Rack Drying Chamber Layout for Low-Wrinkle Laundry Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in minimizing wrinkles and achieving high drying efficiency, as they often either leave wrinkles on clothes due to air supply methods or result in low drying efficiency when trying to minimize wrinkles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed laundry treating apparatus includes a hinge unit that adjusts the rotation angle of racks, two independently partitioned dry spaces, and a unique air supply system with air inlet and supply holes positioned to enhance air circulation between racks, improving drying efficiency by ensuring heated air is effectively distributed across clothes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heated air is supplied to clothes while rotating the drum, then drying function is achieved, but wrinkles remain on clothes
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the drying process into two distinct modes: a drum rotation mode for initial drying and a rack-based static drying mode for wrinkle-free finishing. The drying chamber is divided to accommodate both the drum and multiple racks, allowing selective use of each drying approach based on the stage of the drying process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different drying configurations. The drum rotates during the first drying stage to maximize airflow and drying speed, then stops for the second stage where racks remain stationary to allow clothes to dry without movement, preventing wrinkle formation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If racks are used to minimize wrinkles, then wrinkle-free drying is achieved, but drying efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The drying process is segmented into two stages: high-efficiency drum rotation drying for the initial phase, and low-wrinkle rack-based drying for the final phase. This segmentation allows each method to be optimized for its specific function rather than compromising one for the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous drying action by transitioning seamlessly between the drum rotation mode and rack-based mode. The drum continues to circulate air during the rack drying phase, ensuring that the useful drying action continues without interruption while switching to the wrinkle-free configuration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heated air is supplied via the bottom surface of the dry chamber, then wrinkles are minimized, but drying efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system provides different air supply characteristics at different locations and times. During drum rotation, air is supplied to maximize circulation and drying speed. During rack-based drying, air is supplied via the bottom surface to create uniform upward airflow that prevents wrinkles while maintaining adequate drying efficiency.
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 enhances drying efficiency by up to 10% and reduces energy loss, while allowing for better air circulation and heat exchange, minimizing wrinkles and improving overall drying performance.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge unit comprises a rack shaft penetrating the dry chamber and forming a rotational center of the rack; a first operation body located outside the dry chamber and rotatable by the rack shaft
Implementation Method 2
an air supply unit for supplying heated air to the drum
Implementation Method 3
a second air supply unit for supplying heated air to the drum
Implementation Method 4
a connecting portion connecting the securing portion and the supporting portion with each other and providing an elastic force to the supporting portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus comprising a first cabinet (1); a dry chamber provided in the first cabinet (1) and defining a dry space; a first air supply unit (5) for supplying heated air to the dry chamber; a rack (81) provided in the dry chamber and providing a space in which dying objects are disposed; a second cabinet (41) disposed on a top surface or underneath the first cabinet (1); a drum (42) mounted in the second cabinet (41); and a hinge unit (9A,9B,9) for rotatably coupling the rack (81) in the dry chamber, wherein the hinge unit (9A,9B,9) comprises a rack shaft (911) penetrating the dry chamber and forming a rotational center of the rack (81); a first operation body (91) located outside the dry chamber and rotatable by the rack shaft (911); a stopper body (95) comprising a first stopper (955) and a second stopper (957), which are spaced a preset distance from each other, and located outside the dry chamber; and a second operation body (93) rotatable between the first stopper (955) and the second stopper (957) and rotatable in the reverse direction of a rotational direction of the first operation body (91) by contacting with the first operation body (91) when the first operation body (91) is rotated.