Reversible Heat Pump Dryer for Refreshing and Warming Laundry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry-drier machines lack additional functions beyond traditional drying, such as efficient cooling and temperature control for refreshing or warming dry laundry, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A laundry-drier machine equipped with a reversible heat pump that can switch between heating and cooling modes, allowing for customizable temperature control and new programs like refreshing and warming, using a control system to manage the heat pump and fan operation based on user selection and door status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional heat pump is used for heating air during drying, then energy efficiency is improved, but the machine lacks additional functions for cooling and temperature control of dry laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is made dynamic by enabling reversible operation between heating and cooling modes. The fourth valve allows the refrigerant circuit to switch between conventional heating mode (for drying) and cooling mode (for refreshing laundry), transforming a static single-function system into a dynamic multi-function system that adapts to different user needs while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional air heating for drying laundry, and additional cooling function for refreshing dry laundry. By integrating the reversible heat pump with the existing drying system, the machine gains versatility without requiring separate heating and cooling systems, thus maintaining energy efficiency while adding temperature control capabilities
2Extent of automation
If operating programs have predetermined fixed duration, then automation is improved, but user convenience is reduced due to inability to maintain temperature until user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the door opening/closing status and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust program duration. When the door is opened during a refreshing program, the system receives feedback and extends the program to maintain the cooling function until the user closes the door and takes out the laundry, thereby improving user convenience while preserving automation through sensor-based control
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating programs are added for refreshing and warming, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding separate heating systems, cooling systems, and multiple independent programs, the invention uses a single reversible heat pump with a fourth valve to provide both heating and cooling functions. The control system manages different programs (drying, refreshing, warming) by switching the heat pump between modes, thereby achieving program variety without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function for refreshing laundry is merged with the existing heat pump system used for heating during drying. By combining both temperature control functions into a single reversible heat pump system with intelligent control, the invention achieves multi-program adaptability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through resource sharing and integrated control
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
Enables enhanced user benefits through additional programs like refreshing and warming, optimizing energy consumption and user convenience by allowing temperature maintenance until the user intervenes, reducing program duration and interactions.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant is then made to pass into a condenser, where it transfers heat to the flow of forced air, which is thus heated
Implementation Method 2
the corresponding evaporator is directly exploited to bring about condensation of the moisture of the air of the forced flow
Implementation Method 3
then into the evaporator, to return again to the compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Laundry drying machine (1) comprising ventilation means, including a fan (7), for generating a forced flow (F) of air, and heating means, including a heat pump (10), for heating the air of the forced flow (F); said machine (1) has a control system including a control unit (6), provided for controlling execution of a plurality of operating programs of the machine (1), and a user interface (5), which has selection means (S) for selecting a desired operating program, the machine (1) further comprises change-over means (20), which can be controlled by the control unit (6) for assuming a first operating condition and a second operating condition in order to obtain from the heat pump (10) heating and cooling, respectively, of the air of the forced flow (F), the control unit (6) is provided for controlling the change-over means (20) so as to assume the second operating condition following upon selection of at least a first one of the operating programs that can be selected via the selection means (S).