Laundry processing device and control method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laundry processing devices using carbon dioxide face challenges in safely managing internal pressure, particularly when the internal pressure of the storage tank rises above safety limits due to the flow of gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves controlling a valve between the storage tank and the distillation tank to maintain an open state, allowing for simultaneous pressure reduction in both tanks. This approach reduces the risk of rapid pressure increases and enables the use of a compressor with a relatively low torque motor, enhancing safety and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If a compressor is used to reduce internal pressure of the distillation tank, then the pressure can be controlled, but the pressure difference between tanks may cause the compressor to require high torque motor which is unsafe and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal pressure of distillation tankVSAvoidsafety of pressure control

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the storage tank and distillation tank to mediate pressure control. The valve allows controlled flow of gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank to the distillation tank, enabling pressure equalization without requiring a high-power compressor motor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure control function is segmented into two parts: (1) the valve controls the flow of gaseous carbon dioxide between tanks to manage pressure differences, and (2) the compressor only needs to handle smaller pressure adjustments when the valve is closed. This segmentation allows use of a lower-power motor while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If gaseous carbon dioxide flows from distillation tank to storage tank through compressor and cooler, then carbon dioxide is recycled, but the internal pressure of storage tank may rise exceeding safety range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide recycling efficiencyVSAvoidinternal pressure of storage tank

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Pressure sensors in both tanks provide feedback to the control module, which monitors pressure levels and automatically adjusts valve position and compressor operation to maintain safe pressure levels in the storage tank during carbon dioxide recycling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The valve between tanks is dynamically controlled to open or close based on real-time pressure conditions. When storage tank pressure approaches safety limits, the valve closes to prevent further pressure increase, allowing flexible adaptation to changing pressure conditions during recycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If valve between storage tank and distillation tank is closed, then pressure control is simplified, but pressure difference between tanks increases requiring higher power compressor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control mechanismVSAvoidcompressor motor power

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The valve operates periodically, opening when pressure difference becomes excessive and closing when pressure is equalized. This periodic action maintains relatively small pressure differences between tanks, allowing the compressor to use a lower-power motor while still achieving effective pressure control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively manages the internal pressure of the laundry processing device within a safe range, reducing the risk of pressure-related hazards and allowing for efficient operation using a low-torque motor compressor, thereby lowering costs and simplifying system layout.

Implementation Method 1

a cooler configured to cool the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor, and a controller configured to monitor a gas pressure inside the distillation tank and a gas pressure inside the storage tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

a compressor that is configured to suction at least one of the gaseous carbon dioxide of the distillation tank or the gaseous carbon dioxide of the storage tank, the compressor being configured to discharge gaseous carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250163634A1Laundry processing device and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A laundry processing device performs a control method. The laundry processing device includes a washing tub, a distillation tank that stores liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and gaseous carbon dioxide, a storage tank that stores liquid carbon dioxide generated by cooling gaseous carbon dioxide of the distillation tank and that stores gaseous carbon dioxide evaporated from the cooled liquid carbon dioxide, a compressor that suctions and discharges at least one of the gaseous carbon dioxide of the distillation tank or the gaseous carbon dioxide of the storage tank, a cooler that cools gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor, and a controller that monitors gas pressures inside the distillation tank and the storage tank.