Steam Condensation Chamber Feedback Control for Washer Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam condensers in washing and disinfecting machines are inefficient under varying operating conditions, leading to insufficient steam condensation or excessive water consumption due to factors like unexpected steam generation, temperature changes, or clogging, which are not accounted for in their nominal design.
Innovation Solution
A device with a temperature probe in the air discharge circuit, connected to a control unit, that adjusts the condensation process based on detected air temperature and humidity levels, optimizing water usage and condensation effectiveness by extending or reducing the opening time of the water valve accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional condenser with fixed preset operation is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the steam condensation is insufficient or water consumption is excessive under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature probe that detects the temperature of discharged air and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the water valve opening time based on the detected temperature, extending it when temperature is high (indicating insufficient condensation) and reducing it when temperature is low. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable steam condensation under varying operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If the water valve opening time is extended to ensure sufficient condensation, then the condensation reliability improves, but the water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature probe provides real-time feedback on the condensation effectiveness by measuring the discharged air temperature. The control unit uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the water valve opening time, extending it only when necessary (high temperature indicating insufficient condensation) and reducing it when condensation is adequate (low temperature). This prevents both insufficient condensation and excessive water consumption by matching water supply to actual need.
3Device complexity
If the condenser operates with fixed preset parameters, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different operating conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temperature probe and corresponding control logic that detects discharged air temperature and adjusts the water valve opening time accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the condenser to adapt to varying operating conditions (different steam generation rates, water temperatures, ambient conditions) without requiring a complex control system, maintaining simplicity while significantly improving adaptability.
4Loss of substance
If the water valve opening time is reduced to minimize water consumption, then water efficiency improves, but the steam condensation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature probe continuously monitors the discharged air temperature and provides feedback to the control unit. When the temperature is high (indicating insufficient condensation and potential water shortage), the control unit extends the water valve opening time to ensure adequate condensation. When the temperature is low (indicating adequate condensation), the opening time is reduced to minimize water consumption. This dynamic adjustment based on real-time feedback prevents both water waste and insufficient condensation.
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 minimizes water consumption and ensures optimal steam condensation regardless of machine operating conditions, providing a flexible and efficient condensation process that can be easily integrated into existing machines.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature probe (11) arranged in the air discharge circuit downstream from the spraying nozzles (7)
Implementation Method 2
the cooling of the steam and of the discharge duct walls causes the condensation of the steam
Implementation Method 3
the cooling of the steam and of the discharge duct walls causes the condensation of the steam
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Steam condensation device comprising a condensation chamber (1) with relevant inlet (2) and outlet (3) ducts that are part of a discharge circuit of moist air coming from a wash tank (4) of a washing and disinfecting machine, a plurality of spraying nozzles (7) arranged in the chamber (1) and fed through a pipe (5) connected to the water mains system and provided with a valve (6), a drain (8) formed in the bottom of the chamber (1) and connected to a drain pipe (9), a level sensor (10) arranged in the chamber (1), a temperature probe (11) arranged in the outlet duct (3), as well as a control unit operatively connected to the valve (6), the sensor (10) and the probe (11).