Clothing processing device including heat dissipation sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clothing processing devices, such as washing machines, experience overheating of the front panel during operations like drying, leading to potential user burns due to concentrated heat accumulation, particularly around the door area.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a groove structure with a curved nose and a heat dissipating sheet on the front panel, along with an insulator, to diffuse heat and prevent overheating by using a thermally conductive material and adhesive layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a spray nozzle connected to a heat exchanger sprays hot and dry air to the inside of the drum during a dry operation, then the drying efficiency is improved, but the front panel becomes overheated and may cause user injury
Solution Approach 1:
A heat dissipating sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat source (drum) and the front panel. This sheet conducts heat away from the front panel area, particularly from the gap between the door and the front panel, preventing the panel from becoming overheated while maintaining the drying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipating sheet is specifically positioned at the gap between the door and the front panel where heat accumulation is most severe. This localized heat dissipation approach addresses the overheating problem in the critical area without affecting the overall drying performance of the drum.
2Shape
If the front panel is designed with a groove structure and curved nose to maintain a gap, then the aesthetic appearance and door sealing are improved, but heat accumulates in the gap between the nose and groove structure causing localized overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipating sheet is placed within the gap between the curved nose and the groove structure to act as a thermal bridge. It conducts heat away from this confined space, preventing temperature buildup while preserving the structural design for aesthetics and sealing.
3Ease of operation
If the control panel is placed on the upper portion of the front panel for user accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the control panel components are exposed to high heat and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipating sheet is positioned to extend toward the control panel area, creating a thermal barrier that protects the control panel components from excessive heat while maintaining the control panel's accessible location for user operation.
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
Prevents front panel overheating, ensuring user safety by effectively dissipating heat and maintaining a safe operating temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipating sheet attached to the second surface of the front panel to enclose at least a portion of the insulator along a circumference of the insulator
Data Source
AI summary
A clothing processing device comprises a cabinet, a front panel including a first surface, a second surface, and an opening, a drum inside the cabinet to communicate with the opening, and a door connected to the first surface. The front panel includes a seating groove protruding toward the inside of the cabinet along a circumference of the opening to seat the door in response to closing the opening by the door, and an extension surface extending toward the inside of the cabinet from an upper part of the front panel. The extension surface includes curved nose to form a gap with the seating groove, and the clothing processing device includes an insulation between the curved nose and the seating groove, and a heat dissipation sheet attached to the second surface to enclose at least a part of the insulation along the circumference of the insulation.