Steam Generator Hose Layout to Prevent Dryer Water Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances with steam generators face challenges in maintenance and safety due to potential water spills and contamination during filling and de-aeration processes.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator design with a de-aeration hose having its highest point located higher than the filling hose, incorporating an upside-down U-shaped section and an overfall hose to prevent water spills and contamination, along with a rubber connector for leak-proof connections, and a water level detection system for easy filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filling hose and de-aeration hose are connected to the water tank at the same level, then the filling process is simple, but water may spill into the de-aeration hose causing contamination and maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The de-aeration hose is routed to exit from the upper region of the water tank rather than at the same level as the filling hose. This vertical dimensionality change creates a height difference that prevents water from spilling into the de-aeration hose during filling, eliminating contamination while maintaining simple filling operation
Solution Approach 2:
An overfall hose is introduced as an intermediary component between the water tank and the de-aeration hose. This overfall hose acts as a protective mediator that prevents direct water contact with the de-aeration hose, allowing water to drain safely while blocking contamination pathways
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the de-aeration hose is positioned at a higher level to prevent water spill, then water contamination is prevented, but the hose structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The de-aeration function and the spill-prevention function are merged into a single hose routing design. By routing the de-aeration hose to exit from the upper region of the water tank, the same structural arrangement simultaneously achieves both de-aeration and contamination prevention without requiring separate complex mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If the filling hose extends to the upper end for easy filling, then filling accessibility is improved, but water may overflow and cause safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The de-aeration hose is positioned in the vertical dimension (upper region of water tank) separate from the filling hose level. This dimensional separation creates a safety buffer that prevents water overflow from the filling hose from reaching the de-aeration system, maintaining both filling accessibility and operational safety
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
Ensures low-maintenance and safe operation by preventing water spills and contamination, facilitating easy detection of water levels, and reducing the risk of germ presence and fatigue cracks in hoses.
Implementation Method 1
a highest point of the de-aeration means is located higher than the filling means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laundry appliance (54) comprising a steam generator (4) wherein the steam generator (4) comprises a water tank (10), wherein the water tank (10) is fluidically connected to a filling means and a de-aeration means, and wherein a highest point of the de-aeration means is located higher than the filling means. Further, the laundry appliance (4) is a refresher dryer (54); the filling means comprises a filling hose (6) and the de-aeration means comprises a de-aeration hose (43); the filling hose (6) comprises a lower end (49) that is connected to the water tank (10) of the steam generator (4) and an upper end (50) that is intended to be filled with water; the de-aeration hose (43) comprises a lower end that is connected to the water tank (10) of the steam generator (4) and an upper end that is fluidically connected to air; wherein the highest point of the de-aeration hose (43) is located higher than the upper end (50) of the filling hose (6); and the de-aeration hose (43) comprises at least an upside-down U-shaped section (57).