Washing machine with drying function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with drying functions have a weaker drying capability compared to dedicated dryers, requiring users to transfer laundry from the washing machine to a separate dryer, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with an integrated drying function that includes a heated air supplying device with a heat exchange part, inlet and supply ducts, a blower fan, and a lint filter, which circulates heated air to dry laundry within the machine, similar to a dedicated dryer's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a washing machine is equipped with a drying function, then the convenience of users is improved by eliminating the need to transfer laundry, but the drying capability becomes weaker compared to dedicated dryers
Solution Approach 1:
The drying system is segmented into independent functional modules: a heat exchange part with evaporator and condenser, a blower fan system with inlet and supply ducts, and a lint filtration system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve effective drying performance within the integrated washing machine.
2Reliability
If the washing machine and dryer are formed as separate devices, then the drying capability is strong, but users have to wait and transfer laundry which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washing machine and dryer into a single integrated device, combining the washing tub and drying chamber into one unified structure. The heating system, air circulation system with blower fan, and lint filtration system are integrated within the washing machine body, allowing users to complete both washing and drying operations without transferring laundry between separate devices.
3Reliability
If a heating system is added to the washing machine for drying function, then the drying capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange part serves multiple functions: the evaporator cools and dehumidifies air during the drying cycle, while the condenser heats air for both drying and potential washing operations. The blower fan system provides air circulation for drying and can facilitate water drainage during washing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 washing machine achieves a drying function comparable to a dedicated dryer, eliminating the need to transfer laundry and improving convenience and efficiency by integrating effective drying capabilities within the same unit.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange part which comprises an evaporator and a condenser
Implementation Method 2
configured to supply heated air toward the front opening of the tub
Implementation Method 3
a fan at a front side of the tub, and configured to cause an airflow such that air being discharged from the supply duct is supplied to the front opening of the tub
Implementation Method 4
a heat exchange part which comprises an evaporator and a condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine with drying function includes a cabinet, a tub inside the cabinet, and provided with a front opening to allow laundry to be introduced and removed and a back opening, a drum rotatable inside the tub. A heated air supplying device which includes a heat exchange part, an inlet duct disposed at one side of the tub, and formed to guide air that is introduced from a rear side of the heated air supplying device toward the heat exchange part, a supply duct disposed at another side of the tub, and formed to guide air that passed the heat exchange part to be discharged to a front side of the heated air supplying device, and a fan at a front side the tub, and configured to cause an airflow such that air being discharged from the supply duct is supplied to the front opening of the tub.