Axial-Flow Tumble Dryer Loading Duct With Clear Air Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suction-assisted loading devices in axial-flow tumble dryers are not applicable to axial-flow dryers with non-perforated drums, as the air outlets below the rotation axis get blocked by clothes, disrupting the suction air flow and preventing efficient loading.
Innovation Solution
The axial-flow tumble dryer incorporates a rotary drum with air outlets at the back end below the rotation axis, and either increases the drum's rotational speed to 1 G or provides auxiliary air outlets above the rotation axis to ensure continuous suction air flow, preventing clothes from accumulating at the air outlets and maintaining air flow during loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air outlets are located below the rotation axis to improve drying efficiency, then drying efficiency is improved, but clothes block the air outlets during loading, disrupting suction air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet system is segmented into two distinct groups: air outlets located below the rotation axis for drying efficiency, and auxiliary air outlets located above the rotation axis for loading operations. This segmentation allows each group to serve its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between drying efficiency and loading reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different air outlet configurations by selectively opening or closing auxiliary air outlets based on the operational mode (loading vs. drying). During loading, auxiliary air outlets are opened to provide alternative air flow paths; during drying, the system returns to using only the primary air outlets below the axis, maximizing drying efficiency
2Reliability
If drum rotational speed is increased to 1 G to prevent clothes accumulation at air outlets, then air flow continuity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary air outlets are activated periodically or on-demand during loading operations rather than continuously. The system switches to auxiliary air outlets only when loading is detected (when clothes might block primary outlets), and returns to normal operation afterward. This periodic activation maintains air flow continuity while minimizing additional energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the air outlet system by opening auxiliary air outlets above the rotation axis during loading operations. This parameter change provides alternative air flow paths without requiring continuous high-speed drum rotation, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing energy consumption compared to continuously rotating at 1 G
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
This solution allows for effective suction-assisted loading by ensuring the air outlets remain clear, enabling continuous air flow and efficient loading of clothes into the drum, while maintaining high drying efficiency during the drying process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction turbine in communication with a plurality of air outlets for extracting air from the drum... the suction turbine is operating to create a suction air flow in said clothes loading duct
Implementation Method 2
the axial air flow created by the suction turbine during drying is forced through the clothes which are being dried tumbling in the lower part of the inside of the drum
Implementation Method 3
control means in connection with said rotation driving means for rotating the drum at a speed equal to or greater than 1 G during suction-assisted clothes loading... the clothes adhere to the inner surface of the revolution wall of the drum and do not accumulate in the lower part against the air outlets
Data Source
AI summary
The tumble dryer includes a rotary drum (1), a suction turbine (5) in communication with air inlets and outlets (3, 6) at opposite ends of the drum to create an axial drying air flow, and an unloading door (7) with a loading opening (8) formed therein. The turbine creates a suction air flow in a loading duct (9) connected to the loading opening (8) during a suction-assisted clothes loading operation, and moves the clothes loaded inside the drum (1) away from the air outlets (6) and/or for temporarily provides an auxiliary air exit in communication with the suction turbine (5) during suction-assisted clothes loading to assure enough suction air flow for that purpose.