Modular Air Supply Duct Layout for Multi-Size Laundry Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing costs of combined drying and washing machines increase due to the need for separately manufactured ducts corresponding to various tub sizes, which complicates the production process.
Innovation Solution
The air supply unit is modularized to include a fan duct, a heating duct, and a supply duct, allowing for selective combination based on tub size or air supply capacity, thereby accommodating various tub sizes without the need for multiple duct configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ducts are separately manufactured for various tub sizes, then the air supply unit can correspond to different tub capacities, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is designed with a universal structure that can be used across different tub sizes. The duct includes a blowing fan and heater integrated in a single configuration that adapts to various tub capacities, eliminating the need for multiple specialized duct designs. This universal design allows the same duct structure to serve multiple functions across different machine sizes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ducts are separately manufactured for various tub sizes, then the air supply unit can correspond to different tub capacities, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct employs a universal design that simplifies device complexity by using a single standardized configuration across all tub sizes. The integrated structure with the blowing fan and heater eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing the overall complexity of the air supply unit while maintaining compatibility with various tub capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct merges the blowing fan and heater into a single integrated structure, combining multiple functions into one unified component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall duct configuration, making the system less complex while still providing the necessary air circulation and heating functions for different tub sizes.
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 modular approach reduces manufacturing costs by allowing a single air supply unit design to fit different tub sizes, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in production.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing fan configured to blow air in a backward direction of the tub
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat the air blown by the blowing fan
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus (100) is disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet (110)defining an appearance thereof, a tub (120) disposed in the cabinet, a drum (130) rotatably disposed in the tub, and an air supply unit (200) configured to heat and circulate air in the tub, the air supply unit including a fan duct (210) coupled to an air collection port provided at the tub so as to collect the air in the tub, a heating duct (220) fixed to an upper portion of the tub and coupled to the fan duct so as to heat air supplied from the fan duct and to guide the air in a forward direction of the tub, and a supply duct coupled to the heating duct (250) so as to supply air in a forward direction of the tub.