Steam-Heated Dryer Drum Control for Wrinkle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dryers fail to effectively remove wrinkles from clothes during the drying process, requiring additional ironing and are unable to prevent wrinkles caused by storage or wear.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a dryer that involves supplying steam generated by a steam generator and hot air to the drum, with adjustable steam and hot air supply times, and includes drum heating, rotation, and water management steps to prevent and remove wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional drying method is used, then drying function is achieved, but wrinkle removal function is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drying function and wrinkle removal function into a single integrated system. The drum structure serves dual purposes: as a drying chamber and as a steam generation chamber. Steam is generated inside the drum during the drying cycle, allowing wrinkles to be removed simultaneously with drying, eliminating the need for separate ironing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the drying chamber and the steam generation chamber. By incorporating water supply nozzles and steam generation capabilities within the drum structure, the system achieves multi-functionality, enabling both drying and wrinkle removal through a single operational cycle.
2Manufacturing precision
If steam supply time is increased, then wrinkle removal effect is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam supply operates continuously throughout the drying cycle rather than requiring separate dedicated time periods. Water is continuously supplied to the drum walls during drying, generating steam that continuously acts on the laundry, maintaining effective wrinkle removal throughout the entire drying process without additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of water by converting it to steam through heating during the drying process. By controlling the temperature and humidity parameters within the drum, the system generates steam in-situ, allowing wrinkle removal to occur as a byproduct of the drying process itself, thereby avoiding additional energy consumption dedicated solely to steam generation.
3Productivity
If hot air temperature is increased, then drying speed is improved, but fabric damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase transition of water to steam to create a humidified hot air environment. Water supplied to the drum walls evaporates and transitions to steam, mixing with the hot drying air to create a high-humidity atmosphere. This allows effective drying at lower temperatures, preventing fabric damage while maintaining drying speed through the phase change process.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the hot air and the fabric. The steam generated from water supplied to the drum walls creates a humidified microenvironment that protects fabrics from direct exposure to high-temperature dry air, reducing thermal stress and potential damage while maintaining effective drying through controlled humidity levels.
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 method effectively prevents and removes wrinkles from clothes without the need for separate ironing, while also allowing for sterilization and fluffiness operations.
Implementation Method 1
a steam supply step for supplying steam generated in a steam generator to a drum
Implementation Method 2
a hot air supply step for supply hot air generated in a hot air heater to the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer and a method for controlling the same are provided. The method for controlling a dryer includes supplying steam generated in a steam generator to a drum, and supplying hot air generated in a hot air heater to the drum. The method has an advantageous effect of removing wrinkles efficiently.