Vertical Steam Generator Structure to Prevent Washer Splashback
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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 of water level sensors, and inefficient steam generation.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator design with a water chamber having a vertical length greater than its horizontal length, featuring a steam chamber with a separator to prevent reverse flow and a safety valve for over-pressurization, and a water level sensor housing to prevent malfunctions, allowing for easier mounting and improved performance with reduced water consumption and faster steam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steam generator is designed with a rectangular shape having a low height and large width, then the water chamber can hold sufficient water volume, but the steam generator becomes difficult to mount and is prone to 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 water chamber to maintain sufficient volume while reducing the horizontal footprint, enabling easy mounting in the limited space between the cabinet and tub without interference from other components.
2Device complexity
If the steam generator operates without a separator in the steam discharge opening, then the structure is simpler, but water splashes occur and the water level sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
A separator is introduced as an intermediary component in the steam discharge opening. This separator acts as a barrier that prevents water from splashing into the steam discharge path and reaching the water level sensor, thereby protecting the sensor from malfunction while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
3Device complexity
If the steam generator operates without a safety valve, then the device is simpler, but the system is vulnerable to over-pressurization damage
Solution Approach 1:
A safety valve is installed in advance as a protective measure against over-pressurization. The safety valve remains dormant during normal operation but automatically activates when steam pressure exceeds safe limits, releasing excess pressure and preventing damage to the steam generator and surrounding components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the steam generator uses a conventional design without optimized chamber dimensions, then manufacturing is easier, but steam generation time is longer and water consumption is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator optimizes the dimensional parameters of the water chamber and steam chamber, specifically creating a tall, narrow cylindrical configuration with a water chamber vertical length greater than horizontal length. This parameter optimization improves heat transfer efficiency and steam generation speed while reducing water consumption, balancing manufacturing feasibility with enhanced productivity.
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 and steam generation time, prevents reverse flow and sensor malfunctions, and enhances safety by automatically opening a safety valve in case of over-pressurization, while preventing water splashing and stains on laundry.
Implementation Method 1
a water chamber for holding water, the water chamber having a heater mounted thereto for heating the water
Implementation Method 2
a steam chamber for holding steam generated as the water is heated
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer or a washing machine includes a cabinet which forms an exterior of the dryer or the washing machine. A drum is rotatably mounted in the cabinet and a steam generator is provided outside the drum to supply steam to the drum, where the steam generator includes a water chamber to hold water, the water chamber having a heater mounted thereto for heating the water. The steam chamber is provided above the water chamber to hold steam generated as the water is heated, where the steam chamber has a steam discharge opening for discharging the steam, where the steam discharge opening is provided with a separator for isolating a steam discharge area from other areas and where the water chamber has a vertical direction length relatively greater than a horizontal direction length.