Washer Steam Generator Layout for Reverse Flow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washers face the issue of reverse flow, where dirty wash water can mix with mains water, violating environmental standards, and previous solutions like unidirectional valves, magnetic valves, and spring mechanisms have limitations in effectively preventing this mixing.
Innovation Solution
A reverse flow preventing apparatus is positioned between the valve and steam generator, featuring an inlet and outlet opening, a discharge conduit, and a curved flow channel that directs water to prevent reverse flow, with the discharge conduit connected to a flushing section and positioned above the tub to prevent siphon effects, ensuring dirty water is not mixed with mains water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unidirectional valve, magnetic valve, or spring mechanism is used to prevent reverse flow, then reverse flow prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is divided into separate compartments: a steam generation chamber and a water storage chamber. The water supply system is segmented with the inlet opening positioned above the outlet opening, creating distinct flow paths that prevent reverse flow without requiring complex valves or mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active components (valves, springs) to prevent reverse flow, the invention inverts the traditional approach by using passive gravitational flow control. The inlet opening is positioned higher than the outlet opening, so water naturally flows downward under gravity, and reverse flow is prevented by the physical configuration rather than active prevention mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the steam generator is positioned at a lower level to facilitate water filling, then ease of operation is improved, but reverse flow risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the level positioning issue by introducing a vertical dimension to the flow path design. The inlet opening is positioned at a higher vertical level than the outlet opening, creating a downward flow path that utilizes gravity. This dimensional arrangement allows the steam generator to be positioned conveniently while maintaining reverse flow prevention through the height difference between inlet and outlet openings.
3Productivity
If wash water is allowed to flow through the steam generator during filling, then productivity is improved, but water contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality control by creating a specific flow path configuration where the inlet opening is positioned above the outlet opening. This local structural arrangement ensures that water flows in a controlled downward direction through the steam generator body, allowing rapid filling while preventing wash water from reversing and contaminating the clean water supply through the detergent dispenser connection.
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
Effectively prevents the mixing of dirty wash water with mains water during reverse flow, maintaining water efficiency and environmental compliance by directing reverse flow water to the discharge conduit and ensuring it does not contaminate the mains water supply.
Implementation Method 1
the reverse flow preventing apparatus comprises a flow channel that is disposed in the body and that extends curvedly along the inlet opening and the outlet opening. By means of the flow channel, the water entering from the inlet opening is directed to leave from the outlet opening.
Implementation Method 2
When there is reverse flow, mixing of the dirty water with the mains water is made difficult by preventing the siphon effect by positioning the reverse flow preventing apparatus above the tub and the steam generator and by means of the discharge conduit opening to the outer environment.
Implementation Method 3
The steam generator produces steam by heating the water stored therein or the water passing therethrough by means of a heater
Implementation Method 4
a valve that supplies mains water to the tub, the detergent dispenser and the steam generator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washer (1) comprising a tub (2) wherein the washing and/or drying processes are performed, a detergent dispenser (3) wherein the cleaning agents are stored, a steam generator (4) that provides delivery of steam to the tub (2) and that has a water inlet (5) and a steam outlet (6), at least one valve (7) that supplies mains water to the tub (2), the detergent dispenser (3) and the steam generator (4), and a reverse flow preventing apparatus (8) that prevents the wash water from mixing with the mains water.