Washing Machine Deodorizing Unit for Low-Wear Odor Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines lack a deodorizing unit, leading to increased wear-and-tear on clothes and unnecessary energy consumption when dealing with offensive odors, as they only perform washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying without effective odor removal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a deodorizing unit with an odor sensing system and multiple deodorizing resources, such as anion-generating, aroma-generating, ozone-generating, and ultraviolet-based systems, which can be controlled independently of the washing process to detect and remove odors using a microcomputer that manages the operation of these resources based on user input or automatic detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional washing machine performs washing operations to remove odor, then odor removal is achieved, but clothes wear-and-tear increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deodorizing function from the washing process by adding a separate deodorizing unit that can operate independently. This allows odor removal without requiring full washing cycles, thereby reducing energy consumption and preserving clothes.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine functionality is segmented into separate modules: washing unit and deodorizing unit. The deodorizing unit includes specific components (deodorizing pad, blowing fan, heater) that work independently to remove odors, allowing selective odor removal without activating the complete washing system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional washing machine performs washing operations to remove odor, then odor removal is achieved, but clothes wear-and-tear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deodorizing function is extracted as a separate operational mode that does not require mechanical washing actions. The deodorizing unit uses chemical and thermal methods (deodorizing pad, heater) instead of mechanical friction, thus removing odors without causing clothes wear-and-tear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical washing actions with non-mechanical deodorizing methods. Instead of using water and friction to remove odors, the system uses a deodorizing pad with deodorizing agents, blowing fan for air circulation, and heater for thermal treatment, thereby eliminating mechanical stress on clothes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deodorizing unit is added to washing machine, then independent deodorizing operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deodorizing unit is designed to work within the existing washing machine framework, utilizing available components (drum, control unit, power supply) while adding only necessary deodorizing-specific elements. The control unit integrates deodorizing control with existing washing control, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 solution minimizes wear-and-tear on clothes and reduces energy consumption by allowing for independent deodorizing operations, effectively removing odors without the need for frequent washing, thereby enhancing deodorizing efficiency and reducing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one deodorizing resource installed in the main body
Implementation Method 2
at least one deodorizing resource installed in the main body
Implementation Method 3
ultraviolet-based systems
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine having a deodorizing unit that performs a deodorizing operation independently of a washing process, to remove odor from an object to be deodorized, and a control method thereof. The control method has operation of determining whether a deodorizing signal is inputted by a user, and performing a deodorizing mode using the deodorizing unit independently of a washing process, if it is determined that the deodorizing signal is inputted.