Vertical Steam Generator Structure for Washer Vibration and Splashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steam generators for washing machines are difficult to mount due to their rectangular shape with a low height and large width, leading to interference and damage during installation and operation, and they suffer from issues like water splashing, malfunction due to vibration, and inefficient steam generation.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator design with a water chamber having a vertical length greater than its horizontal length, incorporating a reverse flow preventive member, safety valve, and a drain portion with an opening/closing member, which allows for easier mounting, reduces water consumption, prevents reverse flow, and enhances safety and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the steam generator is designed with a rectangular shape having low height and large width, then the water chamber can hold sufficient water, but the steam generator becomes difficult to mount and suffers from interference and damage during installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator changes its dimensional configuration from a low-height, large-width rectangular shape to a tall, narrow cylindrical shape. This dimensional transformation allows the device to fit into the limited vertical space between the tub and cabinet while maintaining adequate water capacity through increased height rather than width.
2Volume of moving object
If the steam generator is mounted in the limited space between the tub and cabinet, then the washing machine structure is compact, but the steam generator is liable to collide and suffer damage due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator employs a cylindrical shape with smooth curved surfaces instead of sharp rectangular edges. This flexible-like geometric form is more resistant to vibration-induced stress concentrations and collision damage, while the cylindrical configuration optimizes space utilization in the confined mounting area between the tub and cabinet.
3Productivity
If the heater is operated fully submerged in water, then steam generation efficiency is improved, but water splashing can cause malfunction of the water level sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water level sensor housing as an intermediary protective structure that shields the sensor electrodes from direct exposure to splashing water and steam bubbles. This housing allows the heater to operate fully submerged for efficient steam generation while preventing water-related malfunctions of the water level detection system.
4Measurement precision
If the water level sensor electrodes are exposed to the water chamber, then the sensor can accurately detect water levels, but the electrodes are susceptible to malfunction from water splashing and steam bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor system is segmented into multiple functional components: the detection electrodes remain exposed to the water chamber for accurate water level measurement, while a separate protective housing structure shields these electrodes from harmful exposure to splashing water and steam bubbles. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of detection accuracy and reliability.
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
The new design facilitates easier installation, reduces water consumption, prevents steam generator malfunctions, and improves safety by automatically opening the safety valve in case of overpressure, while also preventing water splashing and enhancing steam generation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a water chamber for holding water, the water chamber having a heater mounted thereto for heating the water
Implementation Method 2
steam generated as the water is heated
Data Source
AI summary
A steam generator includes a water chamber for holding water, the water chamber having a heater mounted thereto for heating the water, a steam chamber for holding steam generated as the water is heated, a water supply line for supplying the water to the water chamber, and a steam discharge line for discharging steam from the steam chamber, wherein the water chamber has a vertical direction length relatively greater than a horizontal direction length and the steam chamber has a horizontal direction length relatively greater than the horizontal length of the water chamber. A dryer or washing machine may include the steam generator described herein.