Integrated Laundry Layout With Shared Heating and Duct Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating machines are inefficient as they require separate installations for washing, drying, and refreshing, leading to increased workflow, reduced space for clothes, higher costs, and energy consumption due to the need for multiple equipment such as water supply systems, drainage, heaters, and steam generators.
Innovation Solution
A combined laundry treating apparatus that integrates a washing machine, dryer, and refresher in the same space, sharing a single heating device for hot air and steam supply, with optimized duct systems to minimize passage lengths and vibrations, and utilizing a single drain pump for condensate management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laundry treating machines (washing machine, dryer, refresher) are installed in different spaces, then each machine can be independently operated and maintained, but the user workflow becomes longer and more cumbersome, requiring movement of laundry items between multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the washing machine, dryer, and refresher into a single integrated laundry treating apparatus. The washing machine and dryer are positioned vertically adjacent to each other, with the refresher positioned adjacent to either the washing machine or dryer. This merging eliminates the need for users to move laundry between separate machines in different spaces, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining independent functionality of each component.
2Area of stationary object
If separate laundry treating machines are used for washing, drying, and refreshing, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the total space required for installing multiple machines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the washing machine and dryer are positioned vertically adjacent to each other, effectively nesting their functional spaces. The refresher is then positioned adjacent to one of these machines, creating a compact clustered configuration. This nesting approach allows multiple laundry treating functions to coexist in a reduced total footprint compared to horizontal placement of separate machines.
3Use of energy by moving object
If each laundry treating machine has its own heater and steam generator, then each machine can independently control its heating and steam generation, but the overall cost and energy consumption of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared heating system where a single heater and steam generator serve multiple laundry treating functions. The heater is configured to supply heated air to both the washing machine and dryer, while the steam generator produces steam that can be utilized by either or both machines as needed. This universal heating approach reduces the total number of heating devices, lowering both initial cost and ongoing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to perform washing, drying, and refreshing operations.
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
This integrated solution reduces user effort, optimizes space, lowers energy consumption, and enhances user convenience by allowing washing, drying, and refreshing in a single space with reduced equipment complexity and improved workflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device for heating air, and a duct system connected to the dryer and the refresher
Implementation Method 2
a duct system connected to the dryer and the refresher, and a controller for controlling operation of the dryer, the washing machine, and the refresher
Implementation Method 3
a steam generator for generating steam and spraying the steam into the drum
Implementation Method 4
a blower fan, and a steam generator
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus including a dryer including a first cabinet having a first door and a first drum rotatably mounted in the first cabinet for receiving laundry; a washing machine including a second cabinet having a tub disposed in the second cabinet and a second drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry; a refresher including a third cabinet having an inner space for receiving laundry; a duct system for supplying air into the first drum, for supplying air into the inner space of the refresher, and a heat exchange channel connected to the duct system; and a heating device for heating air passing through the heat exchange channel, thereby supplying air to a plurality of laundry treating machines by using a single heating device.