Dryer Additive Supply Control for Uniform Textile Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile treatment methods in dryers do not effectively distribute additives evenly across laundry during the supply process, leading to inefficiencies and increased additive consumption.
Innovation Solution
The method involves changing the drum rotation direction and air flow rate/direction during additive supply, using a fan with specific characteristics to reduce air flow, and incorporating throttling or rectifying means to control air flow, ensuring the additive is evenly distributed and retained within the drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If air flow rate is maintained at nominal level during additive supply, then drying efficiency is maintained, but additive distribution uniformity deteriorates and additive loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air flow rate variable rather than constant. During additive supply sequences, the air flow rate is dynamically reduced to less than 70% of nominal level to improve additive distribution and retention. The system transitions between different operational states (normal drying vs. additive supply) with corresponding air flow rate adjustments, resolving the contradiction between maintaining drying efficiency and improving additive distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the air flow rate parameter during additive supply sequences. By reducing the air flow rate to less than 70% of nominal level specifically during additive supply, the system optimizes additive distribution and reduces loss. This parameter change is timed and controlled to occur only when additives are being supplied, allowing the system to maintain high air flow rates during normal drying operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If air flow rate is reduced during additive supply, then additive distribution uniformity improves, but drying speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent additive supply sequences within the overall drying cycle. Additives are supplied in specific time periods (e.g., every 15-30 minutes) at reduced air flow rates, while the remainder of the drying cycle operates at nominal air flow rates. This periodic approach allows the system to achieve good additive distribution without significantly compromising overall drying speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts air flow rate based on operational phase. During additive supply sequences, air flow is reduced to improve distribution; during normal drying phases, air flow returns to nominal levels to maintain drying speed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making air flow rate adaptive to current operational requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If drum rotation direction is changed during additive supply, then additive distribution uniformity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic drum rotation direction changes during additive supply sequences. The drum rotation direction is reversed at intervals (e.g., 5-10 seconds of forward rotation followed by 5-10 seconds of reverse rotation) to improve additive distribution. This periodic reversal is confined to short periods within the additive supply sequence, minimizing additional energy consumption while achieving uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses drum rotation direction reversal as an inversion technique. By periodically reversing the rotation direction during additive supply, the system achieves better additive distribution across the laundry load. The inversion is applied strategically only during additive supply periods rather than continuously, balancing distribution improvement with energy consumption.
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 approach enhances the interaction between additives and laundry, reduces additive loss, and optimizes the distribution of additives across all textile pieces, improving efficiency and reducing consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a fan being arranged in an air channel supplying drying air into the drum, wherein the fan is driven by a motor being separate from the driving motor of the drum under the independent control of a control unit
Implementation Method 2
throttling or rectifying means for throttling or stopping the air flow through the drum when being actively or passively activated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of treating textiles in a dryer, in particular in an exhaust air and/or a condenser dryer or in a washing machine having a drying unit, wherein the method comprises at least one program sequence of supplying (S) at least one additive into a drum of the dryer, and within the at least one additive supplying sequence (S) changing the drum rotation direction and/or changing the air flow rate and/or air flow or fan rotation direction.