Direct-Drive Laundry Drum Rear Airflow for Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses face inefficiencies due to slipping between belts and drums, restricted rotation speed and direction changes, and space constraints when using a belt for power transmission, as well as air leakage and heat transfer issues when the driving part is located at the rear of the drum.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus design where the driving part is directly connected to the drum, with an air flow portion on the rear plate to efficiently supply air and manage heat dissipation, utilizing the cabinet space effectively and preventing thermal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a belt is used for power transmission from the driving part to the drum, then the drum can be rotated, but slipping occurs between the belt and the driving part or drum due to rotation speed or inertia, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the belt from the power transmission system and directly connects the driving part to the drum. This eliminates the intermediate transmission element that causes slipping, thereby resolving the energy loss issue while maintaining drum rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct mechanical connection (shaft coupling) as the intermediary between the driving part and drum, replacing the belt-based flexible connection. This rigid coupling ensures synchronized rotation without slipping, improving power transmission efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a belt is used for power transmission, then the drum can rotate, but the rotation speed and direction changes are restricted due to belt constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the belt from the system, the patent eliminates the constraints that limit rotation speed and direction changes. The direct connection allows the driving part to control the drum's rotation more freely without belt tension or slip limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct coupling enables dynamic adjustment of rotation speed and direction without the mechanical constraints of a belt system. The drum can accelerate, decelerate, and reverse more responsively since there is no intermediate element to restrict motion dynamics.
3Productivity
If the driving part is disposed at the rear of the drum connected to the drum, then the belt can be omitted and power transmission efficiency improved, but heat from the drum interior transfers to the driving part causing thermal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air flow portion as a thermal intermediary between the drum interior and the driving part. This air flow channel acts as a heat sink and cooling pathway, allowing heat to be carried away from the driving part while maintaining the direct mechanical connection for power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes air flow (pneumatics) to manage thermal conditions around the driving part. By creating a controlled air flow environment, the system actively cools the driving part without requiring physical separation or additional cooling mechanisms, thus maintaining both efficiency and thermal safety.
4Productivity
If the driving part is disposed at the rear of the drum, then direct connection improves power transmission, but space allocation for components becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The rear plate serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface for the driving part, creates the air flow portion for thermal management, and defines the structural boundary of the drum assembly. This multi-functionality maximizes space utilization while maintaining efficient power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow portion is integrated within the rear plate structure, nesting the cooling function inside the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate cooling housings or additional space, as the thermal management feature is embedded within the drum assembly's rear structure.
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 design enhances drum rotation efficiency, increases cabinet space utilization, improves air supply, and reduces heat transfer to the driving part, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and preventing thermal damage.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation flow channel that receives air from the drum and provides the air to the drum again
Implementation Method 2
a heat pump that is connected to the circulation flow channel to heat the air
Implementation Method 3
a washing machine, a dryer, a refresher (a styler), and the like
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a laundry treating apparatus comprising: a cabinet (100), a drum (200) rotatably disposed inside the cabinet (100) and configured to receive laundry, and a driving part (400) disposed at the rear plate (110) and configured to provide a rotation force to the drum (200), wherein the rear plate (110) includes: a driving part mounting portion (120), and an air flow portion (130) surrounding the driving part mounting portion (120), wherein the air flow portion (130) includes a flow space having an open front surface facing the drum (200), wherein the drum rear surface (210) includes: a rear surface central portion (220) facing the driving part mounting portion (120), and an air passage (230) surrounding the rear surface central portion (220), wherein the rear surface central portion (220) is disposed in front of the driving part (400), and wherein the air passage (230) is disposed to be spaced radially outward apart from the driving part (400).