Non-Circular Laundry Drum Structure for Higher Drying Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drying machines face challenges in securing maximum space for the drum due to its rotational nature, which limits the capacity and efficiency of laundry drying.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a rotatable drum having a non-circular closed cross-section, supported by upper and lower circular guides, and featuring open front and rear panels with discharge holes for air evacuation, along with a suction duct to efficiently remove air, allowing for smooth agitation and maximum space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional circular drum is used, then the drum can rotate smoothly, but the space for receiving laundry is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is designed with a non-circular closed cross-section, specifically an oval or elliptical shape, which maximizes the internal volume for laundry capacity while maintaining rotational capability. This asymmetric geometry allows better space utilization compared to a conventional circular drum of the same external dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the drum is made larger to increase capacity, then more laundry can be received, but the drum rotation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drum employs a non-circular cross-section with specific curvature characteristics that optimize both volume and rotational performance. The oval/elliptical shape provides increased internal volume while the curved surfaces maintain smooth airflow patterns during rotation, reducing turbulence and enabling effective rotation despite the larger size.
3Productivity
If discharge holes are added to the front panel, then air can be discharged from the drum, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is designed with multiple discharge holes that allow efficient air evacuation from the drum during operation. The holes are strategically positioned and sized to maintain adequate structural strength while enabling sufficient air flow for the drying process.
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 enables efficient air discharge and suction, ensuring smooth laundry agitation and maximizing space within the drum, thereby enhancing drying efficiency and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a suction duct coupled to the front panel and sucks air discharged through the discharge holes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus that smoothly agitates laundry with as large space as possible for receiving laundry. The laundry treating apparatus includes: a rotatable drum that receives laundry, has open front and rear, and is formed to have a non-circular closed cross-section; a front panel closing the open front of the drum and having a plurality of discharge holes through which air in the drum is discharged; and a suction duct coupled to the front panel and sucks air discharged through the discharge holes.