Washing Machine Air Circulation Layout for Water-Saving Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with drying functions face limitations in condensation efficiency, leading to decreased drying performance, increased water usage, and restricted laundry capacity due to the placement and design of condensation ducts.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates an improved air circulation structure with a suction member that introduces external air with low humidity into the tub, enhancing condensation efficiency by circulating air between the tub and drying duct, and a discharge member that efficiently discharges humid air and wash water, eliminating the need for continuous condensation water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a condensation duct is located between the tub and cabinet to condense humid air, then condensation function is provided, but drying efficiency is decreased and water usage is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensation function from the traditional condensation duct located between the tub and cabinet, and relocates it to the lower portion of the cabinet. This separation allows the drying chamber to focus on drying efficiency while the relocated condensation system handles moisture removal, resolving the contradiction between providing condensation function and maintaining drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the condensation system by moving it from a horizontal arrangement (between tub and cabinet) to a vertical arrangement (lower portion of cabinet). This dimensional change optimizes space utilization and improves air circulation patterns, enhancing both drying efficiency and condensation performance.
2Reliability
If condensation water is continuously supplied to absorb moisture in laundry, then condensation function is maintained, but water usage is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service condensation system where the lower portion of the cabinet utilizes ambient temperature and natural convection to condense moisture from the air. The system automatically recycles condensed water back into the drying process, eliminating the need for continuous external water supply while maintaining effective condensation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers condensed water from the drying process and recycles it back into the system, transforming waste water into a useful resource. This recovery mechanism reduces overall water consumption while maintaining continuous condensation capability.
3Reliability
If the condensation duct is located between the tub and cabinet, then condensation is provided, but receiving capacity of laundry is limited in given space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the condensation system to the lower vertical portion of the cabinet, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space between the tub and cabinet. This dimensional reorganization frees up horizontal space, increasing the receiving capacity for laundry while maintaining the condensation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cabinet into distinct functional zones: the upper portion for drying and laundry loading, and the lower portion for condensation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function and maximizes the overall space utilization for laundry receiving capacity.
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 enhances condensation efficiency, reduces drying time, and increases laundry capacity within a given space, while minimizing water usage and operational costs, making the system more eco-friendly and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing fan to heat and circulate air in the tub
Implementation Method 2
a heater to heat air therein such that, during performance of the drying function, air absorbing moisture in laundry
Implementation Method 3
air outside the tub having relatively low humidity compared with air inside the tub is introduced into the introduction passage and condensation efficiency of hot and humid air inside the tub is capable of being enhanced
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A washing machine (1) having an improved air circulation structure thereof. The washing machine includes a cabinet (10), a tub (20) arranged within the cabinet, a drum (30) rotatably arranged within the tub, a drying unit which heats and circulates air discharged from the tub so as to dry laundry within the drum, the drying unit including a drying duct (40) equipped with a heater (45) to heat air therein, a circulation passage (P1) provided such that air circulates between the tub and the inside of the drying duct, and a suction member (50) which is coupled to one side of the drying duct and introduces air outside the tub onto the circulation passage, and a discharge member (60) which is coupled to one side of the tub and discharges part of the air in the circulation passage to the outside of the cabinet.