Vertical-Axis Washer Steam Generation With Sump Backflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical axis washing machines face challenges in generating steam within the wash chamber due to fluid backflow into the sump, which affects the composition and amount of fluid available for steam generation, leading to inefficiencies in cleaning and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A vertical axis washing machine design that includes a sump with a heater for temperature adjustment and a pump for fluid drainage, allowing for the selective addition and drainage of fluid to generate steam within the wash chamber, ensuring a controlled steam generation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a pump is used to drain fluid from the sump at the end of a cycle, then fluid can be removed from the sump, but wash fluid can backflow into the sump due to gravity when the pump shuts off, affecting fluid composition and amount
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is installed in the drain pipe to prevent backflow of wash fluid into the sump. This preliminary protective measure counteracts the gravitational backflow that occurs when the pump shuts off, ensuring that the fluid composition in the sump remains stable and known for subsequent steam generation cycles.
2Productivity
If steam is generated in a vertical axis washing machine using existing sump fluid, then steam can be produced for cleaning, but the unknown composition and variable amount of backflowed fluid affects steam generation efficiency and cleanliness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by draining the sump of unknown composition fluid before steam generation, then adding a known amount of clean water to the sump. This preparation ensures that when steam is generated, the fluid composition is known and controlled, improving both the reliability and efficiency of the steam generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the sump fluid by controlling the amount of water added to the sump before steam generation. By adjusting the fluid volume and composition parameters, the system ensures optimal conditions for reliable and efficient steam generation in vertical axis washing machines.
3Device complexity
If the drain pipe height and orientation are not controlled, then the appliance structure remains simple, but the amount of wash fluid backflowing into the sump becomes unpredictable, affecting subsequent cycle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve acts as an intermediary device in the drain pipe that controls fluid flow direction. Rather than complicating the overall drain pipe structure, this simple intermediary component effectively prevents backflow, ensuring predictable fluid amounts in the sump without requiring complex pipe geometry or orientation controls.
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 enables efficient steam generation with a controlled fluid composition, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing the risk of contamination, thereby enhancing the washing process by providing cleaner steam for article cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
A heater is positioned adjacent or within the sump and is configured for selectively adjusting a temperature of fluid in the sump
Implementation Method 2
A pump is in fluid communication with the sump. The pump is configured for selective draining of fluid from the sump
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter provides a vertical axis washing machine appliance with features for applying steam to articles disposed therein. The washing machine appliance can be configured for filling a sump of the appliance with fluid and activating a pump in order to drain the sump of fluid. After the pump is activated, the washing machine appliance can be configured for submerging a heater in the appliance's sump with fluid and also starting the heater in order to heat the fluid in the sump and generate steam. Related methods are also provided.