Induction-Heated Laundry Drum for Stable Drying and Overheat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses using electric heaters or heat pumps for heating have inefficiencies and safety concerns, such as scale accumulation, poor air-heating efficiency, and high manufacturing costs, while induction heating technologies lack concrete implementations for improving efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus utilizing an induction module with a coil and permanent magnets to heat the drum indirectly, reducing electrical current leakage, preventing coil deformation, and enhancing drying efficiency by uniform heating and stabilizing the induction module's position, while controlling heat output based on the lifter's position to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an electric heater is used to heat wash water, then washing performance is improved through temperature increase, but scale accumulation occurs on the heater leading to performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an induction heating module as an intermediary device that heats the drum indirectly through electromagnetic induction. The induction module generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the conductive drum, which then self-heats without direct contact with water or detergent, eliminating scale accumulation while maintaining effective washing temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional electric heater (mechanical/thermal system) with an induction heating system (electromagnetic field system). This substitution eliminates the need for direct thermal contact between the heating element and the wash environment, preventing scale deposition and improving long-term reliability
2Productivity
If a heat pump is used to heat air for drying, then drying efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the induction heating module multi-functional by using it for both washing (heating wash water via drum conduction) and drying (heating air via drum conduction). This single device replaces multiple specialized systems (electric heater for washing, heat pump for drying), simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high drying efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate heating systems (electric heater and heat pump) into a single induction heating module. The module serves dual purposes: heating wash water during washing cycles and heating air during drying cycles, thereby reducing system complexity and manufacturing costs
3Use of energy by moving object
If induction heating is used to heat the drum, then heating efficiency is improved, but the induction module may deform or overheat without proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic attraction force as a counterbalancing mechanism. The induction module generates a magnetic field that not only heats the drum but also creates an attractive force holding the module against the drum surface, counteracting gravitational and vibrational forces that could cause deformation or dislodgment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a positioning structure as an intermediary mechanism between the induction module and the drum. This structure ensures proper spacing and alignment, preventing direct contact that could cause deformation while maintaining the electromagnetic coupling necessary for efficient heating
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 improves laundry washing and drying efficiency, prevents overheating, and enhances safety by stabilizing the induction module and controlling heat output, leading to more efficient and safer operation.
Implementation Method 1
an induction module spaced apart from the drum, for heating the drum using an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a coil formed of a plurality of wires wound in a predetermined pattern, for generating an electromagnetic field when a current is applied thereto
Implementation Method 3
a coil formed of a plurality of wires wound in a predetermined pattern, for generating an electromagnetic field when a current is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clothes treatment apparatus and, more particularly, to a clothes treatment apparatus for directly heating a drum accommodating clothes. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a clothes treatment apparatus comprising: a tub; a drum, made of a metal, which accommodates clothes and is rotatably provided inside the tub; and an induction module, provided in the tub so as to have a spacing from a circumferential surface of the drum, for generating an electromagnetic field to heat the circumferential surface of the drum, wherein the induction module comprises: a coil which is formed by winding a wire such that electric current is applied thereto to generate a magnetic field; and a base housing mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the tub, wherein the base housing is provided with a coil slot for defining the shape of the coil in such a manner that the wire is mounted therein so as to have a predetermined distance between wire and wire.