Steam Generator Integral Rib Filtration to Prevent Scale Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam generators face issues with clogging of the water discharge port due to scales, which can lead to failure in water discharge, especially when the filter is not properly fixed or eroded, causing steam generating performance to degrade over time.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator design featuring a water storage chamber with a rib integrally formed on its inner wall, having openings smaller than the water discharge port, which blocks scales and prevents clogging without the need for a separate filter, ensuring continuous steam generation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate filter is fixed to the evaporation tank, then water discharge port clogging is prevented, but gaps may form between the filter and tank allowing scales to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is integrated into the evaporation tank as an integral component rather than a separate attachable part. The filter and tank form a unified structure where the filter cannot detach or shift position, eliminating gaps that would allow scales to pass through while maintaining effective filtration of the water discharge port.
2Reliability
If a separate filter is used, then scale filtration is achieved, but the filter structure becomes complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The filter structure is merged with the evaporation tank to create a unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate filter assemblies, mounting hardware, and connection mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective scale filtration capability.
3Strength
If welding is used to fix the filter to the evaporation tank, then the filter is securely attached, but variability in fixed position creates gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and evaporation tank are designed as a single integrated component manufactured as one piece. This eliminates the need for welding or other attachment methods that introduce positional variability, ensuring consistent filter positioning and complete gap elimination throughout production.
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 design effectively prevents scale clogging of the water discharge port, maintaining steam generating performance even after long-term use by integrating the rib with the chamber's inner wall, eliminating the need for a separate filter and reducing the risk of scale passage through gaps.
Implementation Method 1
a rib integrally formed with an inner wall surface of the water storage chamber so as to cross an inside of the water storage chamber, the rib having a plurality of openings defined therein, wherein the openings are smaller than the water discharge port
Implementation Method 2
a heating portion which heats water in the water storage chamber to generate steam
Data Source
AI summary
A steam generator includes: a water storage chamber which stores water therein; a heating portion which heats water in the water storage chamber to generate steam; a water supply device which supplies the water storage chamber with water; a water discharge passage which discharges water through a water discharge port defined in the water storage chamber; a steam spout port which spouts the steam generated in the water storage chamber therethrough; and a rib integrally formed with an inner wall surface of the water storage chamber so as to cross an inside of the water storage chamber, the rib having a plurality of openings defined therein, wherein the openings are smaller than the water discharge port.