Washing machine with drying function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines and dryers are typically separate devices, requiring users to transfer laundry after washing, and lint filters in combined washing machines with drying functions need effective cleaning solutions.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with integrated drying function includes a lint filter, a sensor to detect lint accumulation, and a washing device to spray water on the filter based on sensor signals, along with a processor controlling the water spray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washing machine and dryer are formed as separate devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but user convenience deteriorates due to needing to transfer laundry between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines washing and drying functions into a single integrated device. The washing machine includes a drum for washing, a lint filter for capturing lint during drying, and a heating element for drying clothes. This merging eliminates the need for users to transfer laundry between separate washing and drying devices, directly resolving the technical contradiction by maintaining functional optimization while improving user convenience.
2Productivity
If lint filter is disposed in the flow path to prevent lint blocking, then airflow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-cleaning mechanism where the system automatically detects lint accumulation on the filter using a sensor and cleans the filter itself without requiring external intervention. The processor monitors the sensor output and activates the washing device to clean the lint filter, allowing the system to maintain airflow efficiency while avoiding the complexity of manual cleaning procedures or additional external cleaning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where a sensor continuously monitors the lint filter for lint accumulation and reports to the processor. The processor uses this feedback information to determine when cleaning is needed and activates the washing device accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain optimal airflow efficiency by cleaning the filter only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary complexity while ensuring continuous performance.
3Productivity
If sensor is used to detect lint in the lint filter, then cleaning timing is optimized, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple feedback mechanism where a sensor detects lint accumulation on the filter and sends a signal to the processor. The processor interprets this feedback and activates the washing device when cleaning is needed. This straightforward feedback loop optimizes cleaning timing by triggering cleaning only when lint is detected, avoiding the complexity of continuous monitoring or complex control algorithms while maintaining efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor and control system enable the device to monitor and clean itself automatically. The sensor detects lint accumulation and the processor autonomously decides when to activate the washing device for filter cleaning, eliminating the need for user intervention or complex external control systems. This self-service capability optimizes cleaning timing while keeping the control mechanism simple and integrated within the existing device architecture.
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 system effectively cleans the lint filter, reducing user inconvenience and maintaining airflow efficiency by automatically washing away lint accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connectable by lint collected in the lint filter
Implementation Method 2
a washing device configured to selectively spray washing water toward the lint filter
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine with drying function may include a cabinet with a laundry insertion hole; a tub having a front opening and a back opening; a drum inside the tub, the laundry insertion hole, front opening, and drum being positioned so that laundry is insertable through the laundry insertion hole; a heated air supplying device with a heat exchange part above the tub, a front and back duct, and a blower fan to form an airflow, via the back and front duct, from the back opening to the heat exchange part, and then to the front opening; a lint filter in the back duct; a sensor to detect lint in the lint filter and produce a corresponding signal; a washing device to spray washing water toward the lint filter; and a processor to control the washing device to spray the washing water based on the signal produced by the sensor.