Washer-Dryer Induction Heating to Eliminate Blower Noise and Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laundry treating appliances with drying systems are limited by the noise and space requirements of blowers, which also restrict the capacity and form factor of the appliance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an induction heating system that uses an induction coil and a ferromagnetic drum to generate heat, combined with a cooling system to condense water vapor, eliminating the need for a blower and allowing for a closed-loop or open-loop drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional blower system is used to move heated air through the drying chamber, then the drying function is achieved, but the appliance generates excessive noise and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the blower component entirely from the drying system. Instead of using mechanical forced air circulation, the system relies on natural convection currents generated by the heating elements and condensation surfaces to move air through the drying chamber, thereby eliminating the noise source while maintaining drying functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical blower system is replaced with a thermal-driven airflow system. Heating elements create temperature differences that generate natural convection currents, substituting mechanical air movement with thermally-driven fluid dynamics to achieve the same drying effect without noise
2Volume of moving object
If a traditional blower system with air conduits is installed, then air circulation for drying is achieved, but the appliance form factor is increased and capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex network of air conduits and blowers from the appliance design. By removing these components, the internal volume available for laundry capacity is maximized, and the appliance can be designed in a more compact form factor without sacrificing drying performance
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements serve multiple functions: they directly heat laundry items, create temperature gradients for natural air circulation, and facilitate condensation on cooler surfaces. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate air circulation infrastructure, reducing device 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
This solution reduces operational noise, increases appliance capacity, and allows for a smaller form factor, while also reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs by eliminating the blower and optimizing water usage.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil carried by the tub and an electromagnetic element carried by the rotatable container, and whereby energization of the induction coil heats the electromagnetic element
Implementation Method 2
a laundry treating appliance having an induction heater as a heat source
Implementation Method 3
the vapor is condensed and is delivered to the sump
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treating appliance (10, 110, 210) comprising a combination washer/dryer having a cabinet (12, 112, 212) defining an interior, a tub (14, 114, 214) provided within the interior, and a drum (16, 116, 216) rotatably provided within the tub (14, 114, 214) and defining a treating chamber (20, 120, 220), and a method of operation which includes a washing cycle, a spinning cycle and a drying cycle. The laundry treating appliance (10, 110, 210) comprises an induction heater having an induction coil (30) mounted on the tub (14, 114, 214) and an electromagnetic element formed on the drum (16, 116, 216), a cooling surface in fluid communication with the treating chamber (20, 120, 220) and the sump (25, 125, 225) of the tub (14, 114, 214) such that when vapour contacts the cooling surface it is condensed and delivered to the sump (25, 125, 225).