Washing Machine Steam Generation Using In-Tub Heater for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines are inefficient in terms of water and energy usage, lack advanced washing functions, and cannot effectively utilize steam for enhanced washing performance, leading to suboptimal laundry washing and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the controlled supply of steam to the laundry by heating water in the tub, using a circulation pump to maintain high water temperatures, and rotating the drum to ensure even steam distribution, while accurately managing steam and water levels to prevent overheating and energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam is generated by heating water in the tub to enhance washing performance and sterilization, then washing efficiency and sterilization are improved, but energy consumption increases and risk of laundry damage due to overheating arises
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary detection of water level and laundry weight before steam generation. Based on these detections, the controller pre-calculates and controls the steam generation amount, preventing excessive energy consumption and potential laundry damage while ensuring sufficient steam for effective washing and sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring water level, laundry weight, and temperature during steam generation. The controller adjusts steam generation in real-time based on detected parameters, optimizing energy usage and preventing overheating damage to laundry while maintaining effective washing performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If steam is generated using a small amount of water before steam supply to prevent laundry damage, then laundry safety is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects water level and laundry weight before steam generation, then precisely controls the amount of water to be heated for steam generation. This preliminary planning ensures that sufficient water is available for steam generation without excessive water consumption, while also preventing laundry damage from overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts steam generation parameters based on detected water level and laundry weight. By changing operational parameters (steam generation amount, heating power) according to actual conditions, the system optimizes the balance between preventing laundry damage and minimizing water consumption.
3Device complexity
If conventional drum type washing machine operates with simple washing and drying functions, then device complexity is reduced, but washing performance and sterilization capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting water level, detecting laundry weight, controlling steam generation, and regulating heating. By integrating these diverse functions into a single controller, the system achieves enhanced washing performance and sterilization capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic detection and control. The controller automatically detects water level and laundry weight, then autonomously controls steam generation and heating parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual operation mechanisms while providing advanced washing and sterilization functions.
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 method enhances washing efficiency by maintaining high temperatures, sterilizes laundry through steam, reduces energy consumption, and prevents laundry damage, while allowing for precise steam generation based on washing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
supplying steam by heating the water supplied into the tub using a heater installed in the tub to generate the steam
Implementation Method 2
heating the water supplied into the tub using a heater installed in the tub to generate the steam
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine is disclosed. A method for washing laundry with the washing machine enhances washing performance and enables sterilization of the laundry by using steam while preventing damage of cloth due to the steam. The method comprises primarily supplying water into a tub, and supplying steam by heating the water using a heater installed in the tub to generate the steam.