Washer-Dryer Condenser Using Drum Rotation and Ambient Air Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional combination washer/dryer appliances face inefficiencies in drying systems due to the location of the condenser inside the cabinet, which reduces condenser efficiency and increases energy consumption, and the noise and space requirements of the blower.
Innovation Solution
The drying system incorporates an air recirculation loop with a condenser that utilizes ambient air to cool and condense water vapor, and eliminates the blower by using drum rotation to drive air flow, with condenser walls formed by exterior cabinet walls to enhance efficiency and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the condenser is located inside the cabinet, then the appliance structure is compact, but the condenser efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is extracted from the interior cabinet space and positioned externally, allowing it to access ambient air for cooling. This separation resolves the conflict by placing the condenser in an environment where it can operate efficiently while the appliance interior remains compact for other functions.
2Productivity
If a blower is used to move air through the drying system, then air circulation is effective, but noise and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drying system utilizes the drum's own rotation to generate air flow through the laundry load, eliminating the need for a separate blower device. The drum acts as both the drying chamber and the air-moving mechanism, reducing device complexity, space requirements, and noise while maintaining effective air circulation.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the condenser uses ambient air for cooling, then energy consumption is reduced, but the condenser must be positioned outside the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is positioned to utilize the cabinet's exterior walls as part of its thermal structure, effectively nesting the condenser function within the existing cabinet boundaries while accessing external ambient air. This allows energy-efficient ambient air cooling without sacrificing cabinet interior space.
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 configuration increases appliance capacity, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes noise, providing a more efficient and compact drying solution.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser fluidly coupled to the recirculation conduit
Implementation Method 2
the condenser walls formed by exterior cabinet walls to enhance efficiency
Implementation Method 3
eliminates the blower by using drum rotation to drive air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance comprising a combination washer/dryer having a cabinet defining an interior, a tub located within the interior with a first access opening, a rotatable drum located within the tub and having a rear wall defining a fan, a closure moveably mounted to the cabinet and selectively movable between open/closed positions to open/close at least one of the first and second access openings; an air recirculation conduit having an inlet fluidly coupled to a first portion of the treating chamber and an outlet fluidly coupled to a second portion of the treating chamber, which is different than the first portion, and a condenser fluidly coupled to the recirculation conduit.