Laundry treating apparatus having an induction heater
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses face inefficiencies and safety concerns with induction heating due to coil detachment from vibration, non-uniform heating, and structural complexities, particularly in washing and drying processes.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a coil induction module featuring a rectangular base housing with ribs and a permanent magnet to secure the coil, ensuring stable installation and uniform heating by concentrating the magnetic field onto the drum, preventing coil detachment through heat fusion and precise magnetic field direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a coil is wound around an induction heating module to heat the drum, then heating efficiency is improved, but the coil may be removed due to vibration during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a fixing structure (clips, adhesive layers, or recesses) that secures the coil to the induction heating module before vibration occurs during operation. This preventive measure ensures the coil remains in place throughout the washing cycle, maintaining heating efficiency while preventing detachment issues.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coil is tightly wound to improve heating uniformity, then heating uniformity is improved, but the structural complexity of the induction module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curvature by forming the induction heating module with a curved surface that matches the drum's geometry. The coil is wound along this curved surface, allowing uniform heating distribution across the drum while maintaining a relatively simple modular structure that can be easily installed and replaced.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a permanent magnet is added to concentrate the magnetic field, then heating efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning permanent magnets at specific locations on the induction heating module where magnetic field concentration is most needed. This selective placement enhances heating efficiency in critical areas without requiring magnets throughout the entire module, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity and production cost.
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 stability and efficiency of the induction heating process by maintaining coil attachment during operation, ensuring uniform heating and reducing energy waste, while improving safety and reducing structural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an induction module spaced apart from an outer circumferential face of the drum by a predetermined spacing, wherein the induction module has a coil formed by turns of a wire
Implementation Method 2
The solution enhances the stability and efficiency of the induction heating process by maintaining coil attachment during operation
Implementation Method 3
A laundry treating apparatus with a coil induction module featuring a rectangular base housing with ribs and a permanent magnet to secure the coil, ensuring stable installation and uniform heating by concentrating the magnetic field onto the drum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry care apparatus in which an induction module heats the drum uniformly using a magnetic field to dry laundry or heat wash-water, and center and front and rear regions of the drum are uniformly heated.