Washing and drying system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing and drying systems lack efficiency in operation coordination between washing machines and dryers, leading to suboptimal drying results and increased power consumption, with existing technologies not effectively addressing the need for synchronized termination and capacity adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A system where the operation termination time of the dryer is synchronized with the washing machine, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the dryer's capacity based on the washing machine's termination time to prevent under-drying or over-drying, using a controller to manage the number of heaters and heat pump operation according to pre-defined segments and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the dryer operates with fixed capacity regardless of washing machine duration, then the dryer structure remains simple, but drying precision deteriorates causing non-dry or excessive dry phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The dryer's heating capacity is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the number of operating heaters based on the washing machine's duration, enabling the drying capacity to adapt to different washing scenarios. This dynamic adjustment prevents both non-dry and excessive dry phenomena while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the dryer (specifically the number of heaters activated) are changed based on the washing machine's operation duration. By segmenting the duration into ranges and assigning different heater configurations to each range, the system achieves precise drying control without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If the dryer capacity is increased to ensure complete drying, then drying reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the dryer's heating parameter (number of heaters) based on the washing machine's duration. For shorter washes, fewer heaters are activated to prevent over-drying and reduce energy consumption. For longer washes, more heaters are activated to ensure complete drying. This parameter adaptation achieves both reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always operating at full capacity, the system applies partial heating action by activating only the necessary number of heaters required for the specific washing duration. This avoids excessive drying and reduces power consumption while maintaining sufficient drying reliability for each scenario.
3Ease of operation
If the dryer and washing machine operate independently with different termination times, then operational flexibility is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dryer controller receives feedback information about the washing machine's operation duration and uses this information to adjust its own operation parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the dryer to synchronize its termination with the washing machine, providing user convenience while maintaining system efficiency through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors the washing machine's operation duration, determines the appropriate heater configuration based on pre-set ranges, and controls the dryer's operation accordingly. This multi-functionality enables simultaneous termination of both machines while maintaining operational 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 approach enhances user convenience by ensuring simultaneous termination of both machines, optimizes drying levels, and reduces power consumption by adjusting dryer capacity according to the washing machine's operation time, preventing non-dry or excessive dry phenomena.
Implementation Method 1
a dry unit (270) that increases a temperature within a dry chamber
Implementation Method 2
a heat pump (250) or a plurality of heaters (240) that increase a temperature within a dry chamber into which the clothing is injected
Data Source
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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.