Garment processing device control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face issues with lint accumulation on heat exchanger surfaces due to insufficient condensate supply, leading to reduced heat exchange efficiency, flow resistance, and valve malfunctions, which are exacerbated by lint sticking to pumps and valves.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus that includes a drum, blower, heat pump, water collector, condensate pump, and flow channel switching valve, with sensing steps to manage condensate drainage, decelerate the blower, and initialize the flow channel to prevent lint accumulation and valve malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lint removal filter with small mesh size is used to increase lint removal performance, then lint removal efficiency is improved, but flow channel resistance increases and exhaust efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lint removal function is segmented into two stages: first, a coarse filter captures large lint particles to maintain flow efficiency; second, condensate spray cleaning removes accumulated lint from the evaporator surface. This segmentation allows the filter to operate with larger mesh size while still achieving effective lint removal through the combined approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful accumulation of lint on the evaporator surface into a beneficial cleaning process by using condensate spray. The condensate, which would otherwise be waste, is utilized to flush and remove lint from the evaporator, transforming a potential problem (lint accumulation) into a useful cleaning mechanism.
2Reliability
If condensate is sprayed onto the evaporator surface to remove lint, then lint removal is achieved, but separate pumps and valves are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the condensate drainage function with the lint removal function by integrating the condensate pump and spray nozzle system into the existing evaporator structure. The condensate that accumulates in the pan is reused to clean the evaporator surface, combining waste disposal with maintenance functions and reducing the need for separate cleaning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning by using its own condensate to remove lint from the evaporator surface. The condensate pump automatically draws condensate from the pan and sprays it onto the evaporator, creating a self-maintaining system that reduces the need for external cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention.
3Reliability
If condensate is sprayed via nozzle to remove lint, then lint removal is achieved, but insufficient condensate supply prevents effective operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic condensate spraying rather than continuous spraying. The condensate pump operates at intervals to spray condensate onto the evaporator surface, allowing sufficient time for condensate accumulation in the pan between spraying cycles. This periodic action ensures that there is always enough condensate available for effective lint removal without requiring continuous condensate generation.
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
Improves condensate drainage, reduces valve malfunctions, and prevents lint accumulation, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the laundry treating apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
high-temperature air exhausted from the drum is cooled and condensed by exchanging heat with an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
high-temperature air exhausted from the drum is cooled and condensed by exchanging heat with an evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a blower that circulates air in the drum
Implementation Method 4
a condensate pump that drains the condensate of the water collector
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a garment processing device. The garment processing device comprises: a drum into which objects to be dried are introduced; a blower for circulating air in the drum; a heat pump comprising a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger so as to dehumidify/heat air; a water collector for collecting condensed water generated in the first heat exchanger; a condensed water pump for discharging condensed water from the water collector; and a channel switching valve for switching a condensed water discharge channel or a channel for washing the first heat exchanger. The method comprises: a first water level sensing step for sensing the level of water in the water collector; a first water discharge step for operating the condensed water pump and simultaneously deceleration the operation of the blower for a predetermined time upon sensing in the first water level sensing step that the level of water in the water collector has reached the top level; a second water level sensing step for sensing the number of times the level of water in the water collector reaches the top level for a present time after the first water discharge step; a channel switching valve initializing step for initializing the channel position of the channel switching valve if the number of times the level of water in the water collector reaches the top level, sensed in the second water level sensing step, reaches a preset number of times; and a second water discharge step for discharging condensed water by operating the condensed water pump for discharging condensed water and simultaneously deceleration or stopping the operation of the blower after the channel switching valve initializing step.