Reversible Dryer Drum and Blower for Steam Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry dryers fail to optimally retain steam for effective de-wrinkling and refreshing due to sub-optimal drum rotation and airflow during steam introduction, often requiring separate motors and complex control systems, which increase costs and reduce steam dispersion into fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer with a reversible blower and rotatable drum that selectively adjusts airflow and moisture delivery, using a single motor to control both drum rotation and blower operation, allowing for bi-directional rotation and reduced airflow to enhance moisture retention and fabric exposure during tumbling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is introduced into the drum during conventional dryer operation, then de-wrinkling and refreshing benefits are provided, but the steam is not optimally retained in the drum due to sub-optimal drum rotation and airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The dryer implements periodic reversals of drum rotation direction and periodic reduction of airflow rate. During steam introduction, the drum reverses direction and airflow is reduced, creating periodic intervals where steam is retained longer in the drum to enhance de-wrinkling effectiveness, while still maintaining tumbling action for steam dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts drum rotation direction and airflow rate based on operational phase. The reversible drum and variable airflow allow the system to transition between different operational states (normal drying vs. steam treatment) to optimize both steam retention and fabric exposure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors are used for drum rotation and air circulation blower, then independent control of drum speed and blower speed is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drum drive motor and blower motor into a single motor unit. This single motor is capable of driving both the drum and the blower, eliminating the need for separate motors while maintaining the ability to independently control their operation through a unified control system.
3Reliability
If variable speed motor control is used to slow blower speed with drum rotation, then moisture retention is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous variable speed control, the system uses periodic reduction of airflow rate. The blower operates at reduced speed during specific intervals when steam is introduced and drum reversal occurs, then returns to normal speed for regular drying operations. This periodic approach achieves moisture retention benefits without requiring complex continuous variable speed control.
4Reliability
If intermittent or slower drum rotation is used during steam exposure, then moisture retention is improved, but steam dispersion into clothes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic reversals of drum rotation direction during steam introduction. These periodic reversals create intervals where the drum rotates more slowly or changes direction, allowing steam to be retained longer in the drum for de-wrinkling, while the tumbling action during reversal still ensures steam dispersion into the fabrics.
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 effectively removes wrinkles and refreshes fabrics by maintaining moisture longer within the drum, reducing costs and complexity by using a single motor and minimizing stress on the drive system while maintaining efficient tumbling action.
Implementation Method 1
an air delivery system operable to selectively provide air into the rotating drum at a first flow rate and at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate
Implementation Method 2
The moisture (H2O) can be provided in various forms, such as steam, sprayed droplets, a mist, drips, or combinations thereof
Implementation Method 3
The recirculated air retains a portion of its moisture when reintroduced into the drum after traveling through the condenser
Implementation Method 4
an air delivery system operable to selectively provide air into the rotating drum
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry dryer includes a rotatable drum and an air delivery system. The air delivery system can include a reversible blower that provides air at a first flow rate when operated in a first direction and provides air at a second lower flow rate when operated in an opposite second direction. The drum can be a reversibly rotatable drum that is rotatable in a first and an opposite second direction, and the dryer can include a drive motor that both rotates the drum and operates the blower. Drum and blower reversal may be controlled to optimize drying efficiency and also reduce stress on the drive system. A moisture delivery system can provide moisture (e.g., water mist or steam) into the drum while air is being provided at the lower second flow rate, and during drum rotation (tumbling).