Induction-Heated Laundry Drum for Even Drying and Short-Circuit Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment apparatuses face inefficiencies in heating, safety concerns, and uneven drying due to the use of conventional heating methods like electric heaters and heat pumps, which also lead to issues like short circuits and noise from induction heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus utilizing an induction module with a coil and magnets to heat a drum directly, improving efficiency and safety by evenly heating the drum surface through induction heating, while preventing short circuits and noise, and enhancing drying efficiency by reducing the interval between the coil and drum.
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 accumulates on the heater leading to performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the water-contacting environment by using induction heating to heat the drum externally, eliminating the electric heater that was previously immersed in wash water and suffering from scale accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The drum acts as an intermediary medium - the induction heater heats the drum, which then transfers heat to the wash water and laundry, separating the heating element from direct contact with water while maintaining effective heating function
2Temperature
If a heat pump is used to heat air for drying, then drying function is provided, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the complex heat pump system and implements it through a simpler induction heating module that directly heats the drum, eliminating the need for evaporators, condensers, expansion valves, and compressors
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
3Use of energy by moving object
If the interval between the coil and drum is reduced to improve heating efficiency, then heating efficiency increases, but short circuit risk and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tub acts as an intermediary barrier between the induction coil and the drum, allowing the coil to be positioned close to the drum for efficient heating while preventing direct contact that would cause short circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The heating function is extracted to an external induction coil positioned outside the tub, separated from the drum by the tub wall itself, which serves as both structural support and electrical insulation
4Temperature
If conventional heating methods are used, then heating function is provided, but drying uniformity is poor and drying time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating system applies heat locally and directly to the drum surface containing the laundry, ensuring uniform heat distribution throughout the laundry load rather than relying on conventional indirect heating methods
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating system provides continuous and consistent heating action during the drying cycle, maintaining optimal temperature for moisture evaporation throughout the entire process, thereby reducing total 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 achieves efficient and safe heating of laundry by directly heating the drum, ensuring even drying, reducing drying time, and preventing overheating and noise, while improving overall heating efficiency and safety.
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 coil that comprises a wire through which an electric current is configured to pass so as to generate a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus is configured to directly heat a drum containing laundry therein. The laundry treatment apparatus includes: 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; a base housing configured to accommodate the coil therein, the base housing being mounted on the outer surface of the tub; an at least one magnet configured to be arranged above the base housing in which the coil is accommodated, and arranged to be lengthwise perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the wire of the coil.