Drum Induction Heating Module to Prevent Scale and Reduce Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses using electric heaters or heat pumps face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to scale accumulation, complex structures, and high manufacturing costs, while induction heating technologies lack concrete implementations for improving efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus utilizing an induction module with a coil and permanent magnets to heat the drum indirectly, reducing energy loss, preventing overheating, and ensuring stability through precise temperature control and structural design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an electric heater is used to heat wash water, then the washing temperature can be increased to improve washing performance, but scale accumulation occurs on the heater leading to performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an induction heating module as an intermediary device that heats the drum indirectly through electromagnetic induction, rather than directly heating the wash water with an electric heater. This mediator approach prevents scale accumulation on the heating element while still achieving the desired temperature increase for washing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional electric heater (mechanical/thermal system) with an induction heating module that uses electromagnetic fields to generate heat in the drum. This substitution eliminates the direct contact between heating elements and wash water, preventing scale accumulation and improving reliability
2Loss of energy
If a heat pump is used to heat air for drying, then energy efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex heat pump system (evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, compressor) from the drying mechanism, replacing it with a simplified induction heating module that directly heats the drum. This maintains energy efficiency by using electromagnetic induction while dramatically reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heat pump system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction module uses electromagnetic fields to heat the drum directly, eliminating the need for mechanical compressors, condensers, and expansion valves, thus simplifying the overall structure while maintaining energy efficiency
3Loss of energy
If induction heating is used to heat the drum, then energy efficiency is improved and scale accumulation is prevented, but the coil may overheat and the lifter position must be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the induction module to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit adjusts the operating cycle based on temperature sensors and lifter position, allowing the coil to cool down periodically while still achieving effective heating of the drum and preventing overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control through temperature sensors and position sensors that continuously monitor the drum temperature and lifter position. The control unit receives this feedback and adjusts the induction module's operation accordingly, reducing power when the lifter is in the heating zone to prevent coil overheating while maintaining heating efficiency
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 enhances efficiency and safety by uniformly heating the drum, reducing energy consumption, and preventing overheating, while maintaining the basic functions of the lifter and minimizing structural changes.
Implementation Method 1
an induction module spaced apart from the drum, for heating the drum using an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
generating an electromagnetic field to heat the circumferential surface of the drum
Implementation Method 3
a coil formed of windings of wires, for generating an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clothes treatment apparatus and, more particularly, to a clothes treatment apparatus for directly heating a drum accommodating clothes. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a clothes treatment apparatus comprising: a tub; a drum, made of a metal, which accommodates clothes and is rotatably provided inside the tub; and an induction module, provided in the tub so as to have a spacing from a circumferential surface of the drum, for generating an electromagnetic field to heat the circumferential surface of the drum, wherein the induction module comprises: a coil which is formed by winding a wire such that electric current is applied thereto to generate a magnetic field; and a base housing mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the tub, wherein the base housing is provided with a coil slot for defining the shape of the coil in such a manner that the wire is mounted therein so as to have a predetermined distance between wire and wire.