Steam Generator Flow Passage Structure to Prevent Discharge Port Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes treatment devices face issues with steam clogging due to impurities deposited in the steam flow passage, which reduces the efficiency of steam supply to the drum, as large impurity pieces can block the discharge port.
Innovation Solution
A clothes treatment device with a steam supply mechanism featuring an uneven-shape on the wall surface of the steam flow passage from the inlet to the discharge port, which breaks down impurities into smaller pieces, preventing them from clogging the discharge port and ensuring efficient steam supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat steam flow passage is used, then steam generation efficiency is maintained, but impurities form large peel-off pieces that clog the discharge port
Solution Approach 1:
The steam flow passage wall surface is designed with local unevenness (protrusions and recesses) at specific locations where impurities tend to accumulate. This localized structural modification causes impurities to break into smaller pieces during thermal contraction, preventing discharge port clogging without requiring complete redesign of the entire steam flow passage.
2Productivity
If water is supplied to generate steam, then steam supply function is achieved, but impurities are deposited in the steam flow passage causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the thermal contraction phenomenon that occurs when steam-cooled wall surfaces are exposed to cold water for cleaning. This thermal contraction, which could cause impurity peel-off and clogging in flat passages, is converted into a beneficial effect by designing uneven wall surfaces that cause impurities to break into small pieces and be flushed out, thereby preventing clogging.
3Reliability
If the discharge port diameter is increased, then clogging is prevented, but steam generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the discharge port diameter, the invention segments impurities into smaller pieces through the uneven wall surface design. This allows the discharge port to maintain its original small diameter while still preventing clogging, as the broken impurity pieces can pass through the narrow passage without blocking it.
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 device effectively prevents impurity clogging, allowing for continuous and efficient steam supply to the housing tub, enhancing the washing and drying processes.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which heats a wall surface defining a chamber for generating steam
Implementation Method 2
a heater which heats a wall surface defining a chamber for generating steam
Implementation Method 3
due to thermal contraction in the chamber, deposited impurities are peeled off
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothes treatment device of the present invention includes: a housing tub for housing clothing; and a steam supply mechanism for supplying steam to the housing tub. The steam supply mechanism includes: a steam generator which has a wall surface defining a chamber for generating steam; a heater (425) which heats the wall surface; and a water supply mechanism which injects water to a wall surface. The water supply mechanism includes a connection tube connected to the steam generator, an inlet port (437) through which the water is injected into the steam generator; and a discharge port (438) through which the steam is discharged from the inside of the steam generator. An uneven-shape is formed on a wall surface of a steam flow passage from the inlet port (437) to the discharge port (438). Due to such a constitution, peel-off pieces of impurities generated in the steam flow passage are made small so that the peel-off pieces can be easily blown off by steam whereby clogging of the discharge port by impurities can be prevented.