Washer Shaft-Integrated Blower for Lower-Power Drying Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of washing machines with separate blower motors for drying cycles consumes significant power, necessitating a solution to reduce energy usage during operation.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a blower with a fan element directly connected to the drive shaft or motor shaft of the washing machine, allowing air to be circulated without an additional blower motor, thus utilizing the existing washer motor to power airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a separate blower motor is used to provide airflow during drying cycles, then the airflow function is reliable and effective, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The blower function is merged with the washer motor by integrating a blower assembly directly onto the motor shaft or drive shaft. The blower assembly includes a blower housing and a blower fan that rotates with the motor shaft, combining the motor's rotational function with air movement function. This eliminates the need for a separate blower motor, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable airflow during drying cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer motor is given multi-functionality by enabling it to perform both washing (rotating the wash drum) and drying (providing airflow through the blower assembly) operations. The motor shaft serves dual purposes: driving the wash drum during wash cycles and driving the blower fan during drying cycles, thereby eliminating the need for additional dedicated motors for each function.
2Device complexity
If a separate blower motor is installed, then the blower can operate independently, but the device complexity increases with more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The blower assembly is physically merged with the washer motor assembly by mounting the blower housing and blower fan directly onto the motor shaft or drive shaft. This integration reduces the total number of separate parts and assemblies in the washing machine, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the capability to provide airflow when needed during drying cycles.
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 reduces power consumption by eliminating the need for a separate blower motor and simplifies the system with fewer parts, while maintaining effective airflow for drying cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a blower having a fan element directly connected to the drive shaft... When the washer motor rotates the drive shaft, the fan element also rotates and can move air through the washing machine appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A blower is provided having a fan element that is directly connected to a drive shaft. The drive shaft is attached to a wash drum and is rotated by a washer motor. When the washer motor rotates the drive shaft, the fan element also rotates and can move air through the washing machine appliance without the use of an additional blower motor. Alternatively, the fan element of the blower is directly connected to a motor shaft extending from the motor, such that when the motor shaft is rotated, the blower can move air through the washing machine appliance without the use of an additional blower motor.