Vertical Steam Generator Layout for Compact Washing Machine Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steam generators for washing machines are difficult to mount and prone to damage due to their rectangular shape and limited space, leading to interference and vibration issues, and they suffer from inefficiencies in water consumption, energy usage, and steam generation time, along with malfunctions in water level sensors.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator with a water chamber arranged beneath a steam chamber, where the vertical length is greater than the horizontal length, facilitating easier mounting and improving performance by reducing water consumption, steam generation time, and preventing reverse flow and sensor malfunctions, while enhancing safety and preventing splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular steam generator is used, then it can be manufactured with simple structure, but it is difficult to mount and prone to damage due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is transformed from a rectangular shape to a cylindrical shape, changing the geometric dimensionality. This cylindrical configuration allows the steam generator to be mounted in limited spaces within the washing machine, avoiding interference with other components while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard cylindrical forming processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular steam generator is used, then it can be manufactured with simple structure, but it is prone to damage due to vibration and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical shape provides better structural integrity and vibration resistance compared to rectangular geometry. The curved surface distributes stress more evenly and reduces sharp corners that are prone to damage, while the rounded form factor minimizes interference with surrounding components during washing machine operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional water chamber configuration is used, then it can be manufactured simply, but it results in high water consumption and long steam generation time
Solution Approach 1:
The water chamber is designed with a smaller volume and optimized geometry, changing the physical parameters of water storage. This reduction in water chamber size directly decreases water consumption while the cylindrical shape improves heat transfer efficiency, enabling faster steam generation without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional water chamber configuration is used, then it can be manufactured simply, but it results in high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The optimized water chamber configuration with reduced volume and improved geometry changes the thermal parameters of the system. Less water requires less energy to heat, and the cylindrical shape enhances heat distribution efficiency, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard forming processes.
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 configuration allows for easier installation, reduced size, improved performance, enhanced safety, and prevention of water splashing, resulting in efficient steam generation and reduced water consumption, while ensuring the steam generator operates safely and effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (200) mounted in the water chamber (W) for heating the water
Implementation Method 2
heating the water... for generating steam
Implementation Method 3
electrodes (62, 63, and 64) under the receptacle housing (61) for sensing water levels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steam generator (100) and a washing machine therewith. The present invention provides a steam generator (100) including a water chamber (W) for holding water, the water chamber (W) having a heater (200) mounted thereto for heating the water, a steam chamber (S) for holding steam generated as the water is heated, a water supply line (122) for supplying the water to the water chamber (W), and a steam discharge line (124,53) for discharging steam from the steam chamber (S), wherein the water chamber (W) has a vertical length relatively greater than a horizontal length; and a washing machine therewith.