RF Dryer Lifter-Integrated Anode Design for Uniform Laundry Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers using RF signals for laundry drying suffer from non-uniform drying due to the formation of narrow electric fields and increased drying time, along with issues like abrasion and shrinkage of laundry.
Innovation Solution
A dryer design featuring a drum with protruding lifters containing anodes that output RF signals, along with a controller to adjust RF signal power based on reflected signals, to ensure uniform drying and reduce arc generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an anode and cathode are intersected and formed like teeth in the drum, then RF signal output is achieved, but non-uniform drying occurs due to narrow electric field formation
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is divided into multiple segments (first anode and second anode) positioned at different locations within the drum, with each segment independently connected to the RF output device. This segmentation allows the electric field to be distributed more uniformly across the drum interior, preventing the narrow electric field formation that occurs with traditional intersected tooth-like structures, while maintaining effective RF signal output for drying.
2Productivity
If traditional drying methods (drum rotation, heater and fan) are used, then drying function is achieved, but damage such as abrasion and shrinkage of laundry occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drying methods (drum rotation causing friction, heater and fan causing thermal stress) with an electromagnetic field-based RF drying system. The RF signal directly heats the water molecules in the laundry through dielectric heating, eliminating the need for mechanical drum rotation and reducing thermal stress from conventional heaters, thereby preventing abrasion and shrinkage while maintaining effective drying function.
3Loss of time
If RF signal is used for drying, then drying time is reduced, but arc generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (insulating material or shield) between the anode and drum interior surfaces to prevent direct contact and reduce arc generation. This intermediary allows the RF signal to effectively penetrate and dry the laundry while preventing electrical arcs from forming between the anode and the drum wall, thus maintaining the rapid drying advantage of RF technology while eliminating the harmful arc generation.
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 uniform drying of laundry, reduces drying time, and minimizes arc generation, while also protecting the anodes and reducing parasitic capacitance.
Implementation Method 1
a method of drying laundry using an RF signal
Implementation Method 2
output a RF signal of second power having a higher level than the first power during a heating section based on a RF signal reflected in response to the RF signal of the first power during the scan section
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dryer. A dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a drum, at least one lifter formed to protrude from an inner peripheral surface of the drum, an anode disposed in the lifter to output a RF signal, and a RF output device configured to output the RF signal. Therefore, it is possible to uniformly dry laundry in the drum.