Steam heating apparatus and method for use in steam mop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam generators for steam mops have low heating efficiency, low steam conversion efficiency, and are prone to blockages, with poor steam quality and leakage issues due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A steam heating apparatus with a water inlet and steam outlet directly on the heater, featuring a water intake channel and steam outlet channel integrated within the heater, allowing for efficient steam conversion and heat utilization, and preventing blockages by dispersing water through a nozzle and maintaining high temperatures within the heater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If coils are connected in series for heat exchanging, then the structure is simple, but the temperature difference between front and rear coils is large, resulting in low heating efficiency and low heat utilization rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating system into multiple independent heating tubes arranged in parallel, each receiving water independently. This segmentation allows each tube to operate at optimal temperature conditions, eliminating the temperature gradient problem caused by series connection while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional series connection to a multi-dimensional parallel arrangement of heating tubes. Water is distributed to multiple tubes simultaneously through a water distribution chamber, creating a two-dimensional heating structure that improves heat utilization while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Device complexity
If water inlet and outlet are located outside the heating tube, then the structure is simple, but the steam conversion effect is poor and steam may contain water drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the water inlet and outlet channels inside the heating tube structure. The water inlet channel is positioned within the heating tube, and the steam outlet channel is integrated into the tube wall, creating a nested configuration that improves steam conversion efficiency while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water inlet/outlet channels with the heating tube structure itself, rather than positioning them separately. The heating tube serves dual functions as both the heating element and the fluid transport conduit, improving steam quality through better heat integration while simplifying the overall component count.
3Volume of stationary object
If coils have small volume, then the device is compact, but water mixed with impurities is apt to cause blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the heating system. The heating tubes have smooth internal surfaces with larger diameters specifically in the water flow paths to prevent blockage, while maintaining compact overall volume through optimized tube arrangement and efficient heat transfer surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the water channels, specifically increasing the diameter and smoothing the internal surfaces of the heating tubes. This parameter optimization reduces flow resistance and prevents impurity accumulation, enhancing reliability while maintaining a compact design through efficient space utilization.
4Stability of the object's composition
If boiler-type steam generator heats water continuously, then steam supply is stable, but water in storage container deteriorates and causes leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic water flow through the heating tubes by drawing water from the storage container only when steam is needed. The water is quickly vaporized in the heating tubes and discharged, then the container is sealed. This periodic action maintains steam supply stability while preventing water deterioration through minimal contact time and proper sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water heating function from a continuous storage system to a on-demand vaporization system. Water is taken from the storage container only when needed, vaporized immediately in the heating tubes, and discharged as steam. This extraction approach eliminates the problem of water deterioration in storage while maintaining stable steam supply.
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 design enhances steam conversion efficiency, improves steam quality, and prevents blockages, resulting in a more efficient and effective steam generation process.
Implementation Method 1
A nozzle in communication with the water inlet is arranged at the bottom of the water inlet. Water flows in from the water inlet and is scattered onto a tubular wall of the water intake channel by the nozzle.
Implementation Method 2
The heating body includes a water intake channel, a steam outlet channel and a heating pipe
Implementation Method 3
Water is heated to generate a pressure and a high temperature, and high-temperature and high-pressure steam is used directly for disinfection and sterilization
Implementation Method 4
water stream from the water source is vaporized into steam in the coils after heat is exchanged between a heat exchanger and a heater
Implementation Method 5
heat exchange is carried between coils and an electric heating tube by two layers of steam coils and an electric heating tube sandwiched there between
Implementation Method 6
water stream from the water source is vaporized into steam in the coils after heat is exchanged between a heat exchanger and a heater
Data Source
AI summary
A steam heating apparatus, including a housing, a heater, a water inlet, and a steam outlet. The heater includes a base and a heating body vertically extending down from the base. The heating body includes a water inlet channel, a steam outlet channel, and heating pipes. The water inlet channel and the steam outlet channel are located between a pair of vertical heating pipes among the heating pipes. One end of the water inlet channel is communicated with the water inlet provided at one end of the heater, and the other end of the water inlet channel is opened to allow steam to flow out. The steam heating apparatus can fully utilize the heat of the heater, and the steam conversion efficiency and quality are higher. Meanwhile, the problem of blocking is prevented, and the performance of the heating apparatus is improved.