Induction Heating Module for Drum-Based Laundry Treating Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face inefficiencies and structural limitations in heating washing water and drying laundry, including high energy consumption, complex structures, and longer drying times due to indirect heating methods, and instability of heating elements during drum rotation.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with an induction module that directly heats the drum using a magnetic field, featuring a coil and permanent magnet arrangement for uniform heating, stable joint structures, and vibration-resistant design to prevent detachment and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a hot wire is used to heat washing water, then the washing water temperature can be increased, but the hot wire must continuously be sunk in the washing water requiring a separate path below the tub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hot wire heating system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction module generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the drum, which is made of magnetic material, thereby heating the drum and subsequently the washing water without requiring physical contact or complex piping structures.
2Temperature
If external hot water is supplied to increase washing water temperature, then more detergents can be dissolved and contaminants removed, but an external boiler must be driven separately consuming more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating system utilizes the drum itself as the heating element. The magnetic field induces eddy currents within the drum material, causing the drum to generate heat internally through resistive heating. This self-heating mechanism eliminates the need for external boilers and reduces overall energy consumption.
3Temperature
If a heat pump is used for drying laundry, then low temperature dehumidification can be achieved, but the system has greater volume and more complicated structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex heat pump system (evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, compressor) by implementing direct induction heating of the drum. The electromagnetic induction module directly heats the laundry through the drum, achieving efficient drying without the bulky and complex heat pump components.
4Temperature
If indirect air-based drying systems are used, then heating can be achieved, but drying time becomes longer when laundry is entangled or contains much water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect air-based heating with direct electromagnetic induction heating. The magnetic field directly induces eddy currents in the drum, which transfers heat efficiently to the laundry through direct contact, significantly reducing drying time compared to indirect air heating methods.
5Temperature
If electric or gas heaters are used to heat the hot wire, then heating function is provided, but particles such as scales accumulate and too much energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces resistive heating elements (electric heaters, gas heaters) with electromagnetic induction heating. The induction module generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the drum, converting electromagnetic energy directly into thermal energy within the drum material, eliminating scale accumulation and improving energy 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
The solution enables efficient and uniform heating of the drum, reducing drying time, improving stability, and enhancing durability by maintaining the electromagnetic field and preventing noise caused by vibration, while reducing energy consumption and structural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an induction module spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the drum at a predetermined interval, inducing and heating the drum
Implementation Method 2
an induction module includes a base housing for accommodating a coil, a permanent magnet housing coupled with the base housing and provided with a holder in which a permanent magnet is accommodated
Implementation Method 3
inducing and heating the drum through electromagnetic induction
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drum provided inside the cabinet and formed of a metal material for accommodating a treatment target, and an induction module spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the drum at a predetermined interval, inducing and heating the drum, where the induction module includes a base housing for accommodating a coil, a permanent magnet housing coupled with the base housing and provided with a holder in which a permanent magnet is accommodated, and a cover housing coupled with the permanent magnet housing, and the cover housing is coupled to the permanent magnet housing and therefore the permanent magnet is located between the permanent magnet housing and the cover housing. A joint force of the induction module may be enhanced to improve durability, and noise caused by vibration of a tub may be avoided.