Steam Cleaner Return Valve to Stop Residual Steam Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam cleaning devices, such as steam mops and handheld steam cleaners, are not suitable for cleaning surfaces other than floors and often continue to eject steam after the trigger is released due to residual heat in the steam generator, leading to safety concerns and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A steam cleaning device with a valve mechanism that allows steam to return to the water tank when not in use, using a dual-purpose fluid port and a deformable diaphragm to select between flow paths, preventing steam ejection after the trigger is released and maintaining the boiler at atmospheric pressure, thus eliminating the need for complex seals and pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a steam generator is used with residual water after trigger release, then steam generation continues due to residual heat, but this causes unsafe steam ejection after the user releases the trigger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steam return pathway from the main steam output path. A separate return line is provided that allows steam to be diverted back to the water tank, separating the steam generation function from the steam delivery function. This extraction enables the residual heat to be utilized for heating return water without causing unsafe steam ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a return line as an intermediary pathway between the steam generator and water tank. This intermediary allows steam to condense and return water to be heated, mediating the energy transfer while preventing direct steam ejection. The return line acts as a safe channel for residual heat utilization.
2Productivity
If the boiler is pressurized to maintain steam generation, then steam generation efficiency improves, but the boiler structure becomes more complex requiring strengthened walls and complicated seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steam system into two separate pathways: a main steam output path for cleaning operations and a return path for steam to condense and return to the water tank. This segmentation allows the boiler to operate at atmospheric pressure while maintaining efficient steam generation through continuous water circulation and heat exchange in the return line.
Solution Approach 2:
The return line enables the system to be self-servicing by allowing steam to automatically return to the water tank and condense, pre-heating the water for the next steam generation cycle. This self-service mechanism maintains steam generation efficiency without requiring pressurization or complex control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve mechanism with multiple flow paths is added to control steam return, then steam ejection is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam return function with the existing water inlet structure. The return line is integrated into the water tank assembly, and the valve mechanism is incorporated into the existing pump housing. This merging reduces overall device complexity by utilizing existing structural elements for multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls water flow to the boiler during normal operation, directs steam back to the water tank during shutdown, and prevents steam ejection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 effectively stops steam emission after the device is turned off, enhancing user safety and reducing the complexity and cost of the device's design by maintaining the boiler at atmospheric pressure, while allowing efficient steam generation during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for pumping water from the water tank to the boiler
Implementation Method 2
a boiler in fluid communication with the water tank
Implementation Method 3
The residual heat of the steam generator is sufficient to continue to generate steam from the residual water
Implementation Method 4
The steam in the boiler has a second flow pathway out of the boiler and the steam can return to the water tank
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A steam cleaning device comprising a water tank; a boiler in fluid communication with the water tank; a steam outlet in constant fluid communication with the boiler; and a pump for pumping water from the water tank to the boiler; wherein the steam cleaning device comprises a first flow path from the water tank to the boiler via the pump and a second flow path from the boiler to the water tank bypassing the pump; and a valve moveable between a first position for selecting the first flow path and a second position for selecting the second flow path.