Drum Washer Steam Generator Bypass for Blockage Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drum type washing machines face issues with high water consumption for soaking, lack of sterilization, and difficulty in removing wrinkles, which lead to increased energy use and manual pressing efforts.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator for drum type washing machines that includes a steam generating portion with a bypass flow line to prevent breakage, allowing for efficient steam generation and distribution, reducing water usage, and providing sterilization and wrinkle removal capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a washing water heater is provided to heat washing water for sterilization, then sterilization effect is improved, but washing water consumption and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase transition of water from liquid to steam to achieve sterilization. The steam generator heats water to generate steam, which is then supplied to the drum to sterilize laundry. This phase transition approach provides effective sterilization while using less water compared to traditional boiling methods, as the steam condenses on the laundry and the condensed water can be collected and reused.
2Productivity
If water is supplied to the steam generating portion at high pressure, then steam generation efficiency is improved, but the risk of breakage increases when outlet is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure relief valve in the water supply line to the steam generating portion. This valve acts as a safety mechanism that releases excess water pressure when the outlet becomes blocked, preventing the steam generating portion from breaking. The pressure relief valve allows the system to operate at high pressure for efficient steam generation while providing beforehand protection against pressure buildup that could cause breakage.
3Productivity
If drum drying is performed on heavily wrinkled laundry, then drying efficiency is improved, but wrinkle removal becomes more difficult requiring manual pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent supplies steam to the drum before and during the drying process to pre-heat and relax the laundry fibers. This preliminary steam treatment softens the fabric and reduces wrinkles before the drum drying action, making the laundry easier to handle and press after drying. The steam penetrates the laundry and relaxes the fiber structure, so that even heavily wrinkled items become more pliable and require less manual pressing.
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 reduces water consumption, enhances washing and drying efficiency, removes wrinkles, and improves user satisfaction by providing a refreshing effect while preventing steam generator breakage due to water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (640) for fast heating of the water introduced to the space (611) in the steam generating portion (610)
Implementation Method 2
at least one steam generator (600) for supplying steam to the drum (400)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to drum type washing machines, and more particularly, to a new type of steam generator for a drum type washing machine, which enables fast and effective washing and drying of laundry, and can provide a refresh effect of removal of wrinkles form, and sterilization of the laundry. For this, a steam generator (600) includes a steam generating portion (610) having a water supply inlet (612) at one side and an outlet (613) at the other side, and a space (611) between the water supply inlet (612) and the outlet (613), a water supply flow line (620) connected to the water supply inlet (612) for guiding the water to the space, a discharge flow line (630) connected to the outlet (613) for guiding a flow of steam generated at the space, a bypass flow line (660) connected to the water supply flow line (620) for discharging the water overflowing from the steam generating portion (610) in a case water is supplied in a state the outlet (613) and/or the discharge flow line (630) are blocked, and a heater (640) for heating the water supplied through the water supply inlet (612) to generate the steam.