Steam Generator Rib Filtration to Prevent Scale Port 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 variability in the filter's position and creating gaps that allow scales to pass through.
Innovation Solution
The steam generator incorporates a rib with smaller openings than the water discharge port, integrally formed with the water storage chamber, which blocks scales and prevents clogging without the need for a separate filter, ensuring reliable steam generation over long-term use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate filter is provided above the water discharge port to prevent clogging, then water discharge reliability is improved, but the filter must be fixed to the evaporation tank which creates variability in fixed position and gaps that allow scales to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the filter function with the evaporation tank by forming a filtering portion that is integrally formed with the evaporation tank body. This eliminates the need for a separate filter component and its associated fixation mechanisms, thereby preventing position variability and gaps while maintaining scale blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporation tank is given multiple functions: it serves as both the water storage container and the filter structure. The filtering portion is formed as part of the evaporation tank, allowing the tank to simultaneously perform water storage and scale filtration functions without requiring additional components.
2Ease of repair
If the filter is made as a separate component, then it can be removed for cleaning, but it creates gaps at the fixed position that allow scales to pass through and clog the water discharge port
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is merged into the evaporation tank structure itself, forming an integral filtering portion. This eliminates gaps between separate components while maintaining the ability to block scales effectively, as the filtering portion is formed as a continuous structure with the tank.
3Stability of the object's composition
If welding is used to fix the filter to the evaporation tank, then the filter position is secured, but variability in the fixed position still occurs and gaps may be created
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and evaporation tank are merged into a single integrally formed structure. This eliminates the need for welding or other fixation methods that introduce position variability and gaps, as the filtering portion is formed as one continuous piece with the tank body, ensuring precise and consistent positioning.
4Reliability
If a separate filter is used, then scale blocking function is provided, but the filter itself can become clogged and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering portion is merged with the evaporation tank to form an integral structure. This design allows the entire assembly to be treated as a single unit for maintenance purposes, and the integrated structure eliminates potential failure points at connection interfaces, thereby extending the service life of the scale blocking function.
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
This configuration effectively prevents scale clogging of the water discharge port, maintaining steam generating performance even after long-term use by blocking scales and reducing the risk of water discharge failure.
Implementation Method 1
a heating portion (50, 51) which heats water in the water storage chamber (28) to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
a rib (55) integrally formed with the water storage chamber (28) so as to connect an inner wall surface of the water storage chamber with the fins (36), the rib having a plurality of openings (59) defined therein, wherein the openings are smaller than the water discharge port
Data Source
Figure 1
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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.