Blower-Less Induction Drying for Quiet Washer-Dryer Combos
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laundry treating appliances with drying systems are limited by noise generation and space usage due to the presence of blowers, which also restrict the capacity and form factor of the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A blower-less drying system utilizing induction heating to evaporate water vapor within a laundry treating chamber, where the vapor is condensed using a cooling liquid flow, eliminating the need for a blower and allowing for increased capacity and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a blower is used to move heated process air through the drying system, then the drying function is achieved, but noise generation increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The blower component is completely removed from the drying system. Instead of using mechanical forced convection, the patent employs natural convection currents generated by the induction heater to circulate air through the laundry load, thereby achieving the drying function without the noise-generating blower.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical blower system is replaced with an electromagnetic induction heating system that creates thermal convection currents. The induction heater generates electromagnetic fields that heat the air and laundry directly, creating natural air circulation patterns that eliminate the need for mechanical airflow generation.
2Volume of moving object
If a blower and air conduit system are provided, then heated air can be moved through the treating chamber, but the capacity and form factor of the appliance are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The complex air conduit system including ducts, vents, and airflow channels is completely removed. The patent uses the treating chamber walls and laundry load itself as the airflow path, allowing heated air to naturally circulate through the chamber without requiring dedicated conduit infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The treating chamber serves multiple functions: it contains the laundry load, acts as the heating zone for induction heating, serves as the airflow circulation path through natural convection, and functions as the drying chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate air conduit systems.
3Shape
If traditional heater and blower components are used, then the drying system can operate, but the appliance requires more space and has limited form factor options
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical blower system is replaced with electromagnetic induction heating that creates thermal convection currents. The induction heater generates electromagnetic fields that directly heat the air and laundry, creating natural air circulation without mechanical components, thereby enabling more flexible appliance form factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the drying system by eliminating mechanical airflow generation and relying on thermal convection parameters. This allows for compact, efficient heating and drying with reduced component requirements and greater design flexibility.
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 solution reduces operational noise and increases the capacity of laundry treating appliances by eliminating the blower, providing a more efficient and quieter drying process while conserving space and energy.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil carried by the tub and generating a magnetic field encompassing at least a portion of the container
Implementation Method 2
energization of the induction coil heats the container to evaporate liquid in the treating chamber into vapor
Implementation Method 3
the vapor is condensed and is delivered to the sump
Implementation Method 4
a cooling element providing on at least one of the tub or closure to form a cooled surface in fluid communication with the treating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A combination washer/dryer having a cabinet defining an interior, a tub provided within the interior, and a drum rotatably provided within the tub and defining a treating chamber, an induction coil carried by the tub and generating a magnetic field encompassing at least a portion of the container, and a cooling element providing on at least one of the tub or closure to form a cooled surface in fluid communication with the treating chamber.