Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in transmitting electrical energy from non-rotatable parts to the rotatable drum, limiting the installation of electrically powered devices within the drum, which restricts effective laundry treatment options.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating one or more electromechanical actuators powered by a wireless power receiver unit mounted on the drum, which receives electric power from a wireless power transmitter unit associated with the cabinet, allowing for localized and effective treatment of laundry through various mechanical and thermal actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drum is made rotatable for washing operation, then the washing function is enabled, but electrical energy transmission from non-rotatable cabinet parts to the drum becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical connection system with a wireless power transmission system. A wireless power transmitter is mounted on the cabinet and a wireless power receiver is mounted on the drum, enabling energy transmission through electromagnetic fields without physical connections, thus resolving the contradiction between drum rotation and electrical energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless power transmission technology as an intermediary between the cabinet and drum. The wireless power transmitter and receiver act as mediators that transfer energy without requiring direct electrical connections, allowing the drum to rotate freely while still receiving power for various actuators and devices.
2Productivity
If electromechanical actuators are mounted in the drum for localized laundry treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but power supply to these actuators becomes problematic due to drum rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex rotary electrical connections with wireless power transmission. The wireless power receiver mounted on the drum receives energy wirelessly from the cabinet-mounted transmitter, eliminating the need for slip rings, brushes, or other rotating electrical connectors, thus simplifying the power supply system while enabling multiple electromechanical actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transmission system provides universal power supply capability to multiple different actuators and devices mounted on the drum, including mechanical actuators for laundry agitation, heating elements for thermal treatment, and other electromechanical components, all powered through the same wireless interface.
3Device complexity
If wireless power transmission is implemented in the drum, then electrical connections are simplified, but power transmission efficiency must be maintained despite relative motion between transmitter and receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the wireless power transmitter and receiver in opposite radial directions on the cabinet and drum respectively. This spatial arrangement in the radial dimension maintains consistent alignment and optimal magnetic coupling between the transmitter and receiver coils throughout the drum's rotation, minimizing energy loss due to misalignment while keeping the system relatively simple.
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
Enables the application of specific and uniform mechanical and thermal treatments to laundry, enhancing washing, rinsing, and drying processes by allowing the installation of electromechanical actuators within the drum and efficient power transmission without the need for direct electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmitter unit, arranged for wireless transmitting electric power to the wireless power receiver unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus (10, 10b) comprising a cabinet (20), a drum (50) rotatably housed inside the cabinet (20), a wireless power transmitter unit (62) associated to said cabinet (20) separately from said drum (50) and arranged for wireless transmitting electric power to a wireless power receiver unit (63) mounted in/on said drum (50); the laundry treating apparatus (10, 10b) comprises one or more electromechanical actuators (200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) mounted in/on said drum (50) and power supplied by said wireless power receiver unit (63).