Laundry treating appliance and method of operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treating appliances require multiple water systems for heat exchanger washing and separate steam generation, leading to increased costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus where atomized liquid is introduced into the air conduit upstream of the heat source in a laundry treating appliance, allowing the heat source to heat both the air and the atomized liquid before it enters the drum, eliminating the need for a separate steam generating system by utilizing the existing water wash system for steam or refresh cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple water systems are used for heat exchanger washing and separate steam generation, then the laundry treating appliance can perform heat exchanger washing and steam generation functions, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the steam generation function with the existing water wash system by introducing an atomizer that sprays atomized water into the air stream upstream of the heat source. The heat source then heats both the air and the atomized water simultaneously, generating steam without requiring a separate steam generation system. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing water wash system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both heat exchanger washing and steam generation. The atomizer introduces atomized water into the air conduit, and the heat source heats this atomized water to generate steam, allowing the same system components to serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for additional dedicated steam generation equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges steam generation capability into the existing water wash system, eliminating the need for separate steam generation components, additional plumbing, and extra control systems. By using the atomizer to introduce atomized water into the air stream and the existing heat source to heat this water, the system achieves steam generation without additional manufacturing costs for separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The water wash system is designed to serve multiple functions - both washing the heat exchanger and generating steam. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If atomized liquid is introduced upstream of the heat source, then the heat source can heat both air and atomized liquid to generate steam, but the temperature distribution in the air conduit becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam generation capabilityVSAvoidtemperature distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The atomizer introduces atomized water at a specific location upstream of the heat source where the air stream can effectively mix and heat the droplets. This localized introduction of atomized liquid ensures that the phase change and heating occur in a controlled region, managing the temperature distribution complexity by confining it to a specific zone in the air conduit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of water from liquid to atomized droplets before introducing it to the heat source. This parameter change (atomization) increases the surface area-to-volume ratio of the water, enabling faster and more uniform heating and phase change, thereby managing the temperature distribution complexity through physical state modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces costs and complexity by integrating the water wash system with the steam generation, providing a cost-effective solution for laundry treating appliances by eliminating the need for additional plumbing and components.

Implementation Method 1

heating the air by operating the heat source, and introducing atomized liquid into the air conduit upstream of the heat source wherein the heat from the heat source heats the air and atomized liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

introducing atomized liquid into the air conduit upstream of the heat source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentUS10648125B2Laundry treating appliance and method of operation

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a drum, and an air conduit fluidly coupled to the drum, with a heat source associated with the air conduit, includes moving air through an air conduit to the drum; heating the moving air by operating the heat source; and introducing atomized liquid into the air conduit upstream of the heat source.