Washing machine appliance and steam-generating features for the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine appliances face challenges with steam generation systems that require extensive additional parts, increasing cost and reducing reliability, and may wet clothes prior to steam generation, thereby reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine appliance design incorporating a passive buffer compartment and an electric heating element within the tub to generate steam without additional actively controlled components, bypassing the additive dispenser to prevent wetting clothes, and using a passive buffer compartment to control steam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an existing steam generator is used, then steam generation capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to extensive additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steam generation function from a complex external steam generator and implements it using simple existing components within the washing machine appliance. The heating element, already present for water heating, is utilized to generate steam directly in the wash chamber, eliminating the need for separate steam generation equipment and extensive piping.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it heats water for washing and generates steam for the wash chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated steam generation components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining steam generation capability.
2Quantity of substance
If water is directed to the tub before steam generation, then wash fluid is available, but clothes may be wetted prior to steam generation reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water to generate steam before the wash cycle begins. By pre-heating the water and generating steam in advance, the system ensures that steam is ready for immediate use without wetting the clothes during the process, thereby maintaining steam generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer compartment as an intermediary between the water supply and the wash chamber. This buffer allows water to be heated and steam to be generated without directly contacting the clothes, preventing premature wetting while ensuring wash fluid availability when needed.
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
Enables efficient steam generation without additional parts, maintaining appliance reliability, and prevents clothes from getting wet during the process, enhancing the steam's efficacy and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating element disposed at a bottom end of the tub
Implementation Method 2
The buffer outlet may be smaller than the buffer inlet to define a sump flowrate less than a buffer flowrate of the buffer inlet
Implementation Method 3
a buffer outlet upstream from the tub in fluid parallel to the dispenser outlet to bypass the additive dispenser
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a wash basket, an additive dispensing assembly, and a passive buffer compartment. The additive dispensing assembly may be positioned within the cabinet. The additive dispensing assembly may include a water supply valve, a water supply conduit, and an additive dispenser. The water supply conduit may extend between the water supply valve and the tub. The additive dispenser may be in selective fluid communication with the water supply conduit upstream of the tub. The passive buffer compartment may be disposed in fluid communication between the water supply valve and the additive dispenser. The passive buffer compartment may define an internal volume, a buffer inlet upstream from the internal volume, a dispenser outlet upstream from the additive dispenser, and a buffer outlet upstream from the tub in fluid parallel to the dispenser outlet to bypass the additive dispenser.