Steam Generator Water Layout for Wrinkle Removal and Backflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clothes treating apparatuses fail to effectively remove wrinkles from laundry, and existing steam generating devices face issues with water backflow, water level sensor errors, and heater damage, as well as inefficient water usage.
Innovation Solution
A clothes treating apparatus with a steam generating device that includes a pump for selective water supply and collection, a water supply port positioned above the highest water level, and a water pipe configuration that inhibits backflow and protects the heater and water level sensor, allowing for efficient water usage and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pump is used to supply water to the steam generating device, then water supply control is improved, but water backflow to the pump occurs when the water supply source is demounted
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the water supply source and the pump. This valve automatically prevents backflow to the pump when the water supply source is demounted, while allowing controlled water supply during operation. The check valve resolves the contradiction by filtering out the harmful backflow effect while preserving the beneficial pump control.
2Device complexity
If water is supplied to the steam generating device without a backflow prevention mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but water backflow causes sensor errors and heater damage
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is positioned between the steam generating device and the water supply system to prevent backflow. This simple intermediary component protects the water level sensor and heater from water backflow damage without significantly increasing device complexity, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
3Reliability
If the water supply port is positioned at the highest location, then backflow is inhibited, but not all water can be collected from the steam generating device
Solution Approach 1:
A pump is used to actively collect water from the steam generating device after operation, replacing passive gravitational drainage. This mechanical substitution enables complete water collection from all parts of the device, including areas that would otherwise remain due to the highest port positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between backflow inhibition and water collection efficiency.
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 removes wrinkles from laundry, prevents water backflow and damage to the heater and sensor, and optimizes water usage, enhancing the performance and reliability of the clothes treating apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for selective water supply and collection
Implementation Method 2
a steam generating device which generates steam
Implementation Method 3
a steam generating device which generates steam
Implementation Method 4
a water supply port positioned above the highest water level
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothes treating apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treating apparatus includes a drum (20) to hold laundry, a steam generating device (200) to supply steam to the drum, a water supply source (300) to supply water to the steam generating device, and a backflow inhibiting unit to inhibit water from flowing back from the steam generating device when the water supply source is removed. Accordingly, the clothes treating apparatus can inhibit or remove wrinkles generated at clothes, and can collect water from the steam generating device after operation of the steam generating device is terminated.