Top-Load Washer Drying Module With Heated Air Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Top loading washing machines lack a drying module, limiting their functionality to washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, whereas front loading machines can include a drying module for air drying laundry.
Innovation Solution
A top loading washing machine design incorporating a drying module mounted at the top cover, which includes a blower, suction duct, drying filter, heater module, and discharge duct to supply heated air and exhaust wet air, enhancing drying efficiency and preventing heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drying module is added to a top loading washing machine, then drying functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the access cover for the washing drum and as the mounting platform for the drying module. The drying module integrates a blower, heater, and air circulation system within the top cover structure, allowing the same structural element to support both washing and drying operations. This multi-functional design adds drying capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying module components (blower, heater, air ducts) are merged with the existing top cover structure rather than being added as separate external components. The air circulation system is integrated into the cabinet space, and the heater is positioned to utilize existing structural elements for heat distribution. This merging approach consolidates multiple functions into a unified structure.
2Productivity
If heated air is supplied into the tub for drying, then drying efficiency is improved, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates air circulation paths that allow heated air to be reused. The blower draws air from the cabinet interior, passes it through the heater, and discharges it into the tub. Air that does not contact the laundry or becomes less effective is recirculated back through the heating system rather than being vented outside, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains heat within the drying cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding heated air after a single use, the system recovers and recirculates it. The air circulation ducts are designed to capture and redirect heated air back into the heating pathway, ensuring that thermal energy is recovered and reused multiple times during the drying cycle, thereby reducing overall heat loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If the exhaust discharge port is positioned at the lower side of the tub, then installation is simplified, but siphon phenomenon occurs causing water discharge
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary structure is introduced between the exhaust discharge port and the tub interior to prevent direct water contact. The discharge port is positioned to exhaust through an intermediate chamber or duct section that separates the water-prone tub environment from the exhaust system, allowing the port to remain at a convenient location while preventing siphon-induced water discharge through structural isolation.
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 integration of a drying module at the top cover allows for efficient air drying of laundry, improving drying performance and preventing siphon phenomena during washing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a blower for blowing the air sucked by the suction duct into the heater module
Implementation Method 2
a heater module connected to the blower for heating air to dry the laundry
Implementation Method 3
a suction duct extending through the cabinet for introducing air in the cabinet into the blower
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine may include a cabinet, a tub, a drum, a driving module for rotating the drum, a water supply module for supplying the wash water to the tub, a drainage module for discharging the wash water from the tub, a drying module at the cabinet for supplying heated air into the tub from an upper side of the tub to dry the laundry, and an exhaust duct coupled to the tub for discharging a fluid in the tub out of the cabinet.