Reversible Pump Steam Generator for Drain-Free Evaporator Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam generation systems for household appliances require separate drainage for emptying and often need additional tanks for cleaning liquids, which complicates operation and increases costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A vapor generation system with a single pump capable of conveying liquid in both directions, allowing for easy emptying of the evaporator into the liquid reservoir and eliminating the need for a separate drain, and enabling the reuse of cleaning liquids, thus reducing costs and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate drain is added to empty the evaporator, then the emptying function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it can pump liquid from the reservoir to the evaporator during normal operation, and reverse its rotation to pump liquid from the evaporator back to the reservoir for emptying. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate drain, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional tanks are added for cleaning liquids, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid reservoir serves multiple purposes: it stores water for normal steam generation operation and can also store cleaning liquids such as descaling agents. The pump system can switch between pumping modes to accommodate different liquid types and functions, providing cleaning capability without requiring separate tanks
Solution Approach 2:
The system can change its operational parameters to accommodate different liquid types. By modifying the pump rotation direction and control settings, the same hardware infrastructure can handle both process water and cleaning chemicals, avoiding the need for additional specialized containers
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional tanks are added for cleaning liquids, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing liquid reservoir is designed to accommodate both process water and cleaning liquids. By making the reservoir multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate cleaning liquid tanks, thereby reducing the overall space requirements while maintaining full cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of storing process water and cleaning liquids into a single reservoir system. This consolidation combines multiple storage functions into one component, reducing the total space occupied by storage infrastructure while maintaining adaptability for different cleaning needs
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 solution simplifies the operation of steam generation systems by eliminating the need for separate drainage and additional tanks, allowing for efficient reuse of cleaning liquids and reducing environmental impact through cyclic use of the liquid reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump for pumping or conveying the liquid
Implementation Method 2
By means of the evaporator, water fed to it is typically converted into water vapor
Data Source
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AI summary
The steam generation system (22) is provided for a household appliance (D2), in particular a steam cooking appliance, and has at least one liquid reservoir (17) that can be emptied, an evaporator (3) that can be supplied with liquid from the liquid reservoir (17) via at least one supply line, and at least one pump (15) for moving the liquid, wherein the liquid can be conveyed back in the direction of the liquid reservoir (17) by means of the at least one pump (15). The method is used to operate a vapor generation system (22) with a liquid reservoir (17), an evaporator that can be supplied from the liquid reservoir (17) and at least one pump (15) for moving the liquid, the liquid being emptied by means of at least the evaporator (3). pump (15) from the evaporator (3) back into the liquid reservoir (17).