Reversible Radial Fan Venting for Laundry Tub Deodorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry care appliances lack an effective method to completely remove deodorizing substances, such as ozone, from the washing tub after the deodorization process, posing health risks to users.
Innovation Solution
A laundry care appliance equipped with a deodorization module featuring a radial fan that can rotate in two directions, generating air flows of different intensities to distribute and then remove deodorizing substances, ensuring their effective removal from the tub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the radial fan operates in a single direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust air flow intensity for different process stages is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The radial fan is designed to be reversible, allowing it to change rotation direction dynamically between distribution mode and removal mode. This dynamic adaptability enables the same fan to serve multiple functions with different air flow intensities without requiring separate fans for each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single radial fan performs multiple functions: distributing deodorizing substance during the first time period and removing it during the second time period. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components while maintaining process flexibility.
2Productivity
If a single fan is used for both distribution and removal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air flow intensity required for effective removal may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates in two distinct operational states with different rotation directions. The first direction provides gentle air flow for distribution, while the second direction generates intensive air flow for removal. This dynamic switching enables the single fan to meet the high air flow intensity requirements for effective substance removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan reverses its rotation direction to achieve the removal function. By rotating in the opposite direction from the distribution phase, the fan generates air flows in reverse direction with higher intensity, effectively expelling the deodorizing substance from the tub.
3Ease of operation
If the fan operates continuously in one direction, then the control system is simplified, but the ability to provide different air flow intensities for distribution and removal is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operation is divided into periodic stages: a first time period for distribution with rotation in the first direction, followed by a second time period for removal with rotation in the second direction. This periodic switching between operational modes enables effective control of the deodorizing process while ensuring complete substance removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches the fan between two rotation directions based on the process stage. This dynamic control, while slightly more complex than continuous operation, ensures optimal performance for both distribution and removal phases, particularly guaranteeing effective removal before allowing door opening.
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 precise adjustment of air flow intensity to effectively distribute and remove deodorizing substances, enhancing user safety by ensuring their complete removal after the deodorization process, particularly important for harmful substances like ozone.
Implementation Method 1
the deodorization module being connected to the tub and comprising a radial fan for ventilating the tub, the radial fan having a first direction of rotation and can be driven in a second direction of rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry-care appliance (100) having a washing tub (107) and a deodorizing module (109) for dispensing deodorizing substance into the washing tub (107), wherein the deodorizing module (109) is connected to the washing tub (107) and comprises a radial fan (115) for ventilating the washing tub (107), wherein the radial fan (115) is drivable in a first direction of rotation (121) and in a second direction of rotation (123). The deodorizing module (109) is configured to dispense deodorizing substance into the washing tub (107) in a first period of time, wherein the radial fan (115) is drivable in the first direction of rotation (121) in the first period of time in order to distribute the deodorizing substance in the washing tub (107). The radial fan (115) is drivable in the second direction of rotation (123) in a second period of time following the first period of time, in order to remove the deodorizing substance from the washing tub (107) in the second period of time.