Steam Generator Partition Wall to Keep Water Out of the Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam generators in laundry machines face issues where water is inadvertently drawn into the outlet instead of steam, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage to fabrics due to high temperature water being supplied.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator design that includes a water-inlet-proof-partition-wall between the inlet and outlet to prevent water from being discharged through the outlet, ensuring only steam is supplied to the drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the inlet and outlet are positioned adjacent to each other for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but water supplied through the inlet splashes into the outlet causing harmful water discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator case is divided into multiple compartments by partition walls. A first partition wall divides the case into a water storage chamber and a steam generation chamber, while a second partition wall further divides the steam generation chamber. This segmentation prevents water from the inlet from reaching the outlet while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls are introduced as intermediary structures between the inlet and outlet. These partition walls act as barriers that block the direct path of water spray from the inlet to the outlet, allowing steam to pass through while preventing water discharge.
2Productivity
If water pressure supplied through the inlet is increased for efficient water supply, then the productivity is improved, but water spray is generated and directly drawn into the outlet deteriorating steam generator efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls segment the internal space to create separate flow paths for water and steam. This allows high-pressure water supply for efficient filling while preventing the resulting water spray from reaching the outlet, maintaining steam generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls serve as intermediary barriers that intercept water spray generated by high-pressure supply. The walls block the harmful water spray while permitting steam to reach the outlet, thus preserving the energy efficiency of the steam generator.
3Ease of operation
If water is supplied through the inlet without proper separation, then the ease of operation is improved, but low temperature water is discharged through the outlet instead of high temperature steam
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into distinct chambers with partition walls that automatically separate water and steam flow paths. This structural segmentation ensures reliable steam supply without requiring complex control mechanisms, maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls act as passive intermediary structures that automatically prevent water from reaching the outlet. This mechanical separation ensures steam supply reliability without adding operational complexity or control systems.
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
Prevents water from being supplied to the drum, enhancing steam supply efficiency and preventing fabric damage by ensuring only steam is delivered, even under high water pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heater 2 is provided within the case 1 to heat the water drawn into the case and to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
a water-inlet-proof-partition-wall for preventing the water drawn through the inlet from being discharged through the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A steam generator and a laundry machine equipped with the same are disclosed, the steam generator according to the present invention includes a case (100) for storing water for generating steam therein; an inlet (111) provided within the case (100) for drawing water there trough; an outlet (112) provided within the case (100) for discharging steam there trough; and a water-inlet-proof-partition-wall (800) for preventing the water drawn through the inlet (111) from being discharged through the outlet (112). An object of the present invention devised to solve the problem is to provide a steam generator which can prevent water from being discharged through an outlet (112) and supplied into a drum.