Washing Machine Steam Control for Low-Water Sterilizing Wash Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines are inefficient in terms of water and energy usage, as they require a large amount of water for washing small loads and lack the ability to utilize steam for enhanced washing and sterilization, leading to suboptimal washing performance and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves generating steam using a heater in the tub, circulating water to maintain high temperatures, and controlling steam supply based on laundry conditions to optimize water and energy usage, while preventing damage to laundry through controlled steam exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional drum type washing machine is used to wash small loads, then the washing operation can be performed, but a great amount of water is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of water from liquid to steam, and controls the temperature and amount of steam to optimize washing efficiency while reducing water consumption. By generating steam at controlled temperatures (e.g., 100°C or higher) and controlling the steam generation time, the system achieves effective washing with minimal water usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to steam through heating. The heater generates steam by heating water, and this steam is then used for washing the laundry. This phase transition allows the system to achieve effective washing with a small amount of water, as steam occupies much more volume than liquid water and can evenly distribute heat and moisture throughout the drum.
2Loss of time
If a conventional drum type washing machine is used to wash small loads, then the washing operation can be performed, but substantially the same period of time as that for a general washing operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by generating steam at high temperatures (100°C or higher) and controls the steam generation time to reduce washing time. The steam quickly raises the temperature inside the drum, accelerating the washing process and enabling small loads to be washed much faster than conventional machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic steam generation in cycles. The controller generates steam for specific time intervals (e.g., 5-30 minutes) rather than continuous operation, allowing the laundry to be washed effectively in shorter periods. This periodic action optimizes both time efficiency and energy consumption.
3Productivity
If the temperature of surroundings of the laundry is increased to enhance washing effect, then washing performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water to steam, which occurs at 100°C at standard pressure. By generating steam rather than simply heating air or water, the system achieves high-temperature washing conditions that significantly improve washing performance. The phase transition provides concentrated thermal energy that efficiently heats the laundry and surrounding environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous steam generation and high-temperature conditions throughout the washing cycle. The controller ensures that steam is continuously generated to maintain the high temperature environment needed for effective washing, preventing temperature drops that would reduce washing performance. This continuous action ensures optimal washing performance throughout the entire cycle.
4Productivity
If steam is generated using a heater in the tub, then washing performance is enhanced and sterilization is enabled, but laundry damage may occur due to high temperature steam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control through sensors that detect temperature, humidity, and washing cycle progress. The controller adjusts steam generation based on this feedback to maintain optimal conditions. When the desired temperature and humidity are achieved, the controller reduces or stops steam generation, preventing overheating and potential laundry damage while maintaining effective washing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic steam generation in controlled cycles rather than continuous high-temperature exposure. The controller generates steam for specific time intervals, allowing the laundry to be exposed to high-temperature steam briefly for effective washing and sterilization, then reducing exposure to prevent damage. This periodic action balances washing effectiveness with laundry protection.
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 method enhances washing efficiency by maintaining high temperatures, reduces energy consumption, and effectively sterilizes laundry while minimizing water usage, achieving improved washing performance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
supplying steam by heating the water using a heater (150) installed in the tub (120) to generate the steam
Implementation Method 2
heating the water using a heater (150) installed in the tub (120) to generate the steam
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine is disclosed. A method for washing laundry with the washing machine enhances washing performance and enables sterilization of the laundry by using steam while preventing damage of cloth due to the steam. The method comprises primarily supplying water into a tub, and supplying steam by heating the water using a heater installed in the tub to generate the steam.