Washer dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial washing and drying machines face challenges in performing multiple sequential wash-then-dry cycles efficiently, particularly in achieving 0% ± 3% moisture levels and even drying, due to size constraints and inefficiencies in air flow and energy usage, while existing commercial machines do not meet stringent industrial drying standards.
Innovation Solution
An industrial combined washing and drying machine with a cylinder-shaped drum and an exhaust dryer system that provides heated air through an entry chute at the end of the drum, allowing for efficient and even drying, controlled by a system that manages multiple sequential cycles, including water and detergent supply, heating, and air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a drum sized for industrial drying is used, then drying capacity is improved, but bearing load increases and water/energy/detergent efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-drum configuration where the washing drum and drying drum operate independently with different sizes optimized for their respective functions. The smaller washing drum reduces bearing load during washing cycles, while the larger drying drum provides sufficient drying capacity. This dynamic separation allows each drum to be optimally sized for its specific purpose without compromising the other function.
2Productivity
If a drum sized for industrial drying is used, then drying capacity is improved, but water/energy/detergent efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the washing and drying functions into separate drums, allowing each to be optimized independently. The smaller washing drum uses less water and detergent, while the larger drying drum provides adequate drying capacity without the excessive resource consumption that would result from using a single large drum for both functions.
3Ease of operation
If heated air is provided through drum apertures, then drying function is achieved, but drying evenness and efficiency are insufficient for industrial standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tangential air inlet at the periphery of the drying drum, directing heated air along the drum wall in a circumferential direction. This creates a three-dimensional air flow pattern that enhances heat distribution and improves drying evenness across the fabric load, meeting industrial standards for uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a controlled air flow system with heated air supplied tangentially to the drying drum, creating effective pneumatic circulation through the fabric load. This pneumatic approach ensures uniform heat distribution and consistent drying results across the entire load.
4Reliability
If multiple sequential wash-then-dry cycles are performed, then testing requirements are met, but machine availability and continuous operation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing the washing drum and drying drum to operate simultaneously and independently. While one drum is completing a wash cycle, the other can be performing a dry cycle, eliminating idle time between sequential operations and maintaining continuous productive action.
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 machine effectively achieves 0% ± 3% moisture levels and ensures even drying across the fabric load, capable of handling larger fabric loads like 25kg, while optimizing energy and water usage, and allowing for continuous operation without interruption.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element for heating air to a required temperature
Implementation Method 2
an air mover for moving the air heated by the heating element through the entry chute into the washing machine drum
Implementation Method 3
The machine effectively achieves 0% ± 3% moisture levels and ensures even drying across the fabric load
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an industrial combined washing and drying machined (1) that is capable of carrying out multiple sequential washing a nd drying cycles of fabric, the machine comprising (a) an industrial sized front loading drum washing machine (1), having a drum, a water supply unit (4), a detergent supply unit (5), a heater, a motor, for rotating the drum; (b) a drainage unit, having: a heating element for heating air to a required temperature; an entry chute (9), an air mover; and an exit chute (10) for removing air from the washing machine drum; and (c) a control system for controlling the washing of the fabric by the washing machine and the drying of the fabric by the exhaust dryer (3), such that multiple sequential cycles of washing and drying can be carried out under predetermined conditions. Use of that machine for the washing and drying of fabric treated with a flame retardant product.