Method for controlling laundry treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry treatment apparatuses lack a control method for effectively supplying steam during the drying process of bedclothes, which is necessary for achieving wrinkle removal, deodorization, static electricity removal, dust removal, and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a laundry treatment apparatus that includes a drum driving step, a steam supply step, and an air supply step, where steam is supplied to the bedclothes during specific drum rotation cycles and air circulation is managed to maintain a predetermined internal temperature, allowing for efficient drying and additional refresh functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is supplied to bedclothes during drying, then sterilization and refresh effects are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic steam supply during the drying process by dividing the drying course into multiple stages. Steam is supplied intermittently at specific intervals rather than continuously, allowing the bedclothes to be heated and sterilized while maintaining energy efficiency. The controller manages steam generator operation in periodic cycles that coincide with drum rotation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water to steam for sterilization purposes. The steam generator converts liquid water into steam phase, which then contacts the bedclothes during drum rotation, providing high-temperature sterilization effect. The phase change from liquid to gas releases latent heat that enhances the sterilization capability while being energy-efficient.
2Reliability
If steam is supplied continuously, then sterilization effect is improved, but drying efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic steam supply combined with periodic drum rotation to maintain both sterilization effect and drying efficiency. During steam supply phases, the drum rotates to distribute steam evenly, then pauses to allow steam penetration and sterilization. This periodic coordination ensures thorough sterilization without prolonged drying time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary drum rotation to distribute bedclothes before steam supply, ensuring even exposure during sterilization. The drum rotates initially to spread the bedclothes uniformly, then steam is supplied during subsequent rotation phases, maximizing sterilization effectiveness while minimizing total processing time.
3Productivity
If drum rotation speed is increased, then drying speed is improved, but steam penetration into bedclothes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic drum rotation with variable speeds. During steam supply phases, the drum rotates at lower speed to allow steam penetration into the bedclothes. During non-steam phases, the drum rotates at higher speed to accelerate drying. This speed variation maintains both drying efficiency and steam penetration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts drum rotation speed based on the operational phase. The controller modifies rotation speed in real-time: slower during steam supply for penetration, faster during air drying for efficiency. This dynamic speed adjustment optimizes both steam penetration and drying speed throughout the drying course.
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 method enables the laundry treatment apparatus to dry bedclothes while performing wrinkle removal, deodorization, static electricity removal, dust removal, and sterilization, and maintains the internal temperature of bedclothes for enhanced sterilization effects.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator for generating steam
Implementation Method 2
moisture of humid air passing through the evaporator is condensed on the surface of the evaporator according to operation of the heat pump
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump for heating air using a heat pump unit in which refrigerant circulates a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A method controls a laundry treatment apparatus that includes a drum in which a target object to be dried is put, a drum motor to drive the drum, an air duct to guide air into the drum, a heat pump provided in the air duct to dehumidify and heat the air, a blower fan to move the air of the air duct, and a blower motor to drive the blower fan. The method includes a drum driving step for repeatedly driving the drum by accelerating and decelerating the drum, a steam supply step for supplying or stopping steam for a predetermined time during execution of the drum driving step, and an air supply step for circulating internal air of the drum during execution of the drum driving step. The circulation of the internal air of the drum is stopped during execution of the steam supply step.