Steam Generator Water Level Sensor Shielding Against Bubbles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washers using steam generators often experience malfunction of the water level sensor due to bubble formation and vibration, which affects the accurate measurement of water levels.
Innovation Solution
The steam generator incorporates a water level sensor with a common electrode part, a low water-level electrode part, and a high water-level electrode part, spaced apart and surrounded by an accommodating part to prevent malfunctions caused by bubbles and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a water level sensor with electrode parts is mounted in the steam generator, then the water level can be measured, but the sensor malfunctions due to bubble formation and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
An accommodating part is introduced as an intermediary structure between the electrode parts and the water/bubbles environment. This accommodating part with its opening facing downward shields the electrode parts from direct contact with bubbles and water splashes, while still allowing the sensor to function. The opening configuration acts as a selective mediator that permits necessary water level detection while blocking harmful bubble interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodating part functions as a protective shell structure that encloses the electrode parts. This shell-like structure with its specific opening configuration provides physical protection against bubbles and vibrations while maintaining the sensor's operational capability. The shell design allows the sensor to operate reliably in the harsh steam generator environment.
2Measurement precision
If the electrode parts are positioned close to the water surface for accurate measurement, then the measurement precision improves, but the sensor is more susceptible to bubble interference and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodating part serves as a mediator that allows the electrode parts to maintain their optimal position for measurement while shielding them from harmful factors. The opening configuration of the accommodating part selectively permits water contact for accurate sensing while blocking bubble interference, thus mediating between measurement needs and protection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodating part provides localized protection specifically to the electrode parts without affecting the overall water level sensing function. The opening is positioned and sized to provide just enough protection against bubbles while maintaining the electrode parts' exposure to water for accurate measurement, embodying the local quality principle.
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 effectively prevents malfunctions of the water level sensor by reducing the impact of bubbles and vibrations, ensuring accurate water level measurement and stable operation of the steam generator.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (55) which heats the water stored in the housing (80)
Implementation Method 2
The water level sensor 60 measures the water level in the housing 80
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor 57 mounted to the upper housing 82 of the steam generator 50 to measure temperature of the water heated by the heater 55 and the steam
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a steam generator and a laundry machine having the same which can prevent malfunction of a water level sensor. The steam generator includes a common electrode part, a low water-level electrode part which senses a low water level, and a high water-level electrode part which senses a high water level, the high water-level electrode part having a lower end which is positioned above a lower end of the low water-level electrode part and an upper end which is positioned above the low water-level electrode part.