Method for controlling dryer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dryers fail to effectively remove dust and mites from bedclothes when they are adhered to the inner circumference of the drying drum, as the drum's rotation does not facilitate sufficient separation of foreign materials without manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method involving alternating clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the drying drum at specific speeds to separate and discharge dust and mites, with the first speed allowing bedclothes to remain adhered and the second speed enabling them to fall and be raised, allowing for efficient dusting without initial hot air supply, minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the drum rotates at a constant speed in one direction, then the bedclothes remain adhered to the inner circumference surface, but the dusting off function cannot be substantially obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedusting off functionVSAvoidadhesion state of bedclothes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The drum alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation directions in periodic cycles. During each direction change, the bedclothes are lifted and dropped, creating mechanical action that separates dust and foreign materials from the fabric. This periodic directional reversal transforms the stable adhesion state into a dynamic dusting process while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If hot air is supplied continuously to separate foreign materials, then dusting effectiveness improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedusting effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs mechanical dusting action first through drum rotation and direction reversal before supplying hot air. The initial mechanical action of lifting and dropping bedclothes during direction changes separates loose dust and foreign materials. Only after this preliminary mechanical dusting is complete does the system activate hot air supply, significantly reducing the energy required compared to continuous hot air operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The drum maintains continuous rotation throughout the dusting process, alternating directions without stopping. This continuous mechanical action ensures consistent dust separation throughout the dusting cycle, maximizing dusting effectiveness while minimizing the duration and energy consumption of hot air supply needed as a supplementary cleaning mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method ensures thorough dusting of bedclothes, separating foreign materials like mites and dust, and provides a warm, soft feeling by supplying hot air only after dusting is complete, reducing energy usage and ensuring effective cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

the second rotational speed (V2) is a rotational speed which allows the object introduced into the drying drum to be raised while rotating along with the drying drum and then to be lowered to a floor of the drying drum around a highest point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the first rotational speed (VI) is a rotational speed which allows the object introduced into the drying drum to rotate as one body without being separated from an inner circumference surface of the drying drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

the separated dust is discharged to the outside of the drying drum by a forced air flow generated by the drying fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 4

high-temperature hot air is supplied to the inside of a drying drum while the drying drum with the laundry introduced thereinto is rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 5

a gas combustion method, an electric heater method, and a heat pump cycle method may be applied for generating high-temperature hot air supplied to the inside of the drying drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3453797B1Method for controlling dryer
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3453797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453797B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453797B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an operation of, when a dusting mode is selected and a start command is input, rotating a drying drum at a first rotational speed V1 in a first direction for a first set time; an operation of, after the first set time elapses, rotating the drying drum at a second rotational speed V2 in a second direction opposite to the first direction for a first set time; and an operation of rotating a drying fan along with the drying drum, when the drying drum rotates in the second direction, dust staining on an object introduced into the drying drum is separated from the object, and when the drying drum rotates in the first direction, the separated dust is discharged to the outside of the drying drum by a forced air flow generated by the drying fan.