Drying apparatus and control method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drying apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously operating high-temperature and low-temperature drying operations within a permissible current range, leading to potential damage of delicate clothes due to friction and inefficiencies in power usage.

Innovation Solution

A drying apparatus with a controller that reduces the heating performance of one drying device when both high-temperature and low-temperature operations are simultaneous, by adjusting the power supply to heaters and fan speeds based on laundry type and humidity, ensuring operation within an allowable current range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple drying devices operate simultaneously at full heating performance, then drying efficiency and productivity are improved, but the current consumption exceeds the permissible range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating performance of drying devices is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The controller continuously monitors current consumption and automatically adjusts the heating power of individual drying devices to maintain operation within permissible current limits while maximizing overall drying efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the heating parameter (power output) of drying devices based on real-time conditions. When multiple devices operate simultaneously, the controller reduces the heating performance parameter of at least one device to ensure total current consumption remains within the permissible range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If high temperature drying is used for cotton clothes, then drying speed is improved, but delicate garments may be damaged by heat and friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidheat damage and friction
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drying system is segmented into multiple independent drying devices that can operate simultaneously with different temperature settings. One device is dedicated to high-temperature drying for durable fabrics like cotton, while another operates at low temperature for delicate garments, allowing both to dry at optimal speeds without cross-contamination of harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each drying device is configured with localized quality characteristics suited to specific fabric types. The first drying device provides high-temperature drying for robust fabrics, while the second drying device provides low-temperature drying for delicate fabrics, ensuring each material receives the appropriate thermal treatment to maximize drying speed while minimizing damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables simultaneous operation of multiple drying devices within a safe current range, minimizing damage to clothes and optimizing energy usage by dynamically adjusting heating and fan performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first heater configured to provide hot air to the drying basket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a second heater configured to provide hot air to the drying drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a fan configured to generate air flow to allow air heated by the electric heater to enter the drying basket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow generation: Fan

Data Source

PatentEP3491183B1Drying apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3491183B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3491183B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3491183B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A drying apparatus is provided. The drying apparatus includes a first drying device including a drying basket and a first heater configured to provide hot air to the drying basket, a second drying device which is coupled with the first drying device and includes a drying drum and provides hot air to the drying drum, and a controller configured to, in response to the first drying device and the second drying device being simultaneously operated, reducing a heating performance of at least one of the first heater and the second heater.