Steam Generator Self-Cleaning Control in Laundry Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry machines with integrated steam generators face difficulties in cleaning the inside of the steam generator, leading to contamination and reduced efficiency, particularly due to calcareous deposits from hard water, which impairs the heater's performance.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine design that includes a detergent liquid flow passage and a water flow passage connected to the steam generator, with a control unit to manage the washing process, allowing for the supply and discharge of detergent liquid and water to clean the steam generator, and a method to determine the need for washing based on temperature and heat generation rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steam generator is provided in a laundry machine to generate steam for washing, then washing effectiveness is improved, but the inside of the steam generator becomes contaminated with calcareous deposits, reducing its efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful calcareous deposits into a beneficial cleaning process by detecting their presence through temperature rise rate monitoring and heat generation rate calculations, then automatically initiating a cleaning cycle that uses detergent solution to remove the deposits, transforming the harmful contamination into a trigger for self-cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the temperature rise rate and heat generation rate of the steam generator, compares these values against predetermined thresholds, and automatically controls the cleaning process based on the detected contamination level, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal performance
2Productivity
If the steam generator operates continuously to provide steam, then washing productivity is improved, but contaminants accumulate on the heater surface, impairing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the heat generation rate and temperature rise rate continuously during operation, comparing these parameters against predetermined thresholds to detect when calcareous deposits have accumulated to a level that would cause energy loss, and automatically initiates cleaning when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator system performs self-diagnosis through temperature and heat rate monitoring, and self-cleaning through automatic detergent solution circulation, eliminating the need for manual intervention or external maintenance services
3Device complexity
If no cleaning mechanism is provided for the steam generator, then device complexity is reduced, but washing quality deteriorates due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steam generator system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary steam generation function and a secondary self-cleaning function using the same basic components (water tank, pump, heater, temperature sensors), eliminating the need for separate dedicated cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by circulating detergent solution through the steam generator's water supply passages and heater components to physically remove calcareous deposits, leveraging fluid dynamics to clean internal surfaces without mechanical disassembly
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
Effectively removes contaminants like calcareous deposits from the steam generator, maintaining its efficiency and preventing energy waste by scheduling washes based on operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The steam generator 200 has a heater provided therein for heating the water to generate the steam
Implementation Method 2
a pump mounted to the detergent liquid flow passage or the water flow passage for running in a regular or reverse direction, selectively
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a method for controlling the same, wherein the laundry machine includes a steam generator (300) for generating and supplying steam to a drum (130) and a detergent liquid flow passage (340) for providing a passage to supply detergent liquid to an inside of the steam generator (300), thereby permitting easy washing of the steam generator (300) in the laundry machine.