Steam Generator Control Using Timed Water Supply in Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam generators for washing machines have inefficiencies due to large volume, energy waste, and production cost issues, as well as limitations in steam generation time and reliability, particularly when applied to low-capacity washing machines or dryers.
Innovation Solution
A controlling method for a steam generator that omits the low water level sensing sensor, uses a different initial driving pattern for steam generation based on the selected course, and incorporates a low water pressure compensating algorithm to enhance steam generation efficiency and reduce overall operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional steam generator with low water level sensing sensor is used, then water level can be detected, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the low water level sensing sensor from the steam generator system, extracting only the essential high water level sensing function while eliminating redundant components. This reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining sufficient reliability for steam generation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water supply time duration as a self-indicating parameter to infer water level conditions and adjust heating power accordingly. The controller monitors whether the water supply time exceeds a predetermined threshold, using this information to automatically adjust heating power without requiring additional sensors.
2Reliability
If water supply time is extended to ensure sufficient water for steam generation, then steam generation reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of heating power based on water supply time. When water supply time exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller automatically reduces heating power to prevent energy waste from heating excessive water. This dynamic control optimizes energy consumption while ensuring sufficient water is available for steam generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating power parameter based on the water supply time parameter. By monitoring water supply duration and adjusting heating power accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between ensuring sufficient water for steam generation and minimizing energy consumption from heating.
3Productivity
If heater power is increased to reduce steam generation time, then productivity improves, but risk of high temperature water supply increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating at reduced power during the water supply phase, before full steam generation begins. This pre-heats the water gently without causing excessive temperature rise, then transitions to higher power only after sufficient water has been supplied, preventing high temperature water supply while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or phased heating power adjustment: initial heating at lower power during water supply, then transitioning to higher power for steam generation. This periodic power modulation ensures water reaches appropriate temperature without exceeding safe limits, while still achieving efficient steam production.
4Productivity
If steam generation time is reduced for efficiency, then productivity improves, but measurement precision of water level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water supply time as an intermediary parameter to infer water level conditions indirectly. Rather than relying on precise direct water level measurement, the system uses the duration of water supply as a proxy indicator, which correlates with water level status. This intermediary approach maintains productivity while avoiding the need for high-precision water level sensing.
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 improves steam generation efficiency, reduces the overall operation time, and allows for compact design, preventing high temperature water supply and water level sensor errors, while maintaining stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an upper case 30 coupled to a top of the lower case 28 and a heater 32 configured to heat the water stored in the steam generator 16
Implementation Method 2
The steam generator 16 includes a lower case 28 for defining a predetermined space to store water therein... configured to supply steam to the inside of the drum 14
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Embodiments may relate to a washing apparatus, more specifically, to a washing apparatus having a steam generator and a controlling method of the same and embodiments may relate to a home appliance including a steam generator (100). According to one embodiment of the present invention, a controlling method of a washing machine configured to perform a steam washing course having a steam cycle and a refresh course having a steam cycle, wherein water supply to a steam generator for performing the steam cycle initially and an initial steam generator control pattern for applying the power to a heater of the steam generator are controlled different in the steam washing course and the refresh course.