Induction-Heated Drum Laundry Apparatus with Integrated Cooling Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment apparatuses using induction heating face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to lack of effective cooling mechanisms for induction modules and module control units, as well as high manufacturing costs and complexity of heat pump systems, and poor air-heating efficiency with conventional heaters.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus with an induction module that uses a single fan to cool both the induction module and module control unit, along with the outer tub surface, through a structured air flow path and duct system, enhancing energy transfer efficiency and stability by integrating the induction module and module control unit into a single assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If induction heating is used to heat the drum, then heating efficiency is improved, but heat accumulation in the induction module and control unit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat accumulation in the induction module and control unit into a beneficial cooling effect by directing this heat to cool the drum surface that needs temperature control, thereby eliminating the need for separate cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The fan serves multiple functions: it supplies air for induction heating, removes heat from the induction module and control unit, and cools the drum surface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cooling mechanisms
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat pump system is used to heat air, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex heat pump system (evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, compressor) from the laundry treatment apparatus, replacing it with a simpler induction heating system that achieves comparable or superior energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heat pump system with an electromagnetic induction heating system, substituting complex mechanical components with a simpler electromagnetic field-based heating mechanism
3Device complexity
If conventional electric heater is used to heat air, then device complexity is reduced, but air-heating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electric resistance heating with electromagnetic induction heating, substituting a simple but inefficient heating method with a more advanced electromagnetic field-based system that achieves superior heating efficiency
4Reliability
If induction module and control unit are cooled separately, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling of the induction module and control unit into a single integrated cooling path, where one fan supplies air that cools both components sequentially, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems
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 configuration improves safety, stability, and efficiency by effectively cooling the induction module and module control unit, reducing manufacturing costs, and optimizing energy transfer, while maintaining high economic feasibility and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an induction module provided so as to be spaced apart from the drum in order to heat the drum using a magnetic field generated by applying current to a coil
Implementation Method 2
a fan for moving air by force and a duct for guiding the movement of air
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a laundry treatment apparatus configured to directly heat a drum containing laundry therein using an induction module. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub provided in the cabinet, a drum for containing laundry therein, the drum being rotatably provided in the tub and being formed of a metallic material, an induction module provided so as to be spaced apart from the circumferential surface of the drum in order to heat the circumferential surface of the drum using a magnetic field generated by applying current to a coil, a module control unit for controlling the output of the induction module, a cooling path through which the outside of the cabinet, the interior of the module control unit and the interior of the induction module communicate sequentially with each other, and a fan provided in the cooling path. The apparatus is capable of improving efficiency and enhancing safety.