Steam Generator Self-Cleaning Flow Passage for Laundry Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inside of steam generators in laundry machines tends to contaminate over time, leading to inefficient steam supply due to calcareous deposits on the heater, particularly in areas with poor water quality, which impairs the heater's efficiency.
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 determine when to wash the steam generator by supplying detergent liquid or water, and a pump to selectively communicate between the steam generator, detergent liquid container, and water container, ensuring efficient cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the steam generator operates continuously without washing, then productivity is improved, but the heater efficiency deteriorates due to calcareous deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs washing of the steam generator in advance before severe contamination occurs, using a control unit that monitors operational time and automatically initiates washing cycles. This preliminary maintenance action prevents efficiency degradation while maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator is washed periodically at predetermined intervals based on operational time or detected efficiency degradation. The control unit schedules washing cycles automatically, alternating between operation and maintenance phases to ensure long-term reliability without sacrificing overall productivity.
2Reliability
If the steam generator is washed frequently, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to washing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors operational time and heater efficiency, initiating washing cycles only when predetermined thresholds are reached. This feedback-based approach optimizes washing frequency to maintain reliability while minimizing time loss by avoiding unnecessary washing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator performs self-washing through circulation of washing liquid pumped through its internal passages. The system uses its own pump and flow passages to clean itself, eliminating the need for external disassembly or manual cleaning, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If a washing system is added to the steam generator, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and flow passages are designed to serve multiple functions: water supply during normal operation, washing liquid circulation during cleaning, and drainage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing system components (pump, flow passages, valves) are integrated into the existing steam generator structure rather than being added as separate external systems. The flow passages serve both steam generation and washing functions, merging structures to minimize overall complexity while achieving reliable cleaning.
4Reliability
If detergent liquid is used for washing, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to detergent consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The washing liquid is circulated continuously through the steam generator multiple times using the pump, maximizing the utilization of each unit of detergent liquid. This continuous circulation ensures thorough cleaning while minimizing detergent consumption by reusing the same liquid throughout the washing cycle.
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 solution effectively removes contaminants like calcareous deposits from the steam generator, maintaining its efficiency and preventing energy waste by determining the optimal washing time based on operational efficiency, ensuring continuous high performance and cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (320) mounted to the common flow passage (330) or the exclusive detergent flow passage (340)
Implementation Method 2
The steam generator 200 has a heater provided therein for heating the water to generate the steam
Implementation Method 3
The steam generator 200 turns water into steam and provides the steam to an inside of the drum 130
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.