Steam Washing Machine Cycle for Sterilizing With Less Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines have poor sterilizing and washing performance due to detergent residue in the heater room, leading to increased water and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method for a washing machine that uses steam generation and circulation to improve washing and sterilizing performance, reducing water and energy consumption by supplying steam during the washing cycle and circulating washing water to ensure uniform detergent distribution and steam contact with laundry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater room is recessed in the bottom of the tub to heat washing water, then washing water can be heated to improve washing performance, but detergent residue accumulates in the heater room causing poor washing and sterilizing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is extracted from the recessed heater room and relocated to the tub bottom surface. This eliminates the accumulation problem in the recessed space while maintaining the heating function. The heater now directly contacts the tub bottom without a recessed chamber, preventing detergent residue buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating function is separated from the tub structure by making the heater a distinct, removable component rather than an integrated recessed feature. This allows the heater to be independently positioned and cleaned, separating the heating function from the potential contamination issue.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a recessed heater room is used to heat washing water, then energy can be concentrated for heating, but water consumption increases due to the volume required to fill the heater room
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is extracted from the water-filled recessed chamber, eliminating the need to fill additional water into the heater room. The heater now sits directly on the tub bottom, heating water only in the necessary washing volume without the extra water requirement of a recessed chamber.
3Reliability
If detergent is supplied to wash laundry, then washing performance is improved, but detergent residue remains in the heater room causing sterilizing performance to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is extracted from the recessed chamber where detergent residue accumulates. By relocating the heater to the tub bottom surface, it is no longer exposed to detergent accumulation in a recessed space, eliminating the source of contamination that compromises sterilizing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tub bottom surface is made uniformly smooth without recessed chambers, creating a homogeneous surface that prevents localized accumulation of detergent residue. This uniform surface allows for complete drainage and prevents pockets where detergent could concentrate and interfere with sterilization.
4Reliability
If the drum is rotated during steam supply, then steam contact with laundry is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum rotation during steam supply is implemented as a periodic or intermittent action rather than continuous high-speed rotation. The drum rotates at lower speeds or for shorter durations during steam treatment, providing sufficient movement for steam penetration while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous vigorous rotation.
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 method enhances washing and sterilizing effectiveness while reducing water and energy usage by utilizing steam for high-temperature cleaning and circulating water to prevent detergent deposition and optimize steam contact with laundry.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator for generating and supplying steam to the tub
Implementation Method 2
supplying the steam to the tub for washing the laundry... The high temperature sterilization by steam enables to wash the laundry clean hygienically
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of a washing machine having a tub (21) for holding washing water, a drum (31) rotatably mounted in the tub (21), and a stem generator (51) for generating and supplying steam to the tub (21), for washing laundry with steam, and a washing machine thereof. The method includes a washing water supply step (S 10) for supplying washing water to the tub (21), a steam supply step (S80) for supplying the steam to the tub (21), and a main washing step (S110) for washing the laundry.