Washing and drying system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry processing systems face challenges in optimizing drying time and energy consumption, often resulting in either under-dried or over-dried clothing when the washing machine and dryer are operated simultaneously, which affects user convenience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A washing and drying system where a controller adjusts the capacity of the drying unit based on the operation termination time of the washing machine, using a combination of heaters and a heat pump, and communicates with the dryer to optimize the number of heaters and heat pump operation according to user input and detected clothing amount and drying rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drying unit operates at full capacity regardless of washing machine termination time, then drying speed is improved, but energy consumption increases and over-drying occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drying unit's capacity is made dynamically adjustable based on the washing machine's operation termination time. The controller receives termination time information and adjusts the drying capacity accordingly, transitioning from a static full-capacity operation to a dynamic adaptive operation that matches actual drying needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the drying unit (heating power, airflow rate) based on the termination time of the washing machine. By adjusting these parameters according to the calculated drying time requirement, the system achieves optimal drying speed while preventing energy waste from over-drying.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the drying unit operates at full capacity, then drying time is reduced, but under-drying or over-drying phenomena occur
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback information about the washing machine's operation termination time and uses this feedback to adjust the drying unit's capacity. This closed-loop control ensures that the drying process is precisely matched to the actual drying time requirement, preventing both under-drying and over-drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the required drying time based on the washing machine's termination time before starting the drying process. This allows the drying unit to be pre-configured with the appropriate capacity setting, ensuring optimal drying quality from the start of the drying cycle.
3Loss of energy
If the drying unit capacity is adjusted according to operation termination time, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only controls the drying unit's capacity adjustment based on termination time but also integrates with the washing machine's control system and manages various drying parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system 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 system ensures optimal drying of clothing by preventing under-drying or over-drying phenomena, improving user convenience and reducing energy consumption by adjusting the drying unit's capacity according to the washing machine's operation termination time.
Implementation Method 1
a drying unit that increases a temperature within a drying chamber that is configured to receive clothing
Implementation Method 2
The drying unit includes a plurality of heaters
Implementation Method 3
The drying unit includes a heat pump that is configured to increase a temperature within the drying chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A washing and drying system is disclosed. The system includes a washing machine that has a washing function. The system further includes a dryer that has a drying function. The dryer includes a drying unit that is configured to increase a temperature within a drying chamber that is configured to receive clothing. The dryer further includes a controller that is configured to set a capacity of the drying unit according to an operation termination time of the washing machine based on operation of the washing machine, and operate the drying unit according to the set capacity.