Induction Module Cooling Design for Laundry Drum Heating Efficiency
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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 there is a need for a more effective and durable induction heating module that can uniformly heat drums without excessive coil temperature increases.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with an induction module that includes a coil and a permanent magnet housing, where the coil is actively cooled through a through portion in the cover housing, and the module is designed to uniformly heat the drum by concentrating the magnetic field, preventing coil overheating and detachment during vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat pump is used for heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but device volume and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex heat pump system (evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, compressor) from the laundry treating apparatus, replacing it with a simplified induction heating module that achieves the same heating function with significantly reduced structural complexity while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heat pump system with an electromagnetic induction heating system, substituting complex mechanical components (compressor, valves) with a simpler electromagnetic field-based heating mechanism that achieves comparable or superior energy efficiency without the associated mechanical complexity
2Reliability
If indirect air heating is used, then safety is improved, but drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the drum as an intermediary heating element that is directly heated by induction and then transfers heat to the laundry through contact, achieving rapid heating while maintaining safety by keeping the coil isolated from direct contact with laundry and water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heating function into two distinct components: the induction coil that generates heat through electromagnetic field, and the drum that serves as a heat transfer medium that contacts the laundry, allowing direct heating effect while maintaining safety isolation
3Productivity
If coil is placed close to drum for efficient heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but coil temperature increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary cooling medium that flows through the housing to dissipate heat from the coil, allowing the coil to be positioned close to the drum for efficient heating while preventing excessive temperature buildup through active cooling
4Temperature
If housing is made large to accommodate cooling space, then coil cooling is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling housing with the existing structural components of the laundry treating apparatus, integrating the cooling function into the existing housing structure rather than adding a separate cooling chamber, thereby achieving effective coil cooling without increasing overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements cooling through three-dimensional air flow paths that utilize vertical and radial dimensions within the existing housing space, creating efficient cooling channels that dissipate heat without requiring additional horizontal volume
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 enhances the efficiency and durability of the induction heating module, reduces drying time, and ensures uniform heating of the drum, preventing component detachment and noise, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
concepts (Japanese registered patent No. JP2001070689 and Korean registered patent No. KR10-922986) for a laundry treating apparatus using induced heating are provided
Implementation Method 3
the cover housing includes a through portion for discharging the heat by passing through the cover housing up and down
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus comprising an induction module is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus comprises 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, wherein 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 in the induction module, and enhance durability and efficiency of the induction module by making sure of a structure for active discharge of heat generated from the coil.