Washer Dryer Duct Layout With Integrated Condensing Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses with drying functions face challenges in optimizing component arrangement for efficient moisture removal and heating, leading to restricted capacity and increased costs, while also dealing with foreign substance adhesion issues that affect performance.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a duct assembly that integrates a blower fan, a water-cooled heat exchanger, and a heater, where the heat exchanger is positioned between the blower fan and the heater, allowing for optimal airflow and heat exchange without the need for a separate condensation space, and using cooling water from the washing process to enhance efficiency and reduce component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a separate condensation duct is disposed on the rear surface of the tub to remove moisture, then moisture removal function is improved, but the tub size must be reduced to accommodate the condensation duct in limited cabinet space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the condensation duct with the existing air circulation duct system. The condensation duct is integrated into the air circulation path, allowing moisture removal functionality to be merged with the air circulation structure rather than requiring a separate dedicated space. This integration enables the tub to maintain its full size while still providing effective moisture removal through the combined duct system.
2Device complexity
If multiple components (blower fan, heat exchanger, heater) are integrated into a single duct assembly, then device complexity is reduced and space is optimized, but component arrangement and airflow optimization become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The duct assembly is divided into distinct functional sections: an air intake section, a heating section with the heater, a heat exchange section with the heat exchanger, and an air discharge section. Each section is designed to handle specific airflow requirements and thermal conditions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact integrated structure, balancing space efficiency with manufacturing ease.
3Productivity
If the heat exchanger is positioned between the blower fan and the heater, then optimal airflow and heat exchange is achieved, but the risk of foreign substance adhesion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct assembly incorporates a filter at the air intake section to locally address the foreign substance adhesion problem. The filter is positioned specifically where foreign substances are most likely to enter the system, providing targeted protection for the heat exchanger and other sensitive components. This localized quality control measure allows the heat exchanger to be optimally positioned for drying efficiency while protecting it from foreign substance contamination.
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 enables a larger capacity, improved drying efficiency, reduced risk of foreign substance adhesion, and simplified heat exchange structure, while maintaining the reliability of components and preventing overheating or damage from emitted heat.
Implementation Method 1
a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to exchange heat to cool air is also installed inside a duct installed on the tub
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat the air transferred along the inside of the duct
Implementation Method 3
a blower fan positioned at the duct and configured to create airflow between the air-intake port and the air-inflow port
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus, which can perform a laundry drying function, includes a tub in which washing water is accommodated, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a duct installed on the tub and provided with an air-intake port and an air-inflow port for a flow of air, a blower fan installed in the duct to form the flow of air between the air-intake port and the air-inflow port, a heat exchanger installed in the duct so as to be supplied with cooling water and configured to perform heat exchange so as to cool the air transferred along an inside of the duct, and a heater installed in the duct to heat the air transferred along the inside of the duct.