Steam Dryer Drum Preheating to Prevent Condensation Wrinkles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clothes drying machines without air heating mechanisms cause steam to condense on the drum walls, leading to ineffective drying and moisture issues, resulting in wrinkled laundry.
Innovation Solution
A clothes drying machine with a closed-loop hot air circuit, a condenser to cool and condense humid air, and a steam generator to introduce steam into the air circuit, minimizing condensation and ensuring the laundry is smoothed effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If steam is introduced into a cold drum structure without air heating, then the drum structure cools down, but steam condenses on the drum walls causing moisture issues and ineffective drying
Solution Approach 1:
The air heating element pre-heats the air before steam introduction, and the drum structure is pre-heated by circulating hot air through the drum walls. This preliminary heating action prevents steam condensation when steam is introduced, as the drum structure maintains a temperature above the dew point of the steam-containing air.
Solution Approach 2:
Heated air acts as an intermediary medium between the heating element and the drum structure. The heating element heats the air, and this hot air then circulates through the drum structure, transferring heat to the drum walls and preventing steam condensation without direct contact between the heating element and drum structure.
2Productivity
If a closed-loop hot air circuit is used with steam introduction, then drying efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation fan serves multiple functions: it circulates air through the heating element, distributes heated air through the drum structure, and maintains air flow during both drying and steam smoothing cycles. The heating element also serves dual purposes of drying and preparing the drum structure for steam introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying and steam smoothing functions are merged into a single integrated system. The same drum structure, air circulation system, and control mechanism handle both conventional drying and steam smoothing operations, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If steam is introduced to smooth clothes, then creasing is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to steam generation and heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature and humidity parameters of the air in the drum during the smoothing cycle. By controlling the steam introduction rate and air circulation, the system maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels for fabric smoothing without excessive energy consumption, adjusting parameters dynamically based on cycle progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation and heating continue continuously throughout the smoothing cycle, maintaining consistent temperature and humidity conditions. The steam introduction is continuous at a controlled rate, ensuring steady-state conditions for effective smoothing without energy-wasting cycling or interruptions.
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 reduces creasing of clothes by maintaining hot air circulation, minimizing steam condensation, and optimizing water and energy consumption, resulting in efficient drying and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
the air being heated by at least one heating element
Implementation Method 2
said condenser cooling the hot and humid air and condensing the humidity of this hot air
Implementation Method 3
the steam produced by said steam generator being introduced into said hot air circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A process for smoothing the laundry in a laundry drying machine (1) comprises a steam generator (12), a condenser (9) and a drum (2) housed inside a casing, said drum (2 ) containing the laundry to be smoothed, said drum (2) being connected to said condenser (9) by a pipe (13), said condenser (9) being connected to at least one fan (8) by a pipe (14), and said at least one fan (8) being connected to said drum (2) by a pipe (15). The process for smoothing the laundry in a laundry drying machine (1) successively comprises the following steps: a first phase of preheating the steam generator (12); a second phase of preheating the drum (2) by at least one heating element (6) and a circulation of hot air generated by said at least one fan (8); a third phase of steam generation and circulation of the steam from the steam generator (12) to the drum (2); a fourth step of evacuating the steam from the drum (2) and cooling the laundry contained in said drum (2). Use in particular in a domestic laundry drying machine.