Washer-Dryer Condenser Using Ambient Air and Drum-Driven Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional combo washer/dryer appliances have inefficient drying systems due to the internal location of the condenser, which reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption, and the blower generates noise and occupies space that could be used for larger capacity or a smaller form factor.
Innovation Solution
The drying system incorporates an air recirculation loop with a condenser that utilizes ambient air for cooling and condensing, and eliminates the blower by using drum rotation to drive air through the condenser, formed partially by exterior cabinet walls, increasing capacity and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the condenser is located inside the cabinet, then the appliance has a compact form factor, but the drying efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is extracted from the internal cabinet space and relocated to an external position where it can utilize ambient air for cooling. This extraction resolves the contradiction by allowing the condenser to operate more efficiently with better heat dissipation while the appliance maintains its compact form factor through the external placement of this specific component.
Solution Approach 2:
Ambient air is introduced as an intermediary cooling medium for the condenser. Instead of relying on internal air circulation that competes with the drying process, the invention uses external ambient air as a heat sink, improving condensation efficiency without compromising the appliance's compact design.
2Productivity
If a blower is used to move air through the condenser, then air circulation is effective, but noise is generated and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The drum rotation itself is utilized to drive air circulation through the condenser and treating chamber, eliminating the need for a separate blower mechanism. The drum's rotational motion creates sufficient air flow to maintain effective circulation while removing the noise-generating and space-occupying blower component.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum is given a dual function: it not only performs the primary drying function by tumbling laundry but also serves as an air moving device to circulate air through the condenser system. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the dedicated blower while maintaining air circulation efficiency.
3Productivity
If a blower is installed to drive air circulation, then drying process is efficient, but the appliance occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The drum performs multiple functions including both laundry tumbling and air circulation driving. By making the drum multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for a separate blower, thereby freeing up internal space that can be used to increase appliance capacity while maintaining drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation function is merged with the drum rotation operation. Instead of having separate components for drum rotation and air moving, the invention combines these functions so that the same mechanical motion accomplishes both tasks, reducing overall system volume and increasing available 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 energy efficiency, reduces noise, and increases the appliance's capacity by leveraging ambient air for condensation and eliminating the need for a blower, resulting in a more efficient and compact drying system.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser fluidly coupled to the recirculation conduit and having a condensing chamber defined at least in part by the at least one exterior wall
Implementation Method 2
utilizes ambient air for cooling and condensing
Implementation Method 3
at least one blade located on an exterior of the end wall of the rotatable drum, wherein rotation of the drum causes the flowing of air from the treating chamber, through the condenser, and back to the treating chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treating appliance comprising a combination washer/dryer (10) having a cabinet (12) defining an interior, a tub (14) located within the interior with a first access opening (20), and a rotatable drum (16) located within the tub interior (22) and defining a treating chamber (24) with a second access opening (26), aligned with the first access opening (24), and an air recirculation conduit (42).