Drying system and laundry machines using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated washer dryers face inefficiencies in moisture absorption due to consistent evaporator temperatures, leading to longer drying times and higher power consumption, especially in low-temperature environments, and are bulky and costly due to separate washing and drying systems in twin load machines.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine design incorporating a dehumidifier with a circulation fan, regeneration fan, and condenser, where a roller assembly with a moisture absorption and removal structure absorbs moisture from humid air and exhausts it through a regeneration passage, eliminating the need for an evaporator and allowing for independent operation of multiple containers for different laundry needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an evaporator with consistent temperature is used to heat and absorb moisture from humid air, then the drying system can operate continuously, but the moisture absorption efficiency decreases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, consistent temperature evaporator to a dynamic system where the evaporator temperature varies during operation. The evaporator is divided into multiple sections with different temperatures, and the system dynamically adjusts which sections are active based on the drying stage and humidity levels, optimizing moisture absorption efficiency while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporator is segmented into multiple sections with different temperatures. This segmentation allows different parts of the evaporator to perform different functions - some sections operate at higher temperatures for initial moisture removal while others operate at lower temperatures for finishing, thereby improving overall moisture absorption efficiency without sacrificing continuous operation capability.
2Productivity
If the evaporator temperature is increased to improve moisture absorption in low-temperature environments, then drying efficiency improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different temperature zones within the evaporator structure. Instead of uniformly heating the entire evaporator, specific sections are heated to different temperatures based on their functional requirements. This allows high-temperature zones to provide efficient moisture absorption when needed while low-temperature zones consume less energy, optimizing the balance between drying efficiency and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter of the evaporator sections based on operating conditions. In low-temperature environments, the system activates high-temperature sections to maintain drying efficiency. As drying progresses and humidity decreases, the system reduces the temperature of active sections, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate drying performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If twin load washing machines use independent and separate washing systems and drying systems for upper and lower washing areas, then different laundry items can be treated differently, but the machine becomes too high, too bulky, inconvenient for users to operate, and high in cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a shared dehumidification system that serves both the upper and lower washing areas. Instead of having completely independent drying systems, the dehumidifier can selectively dehumidify air from either container or both simultaneously, providing differentiated treatment capability while avoiding the complexity and bulk of fully separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the dehumidification functions for both washing areas into a single integrated dehumidifier unit. This consolidation reduces the overall number of components, decreases machine height and bulk, and lowers cost while maintaining the ability to independently control dehumidification for different laundry types through selective air intake from either container.
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 design enhances moisture absorption efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and provides a more compact and cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for separate washing and drying systems, while maintaining effective drying performance across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture absorption and removal structure configured to absorb moisture in the moist air
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to condense water from the generated airflow
Data Source
AI summary
Laundry machines and methods for operating the same are disclosed. A laundry machine includes a container for containing laundry and a dehumidifier including a circulation fan for generating moist air flowing out of the container toward a moisture absorption and removal structure for absorbing moisture in the moist air, a regeneration fan for generating airflow including the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorption and removal structure to flow toward a condenser for condensing water from the generated airflow. The moisture absorption and removal structure is disposed adjacent to the circulation fan, the regeneration fan, and the condenser; wherein the moisture absorption and removal structure comprises a roller assembly, a functional roller is provided on at least one of a bottom portion of the roller assembly or a side of the roller assembly.