Steam Laundry Tank Level Sensing for Overflow-Free Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes treatment apparatuses lack a reliable method to directly sense the water level in tanks, leading to potential water deficiency or overflow issues during operation, which can disrupt steam generation and condensate management.
Innovation Solution
The clothes treatment apparatus incorporates water supply and drainage tanks with level sensors that use floats and magnetic sensors to accurately monitor water levels, preventing water deficiency during steam cycles and overflow in the drainage tank, ensuring continuous operation and efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water level sensing is not implemented, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but water deficiency or overflow issues occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic water level sensing systems with a simple magnetic float sensor system. The float contains a magnet that interacts with a reed switch or Hall sensor, providing reliable water level detection through magnetic field interaction rather than complex electrical circuits. This mechanical-magnetic approach maintains reliability while minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The water level sensing system is designed to be self-regulating through the float mechanism. When water reaches a certain level, the float automatically rises and triggers the sensor, which then controls water supply or drainage without requiring external monitoring or intervention. The system serves itself by using the water's own buoyancy force to activate the control mechanism
2Productivity
If separate water supply and drainage tanks are used, then water management efficiency is improved, but the tank installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested tank configuration where the drainage tank is positioned to contain or surround portions of the water supply tank, or the tanks are vertically stacked within the same horizontal footprint. This nesting arrangement allows separate water supply and drainage management while utilizing the same installation space efficiently, reducing the overall volume occupied by the tank system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal tank arrangement to vertical stacking, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate both water supply and drainage tanks. By arranging tanks in the vertical direction rather than side-by-side horizontally, the system maintains separate water management functionality while minimizing the horizontal installation footprint
3Ease of operation
If tanks are made removable for user access, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity and potential leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tank system into separable modules with standardized connection interfaces. Each tank can be independently removed and reinstalled, providing ease of operation for user access. The segmentation is achieved through quick-connect couplings that maintain reliable sealing through precision-machined mating surfaces and elastomeric seals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces self-sealing valve mechanisms as intermediaries at the connection points between tanks and the main system. These valves automatically close when a tank is disconnected, preventing water leakage, and automatically open when the tank is reconnected. This intermediary component enables easy tank removal while maintaining system reliability and preventing leaks during operation
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 solution allows for immediate detection of water deficiencies and condensate overflow prevention, ensuring uninterrupted steam generation and efficient water usage, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the clothes treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
a water supply level sensor that is located in the water supply tank and that is configured to sense a water level of the water supply tank
Implementation Method 2
a water supply level sensor that is located in the water supply tank and that is configured to sense a water level of the water supply tank
Implementation Method 3
a drainage level sensor that is located in the drainage tank and that is configured to sense a water level of the drainage tank
Implementation Method 4
a drainage level sensor that is located in the drainage tank and that is configured to sense a water level of the drainage tank
Implementation Method 5
condensed water generated in at least one of the treatment chamber or the heat pump unit
Implementation Method 6
a steam unit that is located in the cycle chamber and that is configured to supply steam to the treatment chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet, a door, and a steam unit. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a heat pump unit that is located in the cycle chamber and that is configured to circulate and condition air in the treatment chamber. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a water supply tank that is installed in the tank installation space, that is connected to the steam unit, and that is configured to supply water to the steam unit. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a drainage tank that is separably installed in the tank installation space, that is configured to store condensed water generated in at least one of the treatment chamber or the heat pump unit. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a water supply level sensor. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a drainage level sensor.