Washer-Dryer Induction Heating Design to Eliminate Blower Noise
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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 more compact and quieter drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a blower is used to move heated process air through the drying system, then the drying function is achieved, but the appliance generates noise and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the blower component from the drying system entirely. Instead of using mechanical forced air circulation, the system relies on natural convection currents created by the heating element and condenser to move air through the drying chamber, thereby eliminating the noise source while preserving the drying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical blower system with a thermal-driven air circulation system. The heating element creates temperature differences that drive natural convection, substituting mechanical air movement with thermally-driven fluid dynamics to achieve the same drying effect without noise.
2Volume of moving object
If a blower and air conduit system are provided, then heated process air can be moved through the chamber, but the appliance form factor is increased and capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex air conduit system and blower assembly, removing these components from the appliance design. This extraction of unnecessary mechanical elements directly increases the available volume for laundry capacity while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the heating element and condenser directly into the drying chamber structure, eliminating the need for separate air conduits. This merging of functions allows the chamber walls themselves to serve as heat transfer surfaces, maximizing internal volume while minimizing external complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If traditional heater and blower components are used, then the drying system can operate, but the appliance requires more space and has larger form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the heating element and condenser within the existing drying chamber structure, rather than adding them as external components. This nesting approach allows the drying system to operate efficiently within the same physical envelope, reducing the appliance's overall form factor while maintaining drying cycle efficiency.
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 the capacity of the appliance, and allows for a smaller form factor, while maintaining efficient drying cycles, thus enhancing user convenience and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil carried by the tub and generating a magnetic field encompassing at least a portion of the container
Implementation Method 2
energization of the induction coil heats the electromagnetic element to evaporate liquid in the treating chamber into vapor
Implementation Method 3
the vapor is condensed and is delivered to the sump
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance comprising a combination washer/dryer having a cabinet defining an interior, a tub provided within the interior, and a drum rotatably provided within the tub and defining a treating chamber, and a method of operation which includes a washing cycle, a spinning cycle and a drying cycle.