Steam Drum Washing Cycle for Low-Water Laundry Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry devices consume excessive water and power, particularly during washing cycles for small loads or low-contamination laundry, and lack a separate sterilization cycle, which affects washing performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a laundry device that includes a sterilizing step using steam, a washing water supply step, a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spinning step, where steam is supplied to the drum for sterilization before, during, or after washing, with controlled water usage and alternating cold and warm rinsing to enhance washing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soaking process is added before washing to improve washing performance, then washing performance is improved, but washing water consumption and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of water from liquid to vapor by using steam for soaking. This allows the soaking function to be achieved while significantly reducing water consumption, as steam condenses on the laundry to provide moisture without requiring large volumes of liquid water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor (steam generation) and then vapor to liquid (condensation on laundry) to achieve the soaking effect. The steam soaking process transforms water into steam form for penetration and then relies on condensation to deliver moisture, eliminating the need for traditional liquid water soaking.
2Reliability
If a separate sterilizing cycle is added to ensure complete sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases due to boiling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization approach from high-temperature boiling (100°C+) to moderate-temperature steam exposure. By controlling steam temperature and exposure time, effective sterilization is achieved without the excessive energy consumption associated with prolonged boiling cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates sterilization as a continuous function throughout the washing cycle rather than requiring a separate dedicated sterilizing cycle. Steam is supplied during soaking, washing, and rinsing phases, maintaining continuous sterilization action without interrupting the overall process or requiring additional high-energy boiling steps.
3Reliability
If steam is supplied continuously throughout washing to maintain sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic steam supply rather than continuous operation. Steam is supplied at specific intervals during soaking, washing, and rinsing phases, with periods of no steam supply in between. This periodic action maintains sterilization effectiveness while significantly reducing the total energy consumption compared to continuous steam generation.
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 method improves washing performance by soaking and sterilizing laundry with minimal water and power, effectively removing dirt and microorganisms, and satisfies user needs by providing a cycle suitable for sensitive items like baby clothes, while reducing overall energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilizing step for supplying steam to an inside of a drum having laundry introduced thereto for progressing sterilizing and/or soaking of the laundry
Implementation Method 2
a washing step for rotating the drum for a preset time period to perform washing
Implementation Method 3
a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to an inside of the drum having the laundry introduced thereto according to an amount of the laundry
Implementation Method 4
an intermediate spinning step for draining residual washing water as well as spinning the drum at a high speed for making an intermediate extraction of water
Data Source
AI summary
Method for operating a laundry device including a sterilizing step for supplying steam to an inside of a drum having laundry introduced thereto for progressing sterilizing and/or soaking of the laundry, a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to an inside of the drum having the laundry introduced thereto according to an amount of the laundry, a washing step for rotating the drum for a preset time period to perform washing, a rinsing step for performing rinsing at least once upon finish of washing, and a spinning step for performing a final spinning cycle upon finish of the rinsing, which are to be progressed in succession, whereby consuming small amount of washing water, and power in soaking the laundry, and enabling sterilizing of the laundry having washing thereof finished.