Dryer Steam Diffusion to Remove Static Electricity and Wrinkles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dryers often generate static electricity on laundry during the drying process, causing discomfort and unpleasant feelings when wearing dried clothes.
Innovation Solution
A dryer equipped with a steam generator and diffuser, along with a ventilation system that includes a drying heater and blower, is used to remove static electricity by exhausting and diffusing steam uniformly within the drum, while also controlling moisture and cooling the laundry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional dryer uses friction between laundry and drum to dry clothes, then drying function is achieved, but static electricity is generated on laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful static electricity generated during drying into a beneficial effect by introducing steam. The steam neutralizes the static charge on laundry, transforming the problematic electrostatic accumulation into a useful anti-static treatment that also smooths wrinkles and refreshes fabrics.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam acts as an intermediary substance between the drying process and the laundry. The steam generator produces steam that is introduced into the drum, serving as a mediating element that removes static electricity without interfering with the primary drying function performed by the heater and blower.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If steam is generated and exhausted into the drum to remove static electricity, then anti-static effect is achieved, but steam may not diffuse uniformly throughout the drum
Solution Approach 1:
The steam diffusion process is segmented by using multiple steam outlets distributed around the drum interior. Instead of introducing steam at a single location, the system divides steam discharge into multiple zones, ensuring more uniform distribution throughout the drum volume and consistent anti-static treatment across all laundry items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances steam diffusion by introducing it not only from below but also from above the laundry load. This multi-directional approach adds vertical dimensionality to steam distribution, ensuring comprehensive coverage and uniform anti-static effects throughout the three-dimensional space occupied by the laundry.
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 effectively reduces static electricity and wrinkles, enhances drying efficiency, and ensures user comfort by providing a satisfying drying experience without the unpleasantness of static or excessive heat or dampness.
Implementation Method 1
a heater that heats water within the water reservoir to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
The fan finely disperses the steam to allow the steam to diffuse within the drum
Implementation Method 3
a drying heater switchable on/off that heats air to generate dry air
Implementation Method 4
a condensation duct through which moisture of the air drawn from the drum is condensed
Data Source
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AI summary
A dryer is configured to remove static electricity during a drying process. The dryer includes a drum (120,220) rotatable within a cabinet (110). The drum is configured to receive laundry. A steam generator (150,250) generates and exhausts steam into the drum. A steam diffuser (160,260) uniformly diffuses the steam within the drum. A ventilation system ventilates air within the drum.