Method of controlling a laundry treating machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating machines face inefficiencies in moisture removal during drying due to limited condensing surface area and lint accumulation, which increases cooling water consumption and poses operational risks.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a tub with a cooling water supply unit to form a condensing surface, a lint filter, and a filter cleaning unit to enhance condensing efficiency and prevent lint accumulation, using an air supply unit, cooling water nozzle, and filter cleaning device to manage air and moisture effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a condensing structure with limited condensing surface area is used, then the machine structure remains simple, but moisture removal efficiency deteriorates and cooling water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the condensing surface from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional structured surface by forming protrusions and recesses on the condensing plate. This dimensional change increases the effective condensing surface area without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint, thereby improving moisture removal efficiency while reducing cooling water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensing surface is segmented into multiple protrusions and recesses rather than being a single flat surface. This segmentation creates multiple localized condensation zones that enhance the overall condensing efficiency and moisture removal capability of the system.
2Reliability
If a lint filter is added to filter lint from air, then lint accumulation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter function is merged with the existing air circulation system by positioning the filter within the air flow path between the drying chamber and the condensing structure. This integration allows lint filtration to be achieved without adding a completely separate complex filtration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation system that already exists for moisture removal also serves the dual function of passing air through the lint filter. The system self-regulates by naturally filtering air as it circulates, reducing the need for additional active components.
3Productivity
If cooling water is supplied to form a condensing surface, then condensing efficiency is improved, but cooling water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a three-dimensional condensing surface with protrusions and recesses, the effective condensing area is increased without proportionally increasing cooling water consumption. The structured surface allows more efficient use of cooling water by creating multiple condensation zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the condensing surface by creating protrusions and recesses, which alters the surface area to volume ratio and improves condensing efficiency while optimizing cooling water usage.
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 configuration improves condensing efficiency, reduces cooling water waste, and facilitates easy lint filter cleaning, ensuring effective moisture removal and preventing operational issues related to lint accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling water supply unit to supply cooling water to an inner surface of the tub such that moisture contained in air is condensed at the inner surface of the tub
Implementation Method 2
a heating duct to heat the air moved by the blowing fan
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a laundry treating machine including a tub (120) to receive wash water, a drum (130) rotatably provided in the tub (120), an air supply device (160) circulating air along an air circulation path to supply air to the tub (120), a lint filter (162) positioned in the air circulation path to filter lint from the air circulated by the air supply device (160), a filter cleaning unit (200) to supply cleaning water to the lint filter (162) to remove the lint from the lint filter (162), a wash water supply unit (170, 172, 180) to supply the wash water to the tub (120), and a cleaning water supply unit (170, 174, 202) to supply the cleaning water to the filter cleaning unit (202), the laundry treating machine is configured to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin-drying cycle and a drying cycle. The method comprises: supplying the wash water by the wash water supply unit (170, 172, 180) during the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle; and supplying the cleaning water to the filter cleaning unit (200) by the cleaning water supply unit (170, 174, 202) during the drying cycle, wherein the supplying of the cleaning water is performed independently of the supplying of the wash water.