Steam Generator Nozzle Layout for Uniform Front-Load Laundry Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front-loading laundry appliances with steam generators have complex arrangements that impair access to the interior due to separate nozzles for water and steam, leading to non-uniform wetting of laundry during steam treatment.
Innovation Solution
A front-loading laundry appliance with a steam generator featuring a pump that delivers water to a common inlet opening, allowing for precise control of steam and water injection through a nozzle in the container opening, enabling uniform steam distribution and independent water pressure control, along with a sloping steam generator design to prevent deposits and a venting system to manage air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate nozzles for water and steam are provided in the door opening region, then steam generation function is achieved, but access to the interior of the suds container is impaired and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water injection function and steam injection function into a single nozzle located in the edge region of the container opening. This single nozzle receives both water from a water supply line and steam from a steam supply line, eliminating the need for separate nozzles and thereby improving access to the container interior while maintaining both functions
2Reliability
If separate nozzles for water and steam are provided, then steam generation function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple controllable valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single controllable valve that regulates both water and steam supply to the common nozzle. This reduces the number of separate valves needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable steam generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions: injecting water, injecting steam, and controlling the mixture of both. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated nozzles and their associated control valves, reducing device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If a nozzle injects both water and steam into the container, then uniform steam distribution is achieved, but droplet formation may occur affecting wetting uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the parameters of water and steam injection by regulating their respective supply pressures and flow rates through a controllable valve. By optimizing the ratio and pressure of water to steam, the system achieves uniform steam distribution while preventing excessive water that would cause droplet formation and non-uniform wetting
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
The solution allows for precise and uniform steam injection during wash and dry cycles, preventing droplet formation and minimizing deposit formation, while using less electrical power to generate sufficient steam for a normal laundry load.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element heats the liquid until it evaporates
Implementation Method 2
A heating element heats the liquid until it evaporates
Implementation Method 3
A pump is configured to deliver water to the inlet opening of the steam generator
Data Source
AI summary
A front-loading laundry appliance including a housing with a substantially circular housing opening and a door configured to close the housing opening. A substantially cylindrical container is disposed in the housing and is configured to receive laundry for treatment. The substantially cylindrical container has a substantially circular container opening. The laundry appliance also includes a steam generator with a heating element, an inlet opening and a common outlet opening for water and steam. A pump is configured to deliver water to the inlet opening of the steam generator. A nozzle is disposed in an edge region of the container opening and configured to inject water and steam into the interior of the container.