Steam Laundry Deodorization in Washing Machines Without Water Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require a water-based cleaning process to remove odors from laundry, leading to water and energy wastage and a reduced lifespan of clothing.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a steam generating unit to supply steam into the washing machine, combined with a rotating inner tub and an odor removing module with a fan, to remove odors without the need for a water-based cleaning process, thereby extending the life of clothing and reducing fabrication costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-based cleaning process is used to remove odors from laundry, then odor removal effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes steam (gas phase water) instead of liquid water for odor removal. The steam generating unit converts liquid water to steam, which then contacts the laundry to remove odors through condensation and evaporation processes, eliminating the need for large amounts of liquid water while maintaining effective odor removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical water-based washing system with a thermal steam-based system. Instead of using water circulation and mechanical agitation to remove odors, the system uses steam generation and distribution to achieve odor removal with minimal water and energy consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-based cleaning process is used to remove odors from laundry, then odor removal effectiveness is improved, but the lifespan of clothing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By using steam (gas phase) instead of liquid water, the patent avoids the mechanical stress and saturation issues associated with water-based cleaning. The steam condenses on the laundry surface and evaporates, creating a gentle cleaning action that removes odors without degrading fabric fibers, thereby extending clothing lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of mechanical water washing with thermal steam processing eliminates the harsh mechanical action of water saturation and wringing that damages fabrics over time. The steam-based system provides a gentler, more preservative odor removal method.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-based cleaning process is used to remove odors from laundry, then odor removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generating unit efficiently converts water to steam and distributes it throughout the washing chamber. The steam naturally condenses on cooler surfaces including the laundry, releasing latent heat that aids in odor removal. This phase transition process is more energy-efficient than heating large amounts of liquid water for traditional washing.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the energy-intensive water heating and circulation system with a focused steam generation system, the patent reduces overall energy consumption. The steam system delivers concentrated thermal energy directly to the laundry without the need to heat and circulate large volumes of water.
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 effectively removes odors from laundry using steam and air circulation, eliminating the need for water-based cleaning, which conserves resources and extends the lifespan of clothing while minimizing fabrication costs.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generating unit disposed outside the outer tub for generating steam and supplying the steam into the outer tub
Implementation Method 2
an odor removing module disposed at the inlet port, the odor removing module having a fan for supplying external air into the outer tub
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing odor of laundry in a washing machine comprises inputting laundry into an inner tub, supplying steam to the laundry, and rotating the inner tub. Odor of the laundry is rapidly and easily removed without performing a cleaning process using water, and the fabrication cost is reduced.