Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry dryers face issues with vibration and noise due to the deformation of the rear panel supporting the driving unit, misalignment of rotating shafts, limited control over drum rotation, inefficient space utilization, and condensation re-evaporation leading to reduced drying efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a driving unit that forms a concentric axis with the drum rotation center, utilizing a base for efficient space use, separate heat exchangers to prevent condensation re-evaporation, and a direct drive system for stable drum rotation and enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the driving unit is fixed to the rear panel to rotate the drum, then the drum can be rotated, but the rear panel deforms or vibrates under load causing misalignment and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a rigid base separate from the rear panel. The driving unit is mounted on the base rather than directly on the rear panel, dividing the support function from the panel structure to prevent deformation transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid base acts as an intermediary between the driving unit and the rear panel. It absorbs and isolates the mechanical loads and vibrations, preventing them from deforming the rear panel while still enabling drum rotation.
2Force
If a reducer is added to increase torque, then the drum rotation torque is improved, but the alignment between rotating shafts becomes more sensitive to panel deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into motor, reducer, and drum rotation shaft as separate modular components. Each can be precisely manufactured and aligned independently, with the rigid base providing a stable reference frame that maintains alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid base provides pre-established mechanical stability and precise mounting surfaces before the driving unit is installed. This prevents alignment issues from developing during operation, cushioning against the sensitivity of multi-component shaft alignment.
3Area of stationary object
If the driving unit is directly connected to the drum, then space utilization is improved, but control over drum rotation speed and acceleration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from direct mechanical connection to dynamic electronic control. The motor controller can independently adjust rotation speed, acceleration, and direction without changing the compact direct-drive mechanical structure, enabling precise drum rotation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller enables independent adjustment of rotational parameters (speed, acceleration, direction) while maintaining the compact direct-drive structure. This separates mechanical simplicity from operational flexibility, allowing precise control without additional mechanical components.
4Device complexity
If condensation is allowed to drain naturally, then the structure is simple, but re-evaporation of condensation reduces drying efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation collection function is extracted from the main drying chamber and relocated to a separate collection container. This isolates the condensation management process from the drying process, preventing re-evaporation while maintaining simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate condensation collection container acts as an intermediary between the drying chamber and the drainage system. It captures and holds condensation, preventing contact with hot air that would cause re-evaporation, while the simple drain structure maintains low complexity.
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
Reduces vibration and noise, maximizes drying efficiency by stable drum rotation, optimizes space utilization, and prevents condensation re-evaporation, thereby enhancing overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a motor located at a rear side of the drum and spaced apart from the base, and configured to supply power to rotate the drum
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange unit configured to condense moisture in air discharged from the inside of the drum
Implementation Method 3
a circulation fan configured to circulate air in the drum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drum configured to accommodate laundry, a base disposed below the drum, a motor located behind the drum, and a heat exchange unit including a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a compressor. The base includes a circulation flow path part configured to circulate air in the drum, a water collection part configured to accommodate condensed water, a collection guide part configured to guide the condensed water to the water collection part, and a water cover located between the first heat exchanger and the collection guide part and configured to support the first heat exchanger and to prevent the condensed water transferred along the collection guide part from coming into contact with the first heat exchanger. The water cover is spaced apart from the second heat exchanger.