Water-bearing household appliance with an atomisation device and method for operation thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-bearing household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, face challenges in efficiently controlling cleaning properties and reducing water consumption while avoiding high steam temperatures that can impair cleaning effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A water-bearing household appliance equipped with a nebulizing device that uses an ultrasonic nebulizer to generate a mist from water, which can be heated to a desired temperature, allowing for precise control over the cleaning process and reduced water usage, with a control device managing the nebulization and heating to optimize mist droplet size, quantity, and temperature based on the type and soiling of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If steam is generated by heating water to high temperatures for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the temperature becomes too high and cannot be regulated, causing damage to objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from high-temperature steam to controlled-temperature mist. The heating device heats water to a temperature below boiling point (e.g., 60-80°C), and the atomizing device converts this heated water into fine mist droplets. This changes the physical state parameter from steam to mist, enabling temperature regulation within a safe range (e.g., 40-70°C) that effectively cleans objects without causing thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by employing an ultrasonic atomizing device that converts liquid water into fine aerosol mist through ultrasonic vibration. This phase transition from liquid to aerosol form allows the water to be distributed as extremely fine droplets (1-10 μm) that can effectively clean surfaces while maintaining controllable temperature, avoiding the high-temperature damage associated with steam.
2Reliability
If conventional heating methods are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical heating and water delivery systems with an ultrasonic atomizing system. Instead of using large amounts of water delivered through mechanical pumps and nozzles, the ultrasonic atomizer generates fine mist droplets through high-frequency vibration (20-100 kHz). This substitution reduces water consumption by delivering cleaning agents in an aerosol form that spreads efficiently and evaporates quickly, while maintaining or improving cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic atomizing device operates through periodic high-frequency vibrations (20-100 kHz) that continuously generate fine mist droplets. This periodic action creates a steady stream of aerosol particles that can be precisely controlled in terms of quantity and distribution, enabling efficient water usage while maintaining consistent cleaning performance throughout the treatment cycle.
3Reliability
If steam is used for cleaning, then hygiene improvement is achieved, but the temperature cannot be regulated, limiting adaptability to different cleaning needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the temperature and mist generation parameters adjustable and controllable. The heating device can heat water to different temperatures below boiling point, and the ultrasonic atomizer can be operated at various power levels (20-100 kHz frequency range) to produce different mist densities and droplet sizes. This dynamic control enables adaptation to different cleaning requirements, from gentle freshening to intensive hygienic treatment, unlike fixed-temperature steam 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 solution enables efficient and controlled cleaning processes, reducing energy consumption and preventing damage from high temperatures, allowing for effective treatment of laundry and crockery with adjustable mist properties tailored to specific needs, enhancing hygiene and reducing creases without impairing cleaning efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (22), which is arranged in the water tank (29)
Implementation Method 2
a nebulizer (18) for nebulizing water in the water container (29)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a water-bearing household appliance 1, comprising a water infeed system 8, 9, a treatment space 2 for receiving objects 7 to be treated, a control device 12 and an atomisation device 19 that can be controlled by the control device 12, wherein the atomisation device 19 comprises a water container 29 for receiving water, an atomiser 18 for atomising water present in the water container 29, and a heating device 22 arranged in the water container 29, said household appliance 1 being a household appliance for cleaning objects 7, more particularly a washing machine, a combined washer/dryer or a dishwasher.