Laundry appliance including induction ironing assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users find it inconvenient to iron clothes after drying due to the need for a separate ironing board and electrical outlet, leading to space constraints and increased wrinkles during transportation.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an induction coil assembly within a laundry appliance that generates a magnetic field to heat an ironing tool, allowing for in-appliance ironing without additional equipment, eliminating the need for a separate ironing board and electrical outlet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate ironing board and electrical outlet are used for ironing clothes, then ironing function is provided, but space constraints and increased wrinkles during transportation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveironing convenienceVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ironing function with the laundry appliance by integrating an induction coil assembly and ironing tool within the appliance cabinet. This merging eliminates the need for separate ironing boards and reduces the space required for ironing operations, as the ironing tool can be stored within the appliance when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laundry appliance is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating both the induction heating system for ironing and the drum for laundry operations. The induction coil assembly can selectively energize the ironing tool, allowing the same appliance to perform both laundry and ironing functions, thereby reducing the need for separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate ironing board and electrical outlet are used for ironing clothes, then ironing function is provided, but additional equipment and outlets are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveironing convenienceVSAvoidequipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ironing equipment into the laundry appliance structure. The induction coil assembly and ironing tool are integrated components that eliminate the need for separate ironing boards and external electrical outlets, as the appliance provides its own power source and housing for the ironing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laundry appliance becomes self-sufficient for ironing operations by incorporating its own induction heating system. The appliance does not require external ironing equipment or additional electrical outlets, as it generates its own magnetic field through the induction coil assembly to heat the ironing tool independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If clothes are transported to a separate ironing location, then ironing can be performed, but more wrinkles and compressed clothes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveironing accessibilityVSAvoidclothes condition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary ironing action by providing the ironing function within the laundry appliance itself. Clothes can be ironed immediately after drying without being transported to a separate location, preventing additional wrinkles and compression that would occur during transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By combining the ironing function with the laundry appliance, the patent eliminates the need to transport clothes to a separate ironing location. The integrated ironing tool allows clothes to remain in or near the appliance, maintaining their condition and preventing additional wrinkling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides a convenient, space-saving solution for ironing clothes directly within the laundry appliance, reducing wrinkles and eliminating the need for separate ironing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

an induction coil assembly positioned within the cabinet and being selectively energized to generate a magnetic field and an ironing tool that heats up when placed within the magnetic field generated by the induction coil assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11814780B2Laundry appliance including induction ironing assembly

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet for receipt of clothes, and an integrated ironing assembly including an induction coil assembly positioned within the cabinet, such as below a top panel of the cabinet, and being selectively energized to generate a magnetic field for heating an ironing tool, such as a ferromagnetic ironing plate, when the ironing tool is positioned within the magnetic field generated by the induction coil assembly.