Laundry treatment apparatus and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment apparatuses using conventional heating methods, such as electric heaters and heat pumps, face inefficiencies and safety concerns, particularly with scale accumulation and complex structures, and lack effective solutions for improving washing and drying efficiency while preventing coil short circuits and noise.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus utilizing an induction heating module with a coil and base housing configuration that heats a drum via induction, featuring a magnetic field focus mechanism and a stable mounting system to enhance efficiency and safety, allowing for even heating and reduced drying time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an electric heater is used to heat wash water, then heating function is provided, but scale accumulation occurs on the heater leading to performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heating function from direct contact with wash water by using induction heating through the tub wall. The coil generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the tub, which then heats the wash water indirectly, eliminating scale accumulation on heating elements while maintaining effective heating.
2Loss of energy
If a heat pump is used to heat air for drying, then energy efficiency is improved, but device structure becomes complicated with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the heating functions for both washing and drying into a single induction heating system. The same coil that heats the tub for washing can also heat the drum for drying, eliminating the need for separate heat pump components while maintaining energy efficiency through direct electromagnetic heating.
3Productivity
If induction heating is used to heat the drum, then drying efficiency is improved, but coil short circuits and noise may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces the tub as an intermediary between the coil and the drum. The coil generates a magnetic field that passes through the tub wall to induce eddy currents in the drum, providing electrical isolation that prevents short circuits while maintaining effective heating. This intermediary structure also reduces electromagnetic noise.
4Speed
If a fan and duct are added to move and guide air, then air circulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the natural convection currents generated by the heated drum itself to circulate air for drying. The heated drum creates temperature differences that drive air flow without requiring additional fans or complex ductwork, simplifying the system while maintaining effective air circulation for efficient drying.
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 induction heating system improves washing and drying efficiency by evenly heating the drum, reducing drying time, and preventing coil short circuits and noise, while maintaining safety and efficiency through focused magnetic fields and stable component coupling.
Implementation Method 1
an induction module provided at an outer surface of the tub and configured to heat a surface of the drum within the tub via induction
Implementation Method 2
A laundry treatment apparatus utilizing an induction heating module with a coil and base housing configuration that heats a drum via induction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a laundry treatment apparatus configured to directly heat a drum containing laundry therein. The laundry treatment apparatus comprising: a tub; a drum configured to rotate within the tub and to contain laundry therein, the drum being formed of a metallic material; and an induction module provided at an outer surface of the tub and configured to heat a surface of the drum within the tub via induction, the induction module comprising: a coil that comprises a wire through which an electric current is configured to pass so as to generate a magnetic field; and a base housing configured to accommodate the coil by defining a coil slot in which the wire of the coil is received, the coil slot having a width that is less than a diameter of the wire.