Steam Generator Drain Line for Laundry Machine Overflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines face issues with water overflow due to errors in the water supply, particularly when using a faucet and water supply valve, leading to excessive water introduction into the steam generator and drum, especially in dryers lacking a drain line.
Innovation Solution
The laundry machine incorporates a drain line connected to an outside drain pipe or the washing machine's drain line, with a water supply valve controlled by a flowmeter or water level sensor to prevent overflow, and includes a fine water droplet generator for efficient moisture supply, using a pump and optional ultrasonic vibration to create fine droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is supplied into the steam generator through a faucet and water supply valve, then the steam generator can receive sufficient water for operation, but water may continuously flow into the steam generator causing overflow if the water supply valve is out of order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a drain hole at a predetermined height in the steam generator body before water overflow can occur. This drain hole is positioned at the maximum safe water level, allowing excess water to be discharged proactively before it can cause harmful effects such as laundry wetting or system malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary drainage system consisting of the drain hole and connected drain line. This intermediary structure acts as a safety mediator between the water supply system and the steam generator interior, providing a controlled path for excess water to escape without directly entering the drum or causing system damage.
2Quantity of substance
If water is excessively supplied into the steam generator, then the steam generator can maintain water level, but water may overflow through the steam line and get the laundry wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively providing a drain hole positioned at the maximum safe water level. This drain hole creates a counteracting drainage path that prevents water from reaching levels that would cause overflow through the steam line and subsequently wet the laundry. The drain hole acts as a preventive measure against the harmful effect before it can occur.
3Device complexity
If the dryer does not have a drain line, then the dryer structure can be simpler, but the problem of water overflow becomes worse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the steam generator with an integrated drain hole and internal drainage capability. The steam generator is self-sufficient in managing its own water level control through the drain hole, which automatically discharges excess water without requiring external drainage infrastructure. This self-service approach allows the dryer to maintain water safety without adding complex external drain line 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 overflow by discharging excess water outside through a drain hole, ensuring proper water levels and preventing laundry from getting wet, while maintaining effective steam generation for washing and drying operations.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and optional ultrasonic vibration to create fine droplets
Implementation Method 2
using a pump and optional ultrasonic vibration to create fine droplets
Implementation Method 3
a heater (not shown) mounted in the case
Implementation Method 4
steam generator 200...generate steam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A laundry machine is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a drum in which laundry is put, a reservoir to hold water for supplying moisture into the drum, the reservoir having a drain hole at a predetermined level of height, and a drain line connected to the drain hole, thereby preventing water from being excessively supplied to the laundry machine and introduced into the drum.