Dual-Cabinet Laundry Airflow Layout for Selective Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses face issues where the first receiving space, not containing laundry, may rotate during air supply to the second receiving space, leading to malfunction perceptions and reduced drying efficiency due to hot air being introduced through the first receiving space when only the second receiving space is used.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with separate air supply systems for each receiving space, including a supply unit with a supply fan and ducts to independently control air flow and temperature, preventing the first receiving space from rotating during selective air supply to the second space and enhancing drying efficiency by ensuring optimal air distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive unit rotates both the first receiving space and the exhaust fan, then the structure is simplified, but the first receiving space rotates unnecessarily when only the second receiving space is used, causing user confusion and potential malfunction perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive system into separate drive units: a first drive unit for rotating the first receiving space and a second drive unit for rotating the exhaust fan. This segmentation allows independent control of each component, enabling the system to rotate only the necessary parts based on operational mode, thereby eliminating unnecessary rotation while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If air is supplied to both receiving spaces through a single system, then the device complexity is reduced, but hot air is introduced into the second receiving space through the first receiving space when only the second space is used, reducing drying efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented air supply system with separate air supply channels for the first and second receiving spaces. This allows hot air to be directed exclusively to the required receiving space without passing through the other space, preventing heat loss and maintaining drying efficiency while keeping the overall system structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing dedicated air supply paths and control mechanisms for each receiving space. Each space receives air with appropriate temperature and flow characteristics tailored to its specific drying needs, optimizing drying performance for each zone independently.
3Ease of operation
If the first receiving space rotates during air supply to the second receiving space, then the single drive unit operation is maintained, but user perception of malfunction occurs and drying efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotation control into independent drive units, allowing the control system to selectively activate only the necessary rotating components based on the operational mode. This eliminates unnecessary rotation of the first receiving space when only the second receiving space is in use, preventing user confusion and maintaining high drying efficiency.
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 design prevents unnecessary rotation of the first receiving space and improves drying efficiency by allowing precise control over air supply to each space, reducing drying time and maintaining high temperatures, thus enhancing user experience and appliance performance.
Implementation Method 1
a supply fan (75) provided in the partition wall (51) so as to be located in the second cabinet (5), to move air from the second receiving space (611) to the supply duct (71)
Implementation Method 2
a heating channel provided in the first cabinet (1) to heat air, the heating channel (711) having a first discharge port (7113) and a second discharge port (7115)
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a first cabinet having a first receiving space to receive laundry, a second cabinet having a second receiving space to receive laundry, the second cabinet being separated from the first cabinet, a partition wall located at an upper part of the second receiving space to divide an interior of the second cabinet, a discharge unit to discharge air from the first receiving space and air from the second receiving space, and a supply unit including a supply duct to selectively supply air to the first receiving space and the second receiving space and a supply fan provided in the partition wall such that the supply fan is located in the second cabinet to move air from the second receiving space to the supply duct.