Steam Dryer Control for Wrinkle Removal and Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry dryers fail to remove wrinkles from laundry during the drying process, necessitating additional ironing and there is a need for a system to detect malfunctions in steam generators used in laundry machines.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine equipped with a steam generator that supplies high-temperature steam to the drum and a controller to determine malfunctions by monitoring the temperature increasing time within the steam generator, ensuring efficient wrinkle removal and system safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional laundry dryers are used to dry washed laundry, then the drying function is achieved, but wrinkles are not removed and auxiliary ironing is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drying function and wrinkle removal function into a single integrated process. The steam generator is integrated into the dryer to provide steam injection during the drying cycle, allowing both drying and wrinkle removal to occur simultaneously without requiring separate ironing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dryer is transformed into a multi-functional device that performs both drying and wrinkle removal. The steam generator enables the dryer to not only dry laundry but also effectively remove wrinkles, making the device universal for both purposes and eliminating the need for auxiliary ironing equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clothes are kept and used rather than washed laundry, then wrinkle removal is needed after common usage and keeping
Solution Approach 1:
The steam injection system is designed to handle different types of laundry including both freshly washed laundry and clothes that have been kept and worn. The system adapts to various fabric types and wrinkle conditions, providing effective wrinkle removal for diverse laundry scenarios through the same integrated mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If steam generator is added to remove wrinkles, then wrinkle removal capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is merged with the existing dryer system rather than being a completely separate addition. The control unit integrates the steam generation control with the drying cycle control, and the steam injection mechanism is incorporated into the dryer's existing structure, reducing overall system complexity despite adding wrinkle removal functionality.
4Reliability
If steam generator is used for wrinkle removal, then wrinkle removal and sterilization are achieved, but malfunction detection capability is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the steam generator's operation during the drying cycle. By detecting parameters such as temperature and steam generation status, the system can identify malfunctions and alert users, ensuring safe operation without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
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 efficient wrinkle removal and sterilization of laundry while continuously monitoring the steam generator's performance to prevent malfunctions, ensuring safe operation and reducing the need for auxiliary ironing.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator to supply high temperature steam to the drum
Implementation Method 2
a controller to determine whether there is a malfunction of the steam generator by using a temperature increasing time inside the steam generator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry machine includes a drum (20) selectively rotatable, a steam generator (200) to supply high temperature steam to the drum (20), and a controller (600) to determine whether there is a malfunction of the steam generator by using a temperature increasing time inside the steam generator.