Steam-Integrated Laundry Dryer for Wrinkle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry dryers fail to remove wrinkles from laundry during the drying process, necessitating additional ironing and do not provide a convenient method for steam generation and refilling.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer with a steam generation system that includes a steam generator, a water tank with a refillable water supply hole, and a pump to supply water to the steam generator, allowing for the introduction of steam into the drum to prevent and remove wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional laundry dryer is 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 system. The steam generation system is integrated with the drying drum, allowing steam to be injected directly into the drum during the drying cycle. This merging eliminates the need for separate ironing operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The laundry dryer is designed to perform multiple functions: drying laundry and removing wrinkles. The steam generation system serves dual purposes by generating steam that both aids in the drying process and simultaneously removes wrinkles from the laundry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for auxiliary ironing equipment and operations.
2Ease of operation
If a steam generation system with external water tap connection is used, then steam can be generated for wrinkle removal, but the structure becomes complex and refilling is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into a removable water tank and the main dryer body. The water tank can be easily removed and refilled by the user without requiring connection to an external water tap. This segmentation simplifies the refilling process and reduces the complexity of the overall water supply system while maintaining effective steam generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tank is designed to be user-refillable, allowing users to service the system themselves without requiring professional installation or connection to external water supplies. The simple refill mechanism enables users to maintain the steam generation system independently, enhancing ease of operation while avoiding complex external water connection infrastructure.
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 system effectively prevents and removes wrinkles from laundry without the need for auxiliary ironing and offers a simple, user-friendly steam generation process without requiring an external water tap, enhancing drying efficiency and fabric care.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator that generates steam to supply the steam to the drum
Implementation Method 2
a hot air heater that heats air to supply hot air to the drum
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry dryer includes a drum (20) in which laundry is held; a hot air heater (90) that heats air to supply hot air to the drum; a steam generator (200) that generates steam to supply the steam to the drum; and a water tank (210) to hold water to supply to the steam generator, the water tank in flow communication with a water supply hole (40) through which water is supplied into the water tank with the water tank kept in flow communication with the steam generator.