Steam Laundry Drum Layout for Low-Water Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines require excessive water for washing, leading to high power consumption and complex structures, with steam supply units that are inefficient and pose safety risks due to lack of water level recognition and uneven steam distribution.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine design that allows direct user water supply to the steam supply unit, with a primary steam supply pipe communicating through the tub's lower circumference to ensure steam reaches the drum bottom, and an auxiliary steam supply for uniform distribution, along with a water level detection and display system to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional steam supply unit is used with automatic water supply, then steam generation is automated, but additional water supply valves and channels are needed, increasing manufacturing costs and structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water supply function into the existing water tank structure by making the steam supply unit's water inlet communicate with the water tank's water outlet. This eliminates the need for separate water supply valves and channels, reducing structural complexity while maintaining automated water supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tank serves multiple functions: it stores water for washing and simultaneously provides water for steam generation. The water outlet of the tank is connected to the steam supply unit's water inlet, allowing the same water supply system to serve both washing and sterilization purposes.
2Device complexity
If steam is injected from the top part of the drum, then the steam supply structure is simple, but steam cannot reach laundry at the bottom effectively, lowering washing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of injecting steam from the top of the drum, the patent inverts the approach by having the steam supply unit located at the bottom of the drum. The steam inlet is positioned at the lower circumferential part, allowing steam to rise naturally and contact laundry throughout the drum, improving washing efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Extent of automation
If a water supply valve is installed for the steam supply unit, then water supply is automated, but the valve may malfunction or sensors may fail, creating fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing water tank's water level control mechanism to automatically manage water supply to the steam supply unit. When the water tank level is sufficient, water flows automatically to the steam unit without requiring separate valves or sensors, eliminating failure points while maintaining automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures that the water tank maintains a sufficient water level before steam generation occurs. The water outlet connection is designed to only supply water when the tank has adequate reserves, preventing the steam supply unit from operating without sufficient water and eliminating fire hazards before they can occur.
4Productivity
If excessive washing water is used to submerge laundry for contaminant separation, then washing effectiveness is improved, but water consumption and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to steam for the sterilization and contaminant removal process. By generating steam from the water tank and injecting it into the drum, the system achieves effective contaminant separation and sterilization without requiring large amounts of liquid water to submerge the laundry, significantly reducing water consumption.
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
Reduces manufacturing costs and complexity, allows installation without external water facilities, ensures efficient steam distribution to the laundry, and prevents overheating risks by enabling user recognition of water levels and automatic control.
Implementation Method 1
a steam supply unit mounted in the machine body for generating steam
Implementation Method 2
a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam supply unit into the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam supply unit mounted in the machine body for generating steam, the steam supply unit being constructed to receive water for steam generation through the water inlet port exposed to the outside while the water inlet port communicates with one side of the machine body, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam supply unit into the drum.