Washing Machine Steam Cycle for Low-Water Laundry Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines consume excessive water and energy, especially when washing small loads or lightly soiled laundry, and lack a sterilization process, leading to inefficient washing performance and increased waste.
Innovation Solution
A novel washing method that involves a high-concentration washing process with detergent followed by steam sterilization, where steam is supplied during the washing cycle to reduce water and energy consumption while ensuring effective laundry sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a wetting process is carried out before washing to improve washing performance, then washing performance is increased, but washing water consumption is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a wetting process before the main washing process. The wetting process pre-soaks the laundry with a small amount of water to prepare the fabric for better detergent penetration and washing performance, while the main washing process then uses concentrated detergent solution to achieve effective cleaning without requiring large volumes of water throughout the entire cycle.
2Manufacturing precision
If the washing process is carried out for the same period as normal washing to ensure thorough cleaning, then washing quality is maintained, but power consumption is unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the washing process into multiple distinct phases: an initial wetting process, followed by a main washing process with concentrated detergent, and potentially a sterilization process. Each phase is optimized for its specific function and duration, allowing the overall washing quality to be maintained while reducing total power consumption by avoiding unnecessary extended operation times in any single phase.
3Reliability
If an additional heater is used to boil laundry for sterilization, then laundry sterilization is accomplished, but washing water and power consumption are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by employing steam generation from water heating. The heating element heats water to generate steam, which then penetrates the laundry to achieve sterilization. This phase change from liquid water to steam provides efficient heat transfer and sterilization效果, accomplishing the sterilization function while consuming less energy compared to direct boiling methods.
4Device complexity
If water level detection accuracy is low to simplify the detection system, then system complexity is reduced, but water is unnecessarily supplied again causing water waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control in the water level detection system. The detection device continuously monitors water level and provides feedback signals to the water supply control mechanism. When the water level reaches the predetermined threshold, the feedback signal automatically stops water supply, preventing overfilling and unnecessary water waste. This feedback loop ensures accurate water level management without requiring overly complex detection systems.
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 reduces water and energy consumption while enhancing washing performance through steam sterilization, ensuring efficient laundry cleaning and sterilization with precise water level control.
Implementation Method 1
supplying steam into a drum before or after the high-concentration washing process
Data Source
AI summary
A novel washing method of a washing machine that is capable of performing a washing operation of laundry with reduced washing water consumption and low power consumption and, in addition, sterilizing the laundry is disclosed. The washing method includes supplying washing water containing detergent into a tub to perform a high-concentration washing process, and, before or after the high-concentration washing process, supplying steam into a drum.