Washing Machine Steam Generator With Bypass Overflow Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drum type washing machines face issues with high water consumption for soaking, lack of sterilization, and the formation of wrinkles that require manual pressing, which complicates drying and user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator for drum type washing machines, featuring a steam generating portion with a water supply inlet, outlet, and bypass flow line, connected to a heater to efficiently generate steam for washing, drying, and wrinkle removal, while preventing overheating and blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soaking is performed to wet the laundry before washing, then the washing effect is improved, but a large amount of washing water is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of water from liquid soaking to vapor form (steam). The steam generator produces steam that penetrates the laundry, achieving wetting and washing effects without requiring large volumes of liquid water. This parameter change from liquid to vapor phase resolves the contradiction between washing effectiveness and water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to steam through heating. The steam generator heats water to produce steam, which then condenses on the laundry during the washing process. This phase transition approach allows efficient heat transfer and moisture delivery to the laundry without the need for large amounts of liquid water soaking.
2Reliability
If a washing water heater is provided to heat water for boiling sterilization, then sterilization effect is improved, but washing water and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses steam generation through phase transition to achieve sterilization. The steam generator produces high-temperature steam that directly contacts the laundry, providing effective sterilization without requiring large volumes of boiling water. The steam condenses on the laundry, delivering both heat and moisture for thorough sterilization while minimizing water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional liquid-based heating and sterilization system with a steam generation system. Instead of heating large amounts of water in a tank and pumping it through the laundry, the system generates steam directly and delivers it to the drum, substituting a more efficient thermal delivery mechanism that reduces both water and energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If drying is performed in the drum without steam treatment, then the drying process is simple, but wrinkles remain on the laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates steam generation continuously during the drying phase. Steam is supplied to the drum throughout the drying process, maintaining moisture and heat on the laundry surfaces. This continuous steam treatment prevents wrinkle formation by keeping the fabric pliable during drying, while the drying function itself remains integrated into the existing drum structure without adding complex external pressing mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the outlet or discharge flow line of the steam generating portion is blocked, then steam generation may continue, but water pressure may damage the steam generator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a bypass flow line that activates when the main outlet or discharge flow line is blocked. This bypass provides an alternative pathway for water flow, preventing pressure buildup that could damage the steam generator. The bypass flow line acts as a safety mechanism that cushions against pressure surges before they can cause damage, while allowing steam generation to continue through the main pathway when unobstructed.
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
Reduces water usage, enhances washing and drying efficiency, removes wrinkles, and sterilizes laundry, improving user satisfaction and preventing steam generator damage from water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for heating the water supplied through the water supply inlet to generate the steam
Implementation Method 2
a steam generating portion having a water supply inlet at one side and an outlet at the other side, and a space between the water supply inlet and the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to drum type washing machines, and more particularly, to a new type of steam generator for a drum type washing machine, which enables fast and effective washing and drying of laundry, and can provide a refresh effect of removal of wrinkles form, and sterilization of the laundry. For this, a steam generator (600) includes a steam generating portion (610) having a water supply inlet (612) at one side and an outlet (613) at the other side, and a space (611) between the water supply inlet (612) and the outlet (613), a water supply flow line (620) connected to the water supply inlet (612) for guiding the water to the space, a discharge flow line (630) connected to the outlet (613) for guiding a flow of steam generated at the space, a bypass flow line (660) connected to the water supply flow line (620) for discharging the water overflowing from the steam generating portion (610) in a case water is supplied in a state the outlet (613) and/or the discharge flow line (630) are blocked, and a heater (640) for heating the water supplied through the water supply inlet (612) to generate the steam.