Laundry machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry machines lack efficiency and a sleek exterior design, with existing models often requiring separate partitions for different laundry functions and lacking advanced temperature control systems for optimal energy use and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine with a single partition dividing the cabinet into main and auxiliary spaces, featuring an air supply unit with temperature sensors and a control system that adjusts heating and fan operation based on temperature readings to optimize energy use and safety, including automatic shutdown when the drawer is opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate partitions are used for different laundry functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and exterior appearance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laundry treatment spaces (washing space and drying space) into a single cabinet body with integrated partitions. The control unit coordinates both spaces to perform different laundry functions simultaneously or sequentially, achieving functional versatility without requiring multiple separate machine partitions, thus simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adaptability.
2Productivity
If heating is continuously applied to speed up drying, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic heating cycles in the drying space, alternating between heating periods and natural circulation periods. The fan operates intermittently to circulate air, and the heater is activated only during specific time intervals, achieving effective drying through periodic thermal action rather than continuous heating, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan operates continuously or for extended periods to circulate air throughout the drying space, maintaining continuous moisture removal and heat distribution. This continuous air circulation complements periodic heating, ensuring that the useful drying action continues without interruption even when heating is temporarily reduced, optimizing energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If high temperature heating is used to reduce drying time, then productivity is improved, but user safety and energy efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The heating and drying functions are localized to a specific drying space within the cabinet, separated from the user-accessible areas. The control unit manages temperature distribution locally within the drying chamber, maintaining high temperatures only where needed for drying while keeping external air temperature acceptable, thus improving productivity without compromising user safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects air temperature within the drying space and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this temperature feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the heater power and fan operation, preventing excessive temperature buildup that could pose safety risks. This closed-loop control ensures productivity is maintained while automatically preventing harmful high-temperature conditions.
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
Enhances laundering efficiency, provides a modern exterior appearance, and ensures user safety by optimizing energy use through intelligent temperature control and automatic safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a heating part and a fan; a first sensor part sensing a temperature of air supplied by the air supply unit
Implementation Method 2
a heating part and a fan; selectively heating air inside the first space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A laundry machine includes a first laundry treatment space (12) configured to receive laundry therein, a second laundry treatment space (14) configured to receive laundry therein, and an air supply unit (40) configured to supply air to the second laundry treatment space, the air supply unit (40) comprising a fan (51 ), a heating part (60), a first sensor part (70) for sensing a temperature of air supplied by the air supply unit (40), and a control part for controlling a temperature of the supplied air to be within a predetermined range.