Method for refreshing laundry without additional hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry refreshing methods in tumble dryers require additional hardware, increasing costs and complexity due to the need for separate steam generators or water spray systems.
Innovation Solution
Utilize the existing heat source and cold source of a household appliance, such as a condenser and evaporator, to generate high humidity process air by applying water directly or indirectly to these components, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate steam generator or water spray system is installed to refresh laundry, then the refreshing functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing heat source serve dual purposes: its original function of heating air for drying, and a new function of generating steam for refreshing laundry. By applying water to the heated heat source, steam is generated without requiring a separate steam generator, thus reducing manufacturing costs and device complexity while maintaining the refreshing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the steam generation function with the existing heat source component. Instead of adding a separate steam generation system, the water application system is integrated with the heat source, merging two functions (heating and steam generation) into a single component system, thereby reducing overall device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate steam generator is installed to refresh laundry, then the refreshing functionality is achieved, but the overall dryer manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat source is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional air heating for drying and steam generation for refreshing. This eliminates the need for additional steam generation hardware, reducing both manufacturing costs and the quantity of hardware components required
Solution Approach 2:
The heat source serves itself by generating steam from applied water without requiring external steam generation equipment. The existing component provides its own additional function (steam generation) that would traditionally require separate hardware, thereby reducing the total quantity of hardware components
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 manufacturing costs and complexity by leveraging existing components for refreshing laundry, while maintaining effectiveness in removing odors and creases without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat source for heating process air is heated to a defined temperature. Such defined temperature may be set in advance in order to evaporate water or in order to vaporize the water
Implementation Method 2
water is applied to the at least one heated heat source directly or indirectly in order to at least increase humidity of process air inside a process air channel
Implementation Method 3
The process air is moved inside the process air channel from the heat source to the drum by controlling a process air fan
Implementation Method 4
the heat source is formed as a condenser and is used to reheat the dry air before it is directed to the drum. During this operation, the temperature on fins of the heat source reaches for example 70°C
Implementation Method 5
prior to the heat source a cold source may be arranged in order to condensate moisture, which is drawn from the laundry. Then, the cooled process air can be provided to the heat source
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for refreshing laundry (200) inside a drum (110) of a household appliance (100), wherein at least one heat source (11) for heating process air is heated to a defined temperature, wherein water is applied to the at least one heated heat source (11) directly or indirectly in order to at least increase humidity of process air inside a process air channel (120), and wherein the process air is moved inside the process air channel (120) from the heat source (11) to the drum (110) by controlling a process air fan (13). Furthermore, the invention relates to a household appliance.