Steam Generator Water Level Control Using Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric treatment appliances, such as washing machines, rely on pressure and electrical conduction sensors to control steam generator water levels, which may not be economical, reliable, or elegant for efficient steam generation.
Innovation Solution
A fabric treatment appliance with a temperature sensor to control water supply to the steam generator based on sensed temperature, ensuring a predetermined water level is maintained, using a controller and valve system to regulate water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors and electrical conduction sensors are used to control water level in steam generator, then water level control is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors and electrical conduction sensors with a temperature-based control system. The temperature sensor detects water level indirectly by measuring temperature changes in the steam generator chamber, eliminating the need for complex mechanical and electrical sensing mechanisms while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure water level. Instead of directly sensing water level with complex sensors, the system uses temperature changes in the chamber as a mediator to infer water level conditions, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional sensor systems are used for water level detection, then water level information is obtained, but the system is less economical and less elegant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct physical water level measurement (using pressure or electrical sensors) to temperature measurement. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, more economical temperature sensors while maintaining adequate water level detection capability through thermal field analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a thermal field copy or representation of the water level condition. By measuring temperature distribution in the chamber, the system obtains an indirect but sufficient representation of water level status, eliminating the need for expensive direct sensing hardware.
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 method provides a more reliable and efficient control of steam generator water levels, enhancing steam generation and preventing damage by maintaining a consistent water supply.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber
Implementation Method 2
a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber
Implementation Method 3
a steam generator configured to supply steam to the fabric treatment chamber and comprising a chamber configured to hold water
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water; a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the temperature sensor.