intermediary component enables flexible water management and compact system design.
2Reliability
If multiple valves and lines are used for pressure control, then optimal pressure conditions are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank outlet serves multiple functions: it acts as both the water supply outlet to the pump and the overflow outlet. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate valves and control lines, simplifying the system while maintaining pressure control through the overflow mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow outlet provides automatic pressure relief and water level control without requiring external valves or complex control systems. When water level rises, it automatically overflows, providing self-regulating pressure management and reducing system complexity.
3Stress or pressure
If the outlet valve is opened to provide sufficient steam pressure, then steam pressure is adequate, but droplets are entrained and wet the laundry unevenly
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow function is extracted from the pump system and integrated directly into the tank. This separate overflow path allows pressure control independent of the pump operation, enabling adequate steam pressure without the harmful effect of droplet entrainment in the steam stream.
4Volume of stationary object
If a compact design is implemented, then installation space is reduced, but assembly difficulty increases due to precise line positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tank outlet and overflow outlet are merged into a single component structure. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and connections required, making the compact design easier to assemble while maintaining space 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 configuration allows for even and reliable steam treatment of laundry, reducing installation space requirements, simplifying assembly, and ensuring efficient steam generation for laundry loads of 1 to 3 kg with low electrical output, while preventing steam backflow and uneven distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (12) which vaporizes water (27) supplied by a pump (21), the energy for vaporization being provided by a heater (26)
Implementation Method 2
The tank (22) is furthermore designed as a functional component which is also specially designed for flushing in the water (27) for the common nozzle (17). This means that only a few hoses have to be laid to connect the relevant components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The machine (1) has circular housing opening (10) closable by a door (5), and a cylindrical container (2, 3) arranged in a housing (4) for accommodating clothes to be treated. A nozzle (17) is arranged for flushing of water, and a steam producing unit (12) exhibits a heating body, an inlet opening (18) and an outlet opening (19) for the steam. The water is stored in a tank (22) and is conveyed to the inlet opening via a pump (21). The tank comprises a discharge (23) designed as a spill, where the discharge is connected with the nozzle by a connection line (24) by bypassing the pump.