Composite Drying Duct Assembly for Lighter Washer Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drying ducts in washing machines with a drying function, made from aluminum through die-casting, increase manufacturing costs, weight, and reduce internal volume due to high temperature requirements.
Innovation Solution
A drying duct assembly formed from high-temperature resistant plastic or SPS materials, combined with a metal reflector and a heater, using a fan assembly to circulate air effectively, reducing weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining high heat resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the drying duct is formed of aluminum through die-casting to endure high temperature, then heat resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining plastic material for the duct body with a metal reflector insert. The metal reflector endures the heater's high temperature (700°C+) while the plastic duct body remains lightweight and inexpensive. This composite approach allows the plastic duct to operate safely at temperatures up to 100°C while the metal component handles the extreme heat from the heater, resolving the contradiction between heat resistance and weight.
2Temperature
If the drying duct is formed of aluminum through die-casting to endure high temperature, then heat resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines plastic material for the duct body with a metal reflector insert. The plastic portion can be manufactured through inexpensive injection molding processes, while the metal reflector is used only where extreme heat resistance is needed. This composite approach significantly reduces manufacturing cost compared to forming the entire duct from expensive aluminum through die-casting, while still providing adequate heat resistance through the metal reflector component.
3Temperature
If the drying duct is formed of aluminum through die-casting, then heat resistance is improved, but thickness increases and internal volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plastic duct body with a metal reflector insert. The plastic material allows for thinner wall construction compared to aluminum die-casting, while the metal reflector provides localized heat resistance where needed. This composite structure reduces the overall thickness of the drying duct, thereby increasing the internal volume available for air circulation while maintaining adequate heat resistance through the metal reflector component.
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 the weight and manufacturing costs of the washing machine, enhances heat resistance, and increases internal volume by using lightweight, high-temperature resistant materials without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
when electric power is applied to the heater installed in the drying duct, the heater generates heat above 700° C.
Implementation Method 2
a fan assembly provided on a side of the duct lower to suck air
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a drying duct assembly and a washing machine having the drying duct assembly. The drying duct assembly includes a duct lower, a duct upper coupled to an upper portion of the duct lower, a reflector seating on one of inner circumferences of the duct lower and the duct upper, a heater provided in the duct lower to generate heat, and a fan assembly provided on a side of the duct lower to suck air.