Steam Drum Drying Control for Laundry Wrinkle Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines fail to completely remove wrinkles from clothes during the drying process, necessitating an additional ironing step, and there is a need for a method to easily and conveniently remove wrinkles during storage and use.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine control method that involves supplying steam and hot air into the drum to dry clothes, with a heating step before steam generation, intermittent drum rotation, and water management to optimize wrinkle removal and prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional drying process is used, then drying efficiency is maintained, but wrinkles on clothes are not completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heating the drum interior before the steam generation phase. The control unit operates the heating unit to raise the drum temperature to a predetermined level before introducing steam, ensuring the drum is pre-heated to optimize wrinkle removal effectiveness during the subsequent steam treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting multiple parameters including drum rotation speed (varying between phases), temperature (heating to predetermined level before steam), steam supply amount, and phase timing. These parameter variations enable effective wrinkle removal while maintaining efficient drying performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional ironing process is added, then wrinkle removal quality is improved, but process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drying process with wrinkle removal functionality by introducing a steam supply unit that operates during the drying cycle. The control unit coordinates the heating unit, steam supply unit, and drum rotation to simultaneously achieve drying and wrinkle removal, eliminating the need for separate ironing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The laundry machine is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating wrinkle removal capability into the existing drying system. The steam supply unit and controlled heating/rotation system enable the machine to perform both drying and wrinkle removal functions within a single operational cycle.
3Manufacturing precision
If steam is supplied continuously, then wrinkle removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the drying process into multiple phases (first drying phase, steam supply phase, second drying phase) with the steam supply unit operating during specific intervals. The control unit manages periodic steam supply rather than continuous operation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining wrinkle removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-heating the drum interior before steam supply. The heating unit operates first to raise the drum temperature to a predetermined level, preparing the environment for more efficient steam-based wrinkle removal and reducing the total energy required for the steam phase.
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
Effectively prevents and removes wrinkles from clothes without the need for ironing, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of the laundry process.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (200) for generating steam
Implementation Method 2
generating steam by heating water
Implementation Method 3
a hot air heater (90) for heating air to generate high-temperature air
Implementation Method 4
supplying hot air into the drum to dry clothes wetted by the steam
Implementation Method 5
intermittent drum rotation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a control method thereof. The control method includes supplying steam, generated by a steam generator, into a drum, and supplying hot air into the drum to dry clothes wetted by the steam. According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively removing wrinkles on clothes.