Washer-Dryer Air Inlet and Steam Shield for Efficient Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with drying functions face inefficiencies in energy consumption and heating device longevity due to steam exposure and air pressure fluctuations, which affect drying performance and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a steam protection device, pre-heating ambient air before it enters the heating device, using a water trap to prevent air leaks, and a sealing ring to enhance air flow into the drum, along with software-controlled drain valve operation to manage air pressure and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If ambient air is directly fed to the heating device during drying program, then the heating device capacity can be smaller, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-heats ambient air by passing it over the hot tub surface before the air enters the heating device. This preliminary heating action reduces the energy burden on the heating device, allowing it to operate at lower capacity while maintaining effective drying performance.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the heating device is exposed to steam during washing program, then the machine structure remains simple, but the heating device lifespan decreases due to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating device from the steam-exposed environment by positioning it in a separate compartment that is closed off during washing operations. A steam protection shutter automatically closes to isolate the heating device from steam and water droplets, protecting it from corrosion while maintaining simple overall machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a steam protection shutter as an intermediary element between the washing drum and heating device. This shutter acts as a protective barrier that prevents steam and water from reaching the heating device during washing, while allowing air flow during drying operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the drain valve remains open during drying program, then the system remains simple, but cold air leakage increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the drain valve, which automatically opens during washing operations and closes during drying operations. This dynamic adjustment prevents cold air leakage during drying while maintaining system simplicity through automated software control rather than complex mechanical systems.
4Temperature
If ambient air enters at a single location, then the air inlet structure is simple, but pre-heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air inlet into multiple locations positioned around the door area. This segmentation allows air to be drawn from multiple points, increasing the surface area of the tub that contacts the incoming air and thereby improving pre-heating efficiency before the air reaches the heating device.
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
These features reduce energy consumption, extend the lifespan of the heating device, improve drying efficiency, and prevent corrosion, while ensuring effective steam protection and air flow management.
Implementation Method 1
air being transported to the heating device inlet passes the tub... the air to be pre-heated by the tub
Implementation Method 2
air being transported to the heating device inlet passes the tub... pre-heated by the tub
Implementation Method 3
steam protection device which, during the washing program, is closed such that the heating device is protected from steam and drops ejected from the tub
Implementation Method 4
a shutter which is attached inside a tube by means of a hinge... during the drying program, the shutter is opened by the air transported towards the tub
Implementation Method 5
A water trap is placed in the connection between the water inlet and the anti-siphoning device. This prevents leakage of cold air into the machine in a case where a negative air pressure is generated
Implementation Method 6
an anti-siphoning device... prevents leakage of cold air into the machine
Implementation Method 7
A sealing ring is attached in a gap between the drum and the tub in the vicinity of the door. This sealing ring forces a greater fraction of the air flow into the drum
Implementation Method 8
a cross-section of the ring may extend from the drum towards the tub in a direction which is inclined from a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drum, such that a free end of the ring cross-section is moved away from the tub when the drum is rotating during a centrifugation procedure
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 2
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a washing machine with a drying function, capable of performing a washing program and a drying program, comprising a cabinet (1), a tub (9) in the cabinet, a water inlet (11) for feeding water to the tub during the washing program, the water inlet being connected to an anti-siphoning device (27), and a water trap (29) placed in the connection between the water inlet (11) and the anti-siphoning device.