Steam Generator Baffle Design for Scale Clogging and Compactness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam generation devices face issues with scale clogging and inefficient steam production due to the use of spray nozzles, leading to bulky designs and reduced steaming efficiency, as well as splattering of water droplets on non-heated areas.
Innovation Solution
A steam generation device featuring a baffle that directs water onto an inclined steaming element, allowing for wider water distribution and collection of scale, which reduces the length of the steaming surface, prevents clogging, and enhances evaporation efficiency by forming a thin film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spray nozzles are used to spread water over a large steaming surface, then heat extraction efficiency is improved, but nozzle openings are easily clogged with scale deposits causing steaming function to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the vulnerable spray nozzle component from the system. Instead of using nozzles to disperse water, the patent employs a baffle plate that redirects water flow onto the steaming surface, eliminating the narrow opening components that are prone to scale clogging while maintaining effective water distribution for heat extraction
2Reliability
If a nozzle with a relatively large opening is used to avoid scale clogging, then nozzle robustness is improved, but water streams along a narrow path requiring a very long steaming surface making the appliance bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from linear water delivery (narrow stream along steaming surface) to areal water distribution (wide spray pattern). The baffle plate redirects water to impinge on the steaming surface at an angle, spreading water across a wider area perpendicular to the flow direction, thereby reducing the required length of the steaming surface and making the appliance more compact
3Speed
If jet impinges on the steaming surface to deliver water, then water delivery speed is improved, but water droplets splatter onto other parts causing low steaming efficiency and long after-steaming effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetric baffle plate geometry with specific angles (α and β) to control water flow direction. The baffle plate is positioned and angled such that water is redirected onto the steaming surface at optimized angles, concentrating the water impact on the intended steaming area while minimizing lateral splatter onto surrounding components, thereby improving steaming efficiency and reducing after-steaming effects
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 results in a more compact device with improved steam production efficiency and reduced splattering, as the inclined surface and baffle design facilitate faster evaporation and scale removal, maintaining high steam rates without bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element to heat the steaming element to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature
Implementation Method 2
a heating element to heat the steaming element to a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 3
water flows downwardly over the steaming element to be evaporated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention is device (1) which may include a steaming element (2) with a surface (3). Water is introduced to the steaming element (2) from a water inlet arrangement (5) via a baffle (6). The plate (2) may be heated to a suitable temperature by the heating element (4) for steaming the water. The surface (3) for steaming water extends below the baffle (6) such that water flows from the baffle (6) onto the surface (3) of the steaming element (2). The steaming element (2) is configured such that water flows downwardly over the steaming element (2) to be evaporated.