Integrated washer-dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated washer-dryers face issues with high energy consumption, low efficiency, and unsatisfactory drying effects, particularly in regions with low ambient temperatures, due to the dependence of heat-pump-type drying systems on temperature differences and the high cost of heat-pump components.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a moisture-absorbing and dehumidifying component with a rotary wheel assembly and a dehumidifying passage, where a fan creates airflow through the component to absorb moisture from the air, reducing the need for expensive heat pumps and minimizing temperature sensitivity, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heat-pump-type drying module assembly is used, then energy consumption is reduced and drying temperature is lowered, but the cost of the drying module assembly increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heat pump component from the drying module assembly, replacing it with a simpler heating element and condenser system. This extraction eliminates the expensive heat pump while maintaining the essential drying function through alternative means (heating air and condensing moisture), thereby reducing manufacturing cost while addressing the energy consumption issue through the condensation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex heat pump system with cheaper, simpler components (heating element, condenser, fan) that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The heating element and condenser are standard components that are less costly than heat pumps, making the overall assembly more economically viable while still achieving energy-efficient drying through moisture condensation.
2Reliability
If condensation-type drying module assembly is used, then moisture is condensed and separated, but energy consumption and drying efficiency sharply fluctuate with ambient temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a controller that monitors ambient temperature and adjusts the operation of the heating element, fan, and condenser accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the drying system maintains optimal performance across varying temperature conditions by dynamically adjusting operational parameters, preventing sharp fluctuations in energy consumption and drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the drying system dynamic by allowing operational parameters (heating power, fan speed, condenser activation) to change based on ambient conditions. The controller adjusts these parameters in real-time to adapt to temperature variations, ensuring consistent drying performance and energy efficiency regardless of the ambient environment.
3Productivity
If exhaust-type drying module assembly is used, then hot and humid air is discharged, but energy consumption is high and noise is great
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply discarding the hot and humid air as in exhaust-type systems, the patent recovers the heat from the exhaust air through the condenser. The condenser extracts moisture from the warm air, and the condensed water is collected while the warmed air can be reused or discharged at a lower temperature. This recovery process reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need to reheat air and reduces noise by operating at lower temperatures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If heat-pump-type drying module assembly is used, then drying temperature is lowered to protect clothes, but the cost of the heat pump increases the overall price
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive heat pump component while maintaining low drying temperatures through an alternative mechanism: a heating element that provides gentle, controlled heating combined with a condenser that removes moisture efficiently. This extraction of the heat pump allows the system to achieve gentle drying (protecting clothes) without the high cost associated with heat pump technology.
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 solution achieves low energy consumption, high efficiency, and reduced noise while maintaining stable drying performance across varying temperatures, making it suitable for diverse clothing materials and protecting clothes from damage.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture-absorbing rotary wheel assembly including a wheel disc made of a regenerative moisture-absorbing material
Implementation Method 2
discharge the absorbed moisture by means of the dehumidifying airflow
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an integrated washer-dryer, including: a drum and a drying module assembly, the drying module assembly includes a moisture-absorbing and dehumidifying component, a moisture-absorbing passage, and a dehumidifying passage; the moisture-absorbing passage includes an air inlet and air outlet of the moisture-absorbing passage; the drum is communicated with the air inlet and air outlet of the moisture-absorbing passage, respectively; a fan for the moisture-absorbing passage is arranged in the moisture-absorbing passage, so as to form a moisture-absorbing airflow in the drum and in the moisture-absorbing passage; a fan for the dehumidifying passage is arranged in the dehumidifying passage, so as to form a dehumidifying airflow in the dehumidifying passage; and the moisture-absorbing and dehumidifying component is disposed in a path of the moisture-absorbing passage and the dehumidifying passage, such that the moisture-absorbing airflow and the dehumidifying airflow both flow through the moisture-absorbing and dehumidifying component.