Washing Machine Multi-Segment Duct Design to Reduce Drying Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines have prolonged drying times due to inefficient air flow and heating methods, primarily because the drying duct is located at the top of the tub, leading to increased drying times.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a condensing duct extending from the bottom to the top of the rear tub and connects it with the drying duct, allowing for improved air circulation and heating efficiency by rotating the drum at high speed during the drying cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the drying duct is located at the top of the tub, then the structure is simple, but the drying time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The drying duct is divided into multiple segments: a first drying duct at the top rear wall, a second drying duct at the bottom rear wall, and connecting ducts. This segmentation allows air to be circulated from both top and bottom, creating more effective convection currents that reduce drying time while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The drying system transitions from a single-location (top-only) duct to a multi-location distributed duct system. By adding ducts at the bottom and using connecting ducts, the system utilizes vertical and horizontal dimensions to create comprehensive air circulation throughout the tub, improving drying efficiency
2Ease of manufacture
If the drying duct is located at the top of the tub, then the installation is simple, but the air circulation efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the drying duct system are positioned to serve specific local needs: the first drying duct at the top handles upper air circulation, the second drying duct at the bottom handles lower air circulation, and connecting ducts link these regions. This localized quality approach optimizes air circulation in each zone while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting ducts act as intermediaries that link the top and bottom drying ducts, enabling air to flow between different levels of the tub. This intermediary structure facilitates comprehensive air circulation without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire duct system
3Productivity
If the drum rotates at high speed during drying, then the drying efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-duct drying system enables continuous and efficient air circulation throughout the drying process. By having ducts at both top and bottom levels with connecting passages, the system maintains consistent air flow and heat distribution, allowing the drum to rotate at optimized speeds for longer periods without excessive energy consumption
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
This configuration significantly reduces drying time by enhancing air circulation and heating efficiency, effectively shortening the overall drying cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a duct heater provided inside the heating duct; a controller configured to rotate the drum at a first rotational speed so as to tumble laundry contained in the drum while controlling the duct heater to heat the air circulated by the fan
Implementation Method 2
a fan configured to circulate air in the drum, the condensing duct, and the heating duct
Implementation Method 3
a condensing duct formed on an inner wall of the tub
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine that can shorten the drying time by improving the drying efficiency of the washing machine. A washing machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed inside of the tub, a condensing duct formed on an inner wall of the tub, a heating duct provided outside the tub, a duct heater provided inside the heating duct, a fan configured to circulate air in the drum, the condensing duct, and the heating duct and a controller configured to rotate the drum at a first rotational speed so as to tumble laundry contained in the drum while controlling the duct heater to heat the air circulated by the fan. The controller may rotate the drum at a second rotational speed, which is higher than the first rotational speed to separate water from the laundry contained in the drum while controlling the duct heater to heat the circulating air.