Modular Air Supply Duct Assembly for Multi-Size Dryer Tubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combined drying and washing machines face increased manufacturing costs due to the need for variously sized air supply ducts to accommodate different tub sizes, necessitating a solution for a modular and adaptable air supply unit.
Innovation Solution
The air supply unit is modularized with a fan duct, heating duct, and supply duct that can be selectively combined based on tub size and blowing capacity, featuring couplers and seals for efficient air circulation and heating, allowing for adaptation to different tub sizes without the need for multiple duct configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ducts of the air supply unit are separately manufactured for various sizes of tub, then the air supply unit can accommodate different tub sizes, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized duct structure that can be used across multiple tub sizes. The air supply unit employs a common duct configuration that is not specifically tailored to each tub size, allowing the same duct design to serve multiple functions and accommodate different tub capacities without requiring separate manufacturing for each size variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the air supply system into modular components, specifically separating the duct from the air supply unit. This modularization allows the duct to be independently designed and manufactured as a standardized component, while the air supply unit can be adjusted or configured for different tub sizes without changing the duct structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If ducts are integrally formed with the air supply unit, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different tub sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the air supply system into modular components, specifically separating the duct from the air supply unit. This modularization allows the duct to be independently designed and manufactured as a standardized component, while the air supply unit can be adjusted or configured for different tub sizes without changing the duct structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between the duct and air supply unit detachable or adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the system to adapt to different configurations and tub sizes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components that can be assembled and disassembled as needed.
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 design reduces manufacturing costs by enabling the air supply unit to accommodate various tub sizes and capacities, improving efficiency and flexibility in air circulation and heating within the laundry treatment apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing fan configured to blow air
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat the air blown by the blowing fan
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet defining an appearance thereof, a tub disposed in the cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed in the tub, and an air supply unit configured to heat and circulate air in the tub, the air supply unit including a fan duct coupled to an air collection port provided at the tub so as to collect the air in the tub, a heating duct 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 so as to supply air in a forward direction of the tub.