Washing Machine Heat Pump Drying System for Dryer-Level Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines and dryers are typically separate devices, requiring users to transfer laundry after washing is complete, and existing washing machines with drying functions have weaker drying capabilities compared to dedicated dryers.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with integrated drying function, featuring a heated air supplying device with a blower fan, heat exchange system, dehumidifier, and heater to circulate and dry laundry efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If washing machine and dryer are formed as separate devices, then drying function can be dedicated and strong, but user convenience deteriorates due to needing to transfer laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the washing machine and dryer into a single integrated device with a unified drum that can perform both washing and drying functions. The drying system includes a heating element, blower, and condenser integrated within the same machine structure, allowing users to complete both washing and drying without transferring laundry between separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If washing machine with drying function is integrated, then user convenience improves by eliminating laundry transfer, but drying function strength deteriorates compared to dedicated dryer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the washing machine and dryer into a single integrated device with a unified drum that can perform both washing and drying functions. The drying system includes a heating element, blower, and condenser integrated within the same machine structure, allowing users to complete both washing and drying without transferring laundry between separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a heat pump system that can adjust temperature and humidity parameters dynamically during the drying cycle. The heat pump compressor, evaporator, and condenser work together to control the thermal environment, allowing the integrated dryer to achieve drying performance comparable to dedicated dryers by optimizing temperature and airflow parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated drying system is added to washing machine, then drying function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the drum and chamber to serve multiple functions - serving as both the washing container and drying chamber. The same drum performs both washing and drying operations, and the air circulation system serves both ventilation during washing and active drying during the drying cycle, reducing the need for completely separate structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the washing machine and dryer into a single integrated device with a unified drum that can perform both washing and drying functions. The drying system includes a heating element, blower, and condenser integrated within the same machine structure, allowing users to complete both washing and drying without transferring laundry between separate devices.
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 integrated washing machine achieves drying performance comparable to standalone dryers, eliminating the need for laundry transfer and enhancing convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange duct disposed above the tub, and including an evaporator and a condenser
Implementation Method 2
a dehumidifier disposed inside the rear duct and configured to remove moisture contained in the airflow passing through the rear duct
Implementation Method 3
a blower fan disposed in front of the tub and configured to generate an airflow that flows from the rear opening, then through the rear duct, then through the inlet duct, then through the heat exchange duct, then through the supply duct, and then to the front opening
Implementation Method 4
a heater disposed inside the supply duct, and configured to generate heat to heat the airflow passing through the supply duct
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine with drying function includes a cabinet including a laundry insertion hole on a front surface; a tub inside the cabinet and having a rear opening and a front opening; a drum inside the tub; and a heated air supplying device including a heat exchange duct above the tub, and including an evaporator and a condenser, a rear duct behind the tub, an inlet duct between the rear duct and a first side of the heat exchange duct, a supply duct on a second side of the heat exchange duct, a blower fan in front of the tub to generate an airflow from the rear opening, through the rear duct, through the inlet duct, through the heat exchange duct, through the supply duct, and to the front opening, and a dehumidifier inside the rear duct and configured to remove moisture contained in the airflow passing through the rear duct.