Washing Machine Dielectric Heating for Faster Contaminant Diffusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in efficiently removing contaminants from laundry due to low diffusion speeds of contaminants, which are exacerbated by the attraction between contaminants and laundry, requiring longer washing times and additional heating methods.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine employing a dielectric heating method that forms alternating electric fields using parallel first and second electrode portions to heat wash liquids, increasing the kinetic energy of ions and enhancing contamin separation through ionic activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional washing methods are used, then washing operation can be performed, but contaminant removal efficiency is low due to slow diffusion speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dielectric heating to change the temperature parameter of the wash liquid, which directly increases the kinetic energy and diffusion speed of contaminants. By heating the wash liquid to a specific temperature range, the contaminant removal efficiency is improved without requiring additional mechanical agitation or extended washing time.
2Productivity
If heating methods are added to increase contaminant diffusion, then washing performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine drum serves multiple functions: it contains the laundry, provides mechanical agitation through rotation, and acts as a dielectric heating element when AC power is applied. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating devices, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving effective contaminant removal through dielectric heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash liquid and laundry themselves serve as the heating medium in dielectric heating. The alternating electric field directly heats the water and detergent mixture, which then transfers heat to the contaminants and fabric. This self-heating mechanism eliminates the need for external heating apparatus, reducing device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dielectric heating is applied, then energy efficiency improves, but additional units are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal heating systems (heating elements, thermostats, insulation) with dielectric heating that uses electromagnetic fields directly. This substitution achieves superior energy efficiency by heating the water-detergent mixture directly through molecular friction, eliminating heat loss to surrounding components and achieving rapid, uniform heating throughout the wash load.
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
The dielectric heating method uniformly heats water and detergent, improving energy efficiency and washing performance by increasing the diffusion speed of contaminants, thereby enhancing the removal of contaminants from laundry.
Implementation Method 1
the washing machine may use a dielectric heating method of applying a high frequency electric field to the wash liquid to use heat loss caused by friction generated due to vibrations of ions in the detergent and polarized water molecules included in the wash liquid
Implementation Method 2
applying a high frequency electric field to the wash liquid to use heat loss caused by friction generated due to vibrations of ions in the detergent and polarized water molecules
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A washing machine which performs a washing operation by heating water, a detergent, or a wash liquid using a dielectric heating method and a method of controlling the washing machine. The washing machine may include a water supply portion which supplies a wash liquid including water and a detergent, a power supply portion which supplies alternating current (AC) power, and an electric field forming portion which forms an electric field between a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion according to the AC power to heat the supplied wash liquid.