Multi-Device Clothes Dryer with Independent Heat Source Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clothing drying apparatuses cannot provide different levels of heat supply to multiple clothing treatment devices simultaneously, limiting their ability to meet the diverse drying requirements of users and restricting the independence of drying operations.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features multiple intermediate heat source sections with heating devices and multi-position switching members that allow for selective communication between clothing drying devices, hot air input/output sections, and intermediate heat source sections, enabling variable heat supply and independent operation of drying devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single drying system is used to serve multiple clothing treatment devices, then the system structure is simple, but all devices must share the same drying airflow temperature and cannot operate independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoiddrying temperature control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drying system is segmented into multiple independent heating devices (first heating device and second heating device) that can independently control drying airflow temperature for different clothing treatment devices. This segmentation allows each device to have customized temperature control while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic switching mechanisms (first multi-position switching member and second multi-position switching member) that allow flexible allocation of heating devices to different clothing treatment devices based on operational needs. This dynamic configuration enables independent operation and temperature control for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating devices are provided for different clothing treatment devices, then different temperature control is achieved, but the system structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying temperature controlVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple heating devices share common structural components including the air duct system, switching mechanisms, and control logic. Each heating device can serve different clothing treatment devices through the switching members, providing universal functionality that reduces overall system complexity despite having multiple heating sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If one clothing treatment device is used first, then the drying system is occupied and other devices must wait, but this improves system resource utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem resource utilizationVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switching members enable dynamic reallocation of heating devices to different clothing treatment devices based on operational status and demand. This dynamic allocation allows multiple devices to operate simultaneously with different heating devices, eliminating waiting time while maintaining high resource utilization through flexible assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a single heating device is used for multiple devices, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide different temperature levels to different devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operationVSAvoidheat supply level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each heating device is equipped with independent control mechanisms that allow autonomous temperature regulation for the clothing treatment devices it serves. The switching members and heating devices work together to enable self-service temperature control, where each device can independently adjust its drying temperature without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration allows for the provision of different temperature drying airflows to multiple devices simultaneously, enabling independent operation and meeting the multi-aspect drying requirements of users, thereby enhancing user experience by allowing any device to start drying without affecting others.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plurality of intermediate heat source sections is provided with at least one heating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4086382B1Clothes drying device
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4086382B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4086382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A clothes drying device, comprising an air channel, an air path switching assembly, multiple clothes drying apparatuses (7, 8), and multiple heating apparatuses (3, 4). The air path switching assembly comprises a first multi-position switching component (5) and a second multi-position switching component (6). The first multi-position switching component (5) and the second multi-position switching component (6) are respectively provided between a hot air input section and intermediate heat source sections (1, 2) and between a hot air output section and the intermediate heat source sections (1, 2); the first multi-position switching component (5) and the second multi-position switching component (6) have the same number of switching positions and are configured to work in conjunction to each other so that at least one clothes drying apparatus (7, 8) is selectively communicated with the corresponding hot air input section, the hot air output section, and the intermediate heat source sections (1, 2) so as to form a circulation loop. Each heating apparatus is configured to be capable of being independently opened or closed, can satisfy a variety of clothes drying needs of a user, thereby improving the user experience.