Dryer and method for controlling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dryers using high frequency electric fields face inefficiencies in drying due to reduced stirring, leading to decreased drying efficiency and increased wrinkle generation.

Innovation Solution

A dryer system that controls the rotation of a drum and the supply of heated air, using high frequency electric fields and heated air in conjunction, with voltage regulation and specific air inlet paths to optimize drying efficiency and minimize wrinkle formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high frequency electric fields are used for drying, then drying speed is improved, but stirring effect deteriorates leading to wrinkle generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidstirring effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines high frequency electric field drying with mechanical drum rotation to achieve both rapid drying and adequate stirring. The drum rotation provides the stirring effect that compensates for the lack of mechanical agitation in electric field drying, preventing wrinkles while maintaining high drying speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts drum rotation speed based on drying stage and material characteristics. During initial drying, higher rotation speeds provide better stirring to prevent wrinkles, while during later stages, rotation speed is optimized to balance stirring with energy efficiency and drying effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If drum rotation speed is increased to improve stirring, then wrinkle generation is reduced, but drying efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestirring effectVSAvoiddrying efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the benefits of mechanical stirring through drum rotation with the rapid heating capability of high frequency electric fields. This combination allows moderate rotation speeds to provide adequate stirring without the energy penalty of high-speed rotation, maintaining drying efficiency while preventing wrinkles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the electric field system to match the moderate drum rotation speeds, optimizing the electric field intensity and frequency to maximize drying efficiency at lower rotation speeds, thereby maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If voltage to electrode part is increased to enhance drying, then drying speed improves, but voltage regulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidvoltage regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control that monitors drying progress, material moisture content, and drum rotation speed to automatically adjust electrode voltage. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal drying speed while simplifying voltage regulation through automated control rather than complex manual adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-regulating characteristics where the drying process itself provides feedback signals (such as changes in electrical properties of the material) that automatically modulate the voltage level, reducing the need for complex external voltage regulation circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively addresses inefficiencies by ensuring thorough drying and reducing wrinkle formation through controlled drum rotation and air supply strategies.

Implementation Method 1

an electrode part (110) configured to produce an electric field in a perpendicular direction to a rotation center of the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh frequency electric field: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

a heater for heating the air flowing in through the supply path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a blower for blowing the heated air into the rotating drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 4

rotating a drum containing the objects at low speed and forcing hot air to pass the inside of the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3555358B1Dryer and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3555358B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3555358B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3555358B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a dryer and method for controlling the same. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure a dryer comprise a main body, a drum rotationally placed inside the main body, a driver configured to provide rotational force to the drum, an electrode part configured to produce an electric field inside the drum, a power supplier configured to supply power to the electrode part, an air heater configured to heat air, a blower configured to supply heated air into the drum and a controller configured to control the power supplier to block power supplied to the electrode part depending on a dried state of an object contained in the drum, control the driver to rotate the drum, and control the air heater and the blower to supply heated air into the drum.