Induction Heating Module with Active Heat Discharge for Laundry Drum
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face inefficiencies and structural limitations in heating systems, including high energy consumption, complex structures, and longer drying times due to indirect heating methods, and lack detailed induced heating modules and connection methods for enhanced efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with an induction heating module that directly heats a drum using a coil and permanent magnets, featuring a base housing and cover housing design for active heat discharge and uniform heating, ensuring efficient heat management and stability during vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external boiler is used to supply hot water, then washing water temperature can be increased, but energy consumption increases and requires separate boiler operation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the washing machine itself by installing a heating element within the washing chamber. This eliminates the need for a separate external boiler, allowing the washing machine to both wash and heat water using integrated heating components, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A heating element serves as an intermediary component within the washing machine that transfers thermal energy directly to the washing water. This intermediary heating mechanism enables temperature control without requiring external boiler infrastructure, reducing energy loss through heat transfer intermediaries and improving heating efficiency.
2Device complexity
If hot wire is used to heat washing water, then heating function is integrated, but structural limitation occurs requiring separate path below tub and continuous sinking of hot wire
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the complex hot wire system and implemented through a simplified heating element that can be easily positioned and operated. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous hot wire sinking and separate path infrastructure, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is designed to be self-contained and easily installable within the washing machine structure. It automatically positions itself to effectively heat the water without requiring continuous manual adjustment or complex positioning mechanisms, enabling the system to serve itself through simple, maintenance-free operation.
3Power
If gas heater is used for hot-air drying, then heating capability is provided, but stability and exhaust gas problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The gas heater system is replaced with an electric heating element that provides comparable heating capability without combustion. This substitution eliminates exhaust gas production and improves system stability by removing the complexity of gas supply, combustion control, and ventilation requirements, resulting in a more reliable and cleaner drying system.
4Power
If electric heater is used for hot-air drying, then heating function is provided, but particles accumulate and excessive energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element parameters are optimized to operate at temperatures and power levels that provide effective drying while minimizing particle generation and accumulation. By adjusting operational parameters such as heating temperature, power cycling, and air circulation patterns, the system achieves efficient drying without excessive energy consumption or harmful particle buildup.
5Power
If indirect drying system based on air is used, then heating function is provided, but drying time becomes longer when laundry is entangled or contains much water
Solution Approach 1:
The drum itself serves as an intermediary heating surface that directly contacts the laundry. By heating the drum and using its rotation to distribute and press the laundry against the heated surface, the system achieves more efficient heat transfer compared to indirect air heating, significantly reducing drying time even for entangled or water-heavy laundry.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating drum creates mechanical motion and pressure variations that continuously move and redistribute the laundry during the drying process. This mechanical action prevents laundry from remaining stationary and entangled, exposing all surfaces to the heated drum and accelerating moisture removal, thereby reducing overall drying time.
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 faster and more efficient heating and drying by directly heating the drum, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing the durability and efficiency of the induction heating module while preventing coil overheating and component detachment.
Implementation Method 1
A coil is wound in an induction heating module provided in the laundry treating apparatus such as a washing machine and a drying machine, and heat may be transferred to a heating target (a drum of the washing machine) by an induced current generated by applying a current to the coil.
Implementation Method 2
heat may be transferred to a heating target (a drum of the washing machine) by an induced current generated by applying a current to the coil
Implementation Method 3
heat may be transferred to a heating target (a drum of the washing machine) by an induced current generated by applying a current to the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drum provided inside the cabinet and formed of a metal material, and an induction module configured to heat the drum, The induction module includes a base housing for accommodating a coil, and a cover housing forming a moving space of heat generated from the coil, jointed to an upper portion of the base housing, the cover housing includes a through portion for discharging the heat by passing through the cover housing up and down, and the cover housing forms a section upwardly inclined toward the through portion to move the heat generated from the coil along the inclined section and discharge the heat to the through portion. It is possible to prevent a temperature of the coil from being excessively increased, and enhance durability and efficiency of the induction module by active discharge of heat generated from the coil.