Laundry Apparatus Valve Assembly for Simplified Air Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing apparatuses face issues with complex structures when using external air for drying the outer cylinder, leading to increased energy consumption and potential secondary pollution from bacteria growth, and existing ventilation mechanisms complicate product design and pose safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A washing apparatus with a blocking mechanism using a driving motor to simultaneously block air inflow and outflow pipelines, facilitated by a transmission shaft and blocking plates, allowing external air to dry the outer cylinder and window gasket effectively while simplifying the product structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drying system operates continuously to remove residual water from the outer cylinder and window gasket, then the drying effect is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drying system operates intermittently rather than continuously. After the main drying cycle completes, the system performs additional residual water removal operations only when necessary (when humidity sensors detect high moisture levels), thereby maintaining drying effectiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
Humidity sensors are installed in the outer cylinder and window gasket areas to detect residual moisture levels. The control system receives feedback from these sensors and automatically adjusts the drying system operation - activating heating and air circulation only when humidity exceeds threshold levels, thus optimizing energy usage while ensuring thorough drying
2Device complexity
If the vent structure is arranged only on the front panel, then the product structure is simpler, but external dirt can easily enter from the rear vent
Solution Approach 1:
A filter structure is introduced as an intermediary component in the air intake path. The filter is positioned at the rear vent opening and serves as a barrier that allows air to pass through while blocking external dirt and contaminants from entering the drum washing machine, thus maintaining simple product structure while preventing harmful factors
3Reliability
If multiple vent structures are arranged to block all openings, then complete blocking is achieved, but the layout becomes complex and product design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple blocking functions are merged into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve body with multiple valve holes that can be simultaneously blocked by rotating the valve body, combining what would otherwise require multiple separate blocking mechanisms into one unified structure, thereby achieving complete blocking while maintaining simple product design
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
The solution reduces product complexity, enhances safety by preventing external dirt entry, and ensures effective air drying without increasing energy consumption, thereby improving user experience and product design simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a fan to circulate air through the pump pipe to the outer cylinder and window gasket
Implementation Method 2
A washing apparatus with a blocking mechanism using a driving motor to simultaneously block air inflow and outflow pipelines
Implementation Method 3
a wind detection device to ensure proper ventilation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to the technical field of laundry, particularly provides a laundry apparatus, and aims to solve the problem of an existing laundry apparatus being complex in terms of structure and not being conducive to a simplified design of a product structure when an outer tub is air-dried by external air. For this purpose, the laundry apparatus of the present invention comprises an outer tub, a window pad, a drainage pump, a valve assembly and a fan, wherein the drainage pump is in communication with the outer tub by means of a pump pipe; the valve assembly comprises a blocking mechanism and a valve shell having an air intake cavity and an air output cavity; the air intake cavity and the air output cavity are independently arranged; the air intake cavity is in communication with an air intake pipeline which provides communication between the outside and the pump pipe or the bottom of the outer tub; the air output cavity is in communication with an air output pipeline which provides communication between the outside and the window pad; the fan is arranged on the air intake pipeline and/or the air output pipeline; and the blocking mechanism is configured to simultaneously block the air intake pipeline and the air output pipeline. According to the present invention, the air drying effect between the outer tub and an inner tub can be improved, the overall structural arrangement of a product is facilitated, and the complexity of product design is reduced.