Steam Generator Barrier Layout for Foam-Free Steam Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam generators in steaming devices face issues with foaming, which leads to water droplets being deposited on fabrics and false water level sensor readings due to contaminants accumulating and causing water bubbles to flow through the steam outlet, disrupting the operation and performance.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator design featuring a foaming restriction barrier with two sections: a first barrier section covering the steam outlet and an L-shaped configuration to prevent foam from entering, and a second barrier section extending across the chamber to shield the liquid receiving space and water sensor, ensuring steam passes through while foaming is contained, and a mesh panel for efficient steam flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is fed into the chamber continuously, then steam production is maintained, but contaminants accumulate and cause foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The foaming restriction barrier is divided into multiple sections (first barrier section and second barrier section) positioned at different locations within the chamber. This segmentation allows the barrier to effectively block foam at multiple points while still permitting steam to pass through, thus maintaining steam production while preventing foaming.
Solution Approach 2:
The foaming restriction barrier acts as an intermediary element between the water chamber and the steam outlet. It selectively allows steam to pass through while blocking foam and water bubbles, thereby mediating between the need for continuous steam production and the need to prevent contaminant discharge.
2Measurement precision
If water level sensor is used to control water supply, then water level is monitored, but false positive readings occur due to water bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The foaming restriction barrier extracts and removes water bubbles and foam from the path between the water chamber and the steam outlet before they can reach the sensor area. This extraction prevents false positive readings by eliminating the harmful factor (bubbles) that interferes with accurate water level detection.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If filter is disposed upstream of outlet port, then particles are retained, but steam flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foaming restriction barrier is designed with a porous structure that allows steam to pass through while blocking foam and particles. The porous design minimizes resistance to steam flow compared to solid filters, while still effectively retaining contaminants and preventing foaming.
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
Effectively prevents foaming from reaching the steam outlet, minimizing water droplet deposition on fabrics and reducing false water level sensor readings, ensuring stable operation and performance by maximizing the shielding and flow efficiency of the foaming restriction barrier.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for heating water in the liquid receiving space and converting it into steam
Implementation Method 2
Foaming involves water bubbles being created due to the presence of the contaminants
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present application relates to a steam generator (40) for a steaming device (10) comprising a chamber (42) having a base (46) and a liquid receiving space (47) above the base (46), a heater (50) for heating water in the liquid receiving space (47), a steam outlet (49), and a foaming restriction barrier (70) disposed between the steam outlet (49) and the base (46). The foaming restriction barrier (70) comprises a first barrier section (71) spaced from the liquid receiving space (47) between the steam outlet (49) and the liquid receiving space (47). The first barrier section (71) is configured to prevent foam from passing into the steam outlet (49). The foaming restriction barrier (70) also comprises a second barrier section (72) spaced from the first barrier section (71) between the first barrier section (71) and the liquid receiving space (47). The second barrier section (72) is configured to prevent foam from passing from the liquid receiving space (47) into an intermediate space (85) between the first and second barrier sections (71, 72). The second barrier section (72) is configured so that all the steam generated from heating water in the liquid receiving space (47) below the second barrier section (72) passes through the second barrier section (72) into the intermediate space (85) and, from the intermediate space (85) through the first barrier section (71), before passing through the steam outlet (49).