Washing machine having drying function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines and dryers are separate devices, causing inconvenience as users must transfer laundry from the washer to the dryer after washing is complete, and existing integrated washing machines with drying functions require complex structures for lifting the drying device due to its weight.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design incorporating a drying device with an evaporator and condenser above the tub, featuring a holder member that can be connected to external equipment for easy lifting and placement, allowing the drying device to be inserted into the main body with a predetermined gap, facilitating efficient drying and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drying device is integrated above the tub to enable drying function, then the washing machine can perform both washing and drying functions, but the drying device becomes heavy and requires complex lifting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The drying device is segmented from the main washing machine body, allowing it to be installed as a separate module above the tub. This segmentation enables the drying device to be handled and positioned independently using external equipment, reducing the complexity of integrated lifting structures while maintaining the combined washing-drying functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
External equipment is introduced as an intermediary to lift and position the heavy drying device above the tub. This intermediary solution avoids the need for complex built-in lifting mechanisms within the washing machine, while still enabling the drying device to be installed at the required position for integrated operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drying device is placed above the tub with minimal gap, then the integration is improved, but the assembly and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drying device is pre-positioned and configured outside the main body before final installation. The holder member is pre-formed to protrude from the housing, and the ducts are pre-routed through the housing structure. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final assembly process by reducing the complexity of on-site installation despite the minimal gap requirement.
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 convenient operation and assembly of the drying device, reducing user effort and improving the integration of washing and drying functions within a single appliance.
Implementation Method 1
the drying device removes moisture from air discharged from the tub
Implementation Method 2
supplies heated air to the tub
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine having a drying function. The present washing machine includes: a main body; a tub arrangeable inside the main body; a drum rotatable inside the tub; and a drying device, arrangeable above the tub, and including an evaporator and a condenser to remove moisture from air discharged from the tub and to supply heated air to the tub. The drying device includes: a housing to accommodate the evaporator and the condenser; and a holder member formed to protrude from the housing and be connectable to an external equipment.