Laundry Steam Generator for Low-Water Washing and Wrinkle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines and washing-and-drying machines consume large amounts of water, lack sterilization capabilities, and result in wrinkled laundry, requiring additional ironing steps.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a steam generator with a steam generation unit and heater to efficiently generate and supply steam during washing and drying cycles, reducing water consumption, improving drying efficiency, and removing wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soaking process is carried out before washing operation, then washing effectiveness is improved, but washing water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to steam and back to liquid. Steam is generated by heating water, then condensed on the laundry to provide intense heat for washing and sterilization. This phase transition process enables effective washing without requiring large amounts of soaking water, as the steam condenses and transfers its latent heat directly to the laundry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical soaking process with a thermal process using steam. Instead of mechanically agitating laundry in large amounts of water, the system uses steam generation and condensation to transfer heat energy directly to the laundry, achieving effective washing with minimal water consumption.
2Reliability
If an additional heater is used to boil laundry for sterilization, then sterilization capability is achieved, but power consumption and washing water consumption increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transitions of water to achieve sterilization. Water is heated to generate steam, which then condenses on the laundry. The condensation process releases latent heat that raises the laundry temperature to sterilization levels. This method is more energy-efficient than direct boiling because the latent heat of condensation provides intense thermal energy transfer directly to the laundry surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam acts as an intermediary carrier of thermal energy. The heater heats water to generate steam, which then serves as the medium to transfer heat to the laundry. This intermediary approach allows for more efficient and uniform heat distribution compared to direct contact heating or boiling, reducing overall energy consumption while achieving effective sterilization.
3Productivity
If drying operation is performed in the drum, then drying capability is achieved, but laundry becomes excessively wrinkled requiring additional ironing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses steam condensation to achieve both drying and wrinkle removal. Steam is introduced into the drum and condenses on the laundry, providing moisture for pressing and smoothing. The phase transition from steam to liquid water releases latent heat that helps eliminate wrinkles while the condensed moisture aids in pressing the fabric flat, eliminating the need for separate ironing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drying function with the wrinkle removal function into a single process. By introducing steam during the drying cycle, the system simultaneously dries the laundry and uses the condensed steam moisture to press and smooth the fabric. This combination eliminates the need for separate ironing operations, saving time and effort.
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 enhances washing efficiency, reduces power consumption, improves drying performance, and achieves wrinkle removal and sterilization, enhancing user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for heating water being supplied through the water inlet port to generate steam
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a steam generator (600), a laundry machine, and a control method of the laundry machine. The steam generator (600) includes a steam generation unit (610) having a water inlet port (612) formed at one side thereof, an outlet port (613) formed at the other side thereof, and a flow channel (611) connected between the water inlet port (612) and the outlet port (613); and a heater (640) for heating water being supplied through the water inlet port (612) to generate steam. The laundry machine includes a machine case (100) forming the external appearance thereof, a drum (400) rotatably mounted in the machine case (100), and a steam generator (600) having a steam generation unit (610) with a flow channel (611) connected between a water inlet port (612) formed at one side thereof and an outlet port (613) formed at the other side thereof, and a heater (640) for heating water being supplied through the water inlet port (612) to generate steam. The control method includes a steam supply step of heating water being supplied through the water inlet port (612) of the steam generation unit (610) by the heater (640) to generate steam and supplying the generated steam to the drum (400).