Steam Generator Water Level Sensor Receptacle Against Debris Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In steam generating devices for washing machines, foreign matter accumulation in the receptacle of the water level sensor leads to malfunctioning, causing the heater to overheat and potentially damage the fuse due to incorrect water level detection.
Innovation Solution
A steam generating device with a receptacle extending downwardly from the top of the case, having an open bottom that directly communicates with the interior of the case, and including barrier walls and openings to minimize foreign matter accumulation and prevent electrical connections between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a receptacle is provided to enclose the water level sensor, then the water level sensor is protected from malfunctioning due to air bubbles and vibration, but foreign matter accumulates in the receptacle causing the sensor to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into an upper receptacle extending downwardly from the upper housing and a lower receptacle extending upwardly from the lower housing, with an open space between them. This segmentation prevents foreign matter accumulation by eliminating a closed bottom space where debris could collect, while still providing protection for the water level sensor electrodes from air bubbles and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom of the receptacle structure is completely opened, removing the harmful closed chamber that caused foreign matter accumulation. The electrodes extend through the open space and are exposed to the water in the case, allowing them to function without being enclosed in a trap-prone chamber.
2Reliability
If the receptacle has a closed structure, then the water level sensor is protected from external factors, but foreign matter accumulates and causes electrical connection between electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into upper and lower portions with an open middle section, preventing foreign matter from accumulating in a closed space. This segmentation maintains sensor protection from air bubbles and vibration while eliminating the trapped chamber that would allow debris to bridge the electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed bottom structure is completely removed, extracting the source of foreign matter accumulation. The electrodes are positioned to extend through the open space directly into the water, ensuring they remain protected from airborne contaminants while being exposed to water for proper function.
3Reliability
If foreign matter accumulates in the receptacle, then the water level sensor malfunctions, but the heater continues to heat water causing overheating and fuse damage
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented receptacle structure with open bottom prevents foreign matter accumulation that would cause false water level readings. Accurate water level detection ensures the heater operates within safe temperature ranges, preventing overheating and fuse damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle structure is designed in advance to prevent foreign matter accumulation before it can cause sensor malfunction. By eliminating the closed chamber where debris could collect and cause false readings, the system maintains accurate temperature control from the outset.
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
Prevents water level sensor malfunctioning, reduces foreign matter accumulation, and extends the life span of the steam heater by ensuring accurate water level detection and preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the case
Implementation Method 2
a heater for heating water stored in the case 80
Implementation Method 3
steam generated from the steam generating device 50
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A steam generating device (50) and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device (50) includes a case (80) for containing water, the case (80) receiving a heater, a water level sensor (60) for sensing a water level of the case, and a receptacle extending downwardly from a top of the case (80) while enclosing the water level sensor (60), to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, the receptacle having an open bottom directly communicating with an interior of the case (80), to prevent foreign matter from being accumulated in the receptacle. The structure of the receptacle covering the water level sensor (60) is improved. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of foreign matter in the receptacle, and thus to prevent the water level sensor (60) from malfunctioning.