Multi-Rack Laundry Dryer Air Distribution for Uniform Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses face challenges in drying a large amount of clothes simultaneously while ensuring even air distribution, which can lead to overdrying or underdrying, and they also struggle to prevent exposure of a thermoplastic resin film on mesh racks.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a drying chamber with multiple racks and an air supply system that includes a guide to evenly distribute air between the racks, and a rack design that prevents exposure of a thermoplastic resin film by using a mesh frame and frame through holes to accommodate the mesh, ensuring uniform drying and minimizing film exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple racks are arranged in the drying chamber to dry a large amount of clothes at one time, then the drying capacity is improved, but the air supply uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying capacityVSAvoidair supply uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply system is segmented into multiple independent air supply ports distributed across the drying chamber, with each port serving specific rack positions. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of air flow to different rack zones, ensuring uniform air distribution even with multiple racks present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different air supply parameters (flow rate, temperature, direction) are applied to different local zones of the drying chamber based on the specific rack arrangements and drying requirements. The air supply system adapts its characteristics locally to match the needs of clothes at different positions, maintaining uniformity across the entire chamber

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a mesh rack with thermoplastic resin film is used to prevent film exposure, then the rack durability is improved, but the air circulation is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverack durabilityVSAvoidair circulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack structure utilizes porous or perforated materials that allow air to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity and protective function. The porous design enables air circulation through the racks rather than being blocked by solid surfaces, preserving drying efficiency while ensuring rack durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 solution allows for efficient drying of a large quantity of clothes with even air distribution, preventing overdrying or underdrying, and effectively minimizes the exposure of thermoplastic resin films on the racks, enhancing drying efficiency and preventing film exposure.

Implementation Method 1

an air supply unit configured to supply heated air to the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a guide arranged in the supply port to guide air supplied from the air supply unit to at least one of a space between the first rack and the second rack and a space between the second rack and the bottom surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

the first vent portion allowing a space above the first rack to communicate with a space below the first rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3575479B1Laundry treatment apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3575479B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3575479B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3575479B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laundry treatment apparatus including a cabinet having a drawer provided with a drying chamber including a bottom, a front and first and second side surfaces as well as a rear surface facing the front surface , a first rack arranged in the drying chamber, a first vent portion allowing a space above the first rack to communicate with a space below the first rack, a second rack arranged in the drying chamber, a second vent portion allowing a space above the second rack to communicate with a space below the second rack, a supply port formed to penetrate the rear surface, an air supply unit, and a guide arranged in the supply port to guide air supplied from the air supply unit to at least one of a space between the first rack and the second rack and a space between the second rack and the bottom surface.