Steam Generator Water Recirculation for Low-Water Washer Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines consume a large quantity of network water to clean the steam generator, leading to increased costs and inefficiency due to the need for a limestone removal device and water circulation from an external network.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic water circulation circuit that uses a water circulation pump to loop water between the washing tank and the steam generator for cleaning, eliminating the need for an external water supply and limestone removal device, thereby minimizing network water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water from the network is supplied to the steam generator through a second valve for cleaning, then the steam generator can be cleaned by circulating water, but the water consumption from the network increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the washing machine's own water tank to supply water for steam generator cleaning instead of using external network water. The water circulation pump recirculates water from the tank through the steam generator, allowing the system to clean itself using its own resources, thereby eliminating additional network water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses water from the washing tank for the purpose of cleaning the steam generator. Instead of discarding the water in the tank or using fresh network water, the circulation pump redirects the existing water to clean the steam generator, thus recovering its utility and reducing overall water consumption from the network.
2Reliability
If a limestone removal device is arranged in the second pipe to clean the steam generator, then the steam generator can be cleaned, but the device complexity and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water circulation pump serves multiple functions: it circulates water during normal washing operations and also supplies water for cleaning the steam generator. By making the pump multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for a separate limestone removal device, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function for the steam generator is merged with the existing water circulation system. The second water supply valve and circulation pump that already exist in the system are utilized for dual purposes: normal water circulation and steam generator cleaning, thereby combining multiple functions into existing components and avoiding additional complexity.
3Reliability
If a second water supply valve connected to the external water network is used for steam generator cleaning, then the steam generator can be cleaned, but the operational cost increases due to high water consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine performs self-maintenance by using its own water tank to clean the steam generator rather than relying on external network water. This self-service approach eliminates the need to pay for additional network water during cleaning operations, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable steam generator maintenance.
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 reduces water consumption from the network during steam generator cleaning, allowing for efficient steam production and diffusion while eliminating the need for specific descaling devices, thus lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first pipe supplying water to said steam generator so as to produce steam by means of said steam generator from mains water
Implementation Method 2
the second pipe is fluidically connected to a water circulation pump, said water circulation pump being fluidically connected to said washing tank so as to circulate water from said washing tank to said steam generator, then from said steam generator to said washing tank
Implementation Method 3
The steam generator supplies steam to the rotating drum by diffusing the steam into a drying air circuit fluidly connected to the rotating drum
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A laundry washing machine (1) comprises a steam generator (6) supplying steam to at least one of a washing tub (3) and a rotating drum, a hydraulic circuit comprising at least: a first pipe (8) fluidically connected to a first valve (10), and supplying water to said generator (6) so as to produce steam by means of said generator (6) from mains water; a second pipe (9) supplying water to said generator (6) so as to clean said generator (6) by water circulation. The second conduit (9) is fluidically connected to a pump (11), said pump (11) being fluidically connected to said tank (3) so as to circulate water from said tank (3) to said steam generator (6), then from said steam generator (6) to said tank (3). Use in particular in a domestic washing machine or a domestic washer-dryer.