Washing machine with dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with integrated dryers face issues of increased product cost and reduced energy efficiency due to the inclusion of a separate steam module, and design limitations from accommodating the steam module.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a dryer that generates steam without a separate heat source, utilizing a heat pump system with an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve, and a steam generator that sprays water onto the condenser to produce steam, combined with a blast fan to transfer steam to the drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate steam module including a heater is added to implement steam function, then steam generation capability is improved, but product unit cost rises and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam generation function with the existing heat pump system by using the condenser as a dual-purpose component. Water is sprayed onto the condenser surface where it evaporates due to the heat from the refrigerant, generating steam without requiring a separate heater or steam module. This integration eliminates additional components and reduces product unit cost while maintaining steam generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a heat exchange component for the refrigeration cycle and as a steam generation surface. By spraying water onto the condenser, the system utilizes the condenser's thermal energy to evaporate water and produce steam, thereby giving this component a dual role that reduces overall system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If a separate steam module including a heater is added to implement steam function, then steam generation capability is improved, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat from the condenser, which would otherwise be dissipated to the environment, into a useful resource for steam generation. By spraying water onto the condenser surface, the system captures the thermal energy that would be lost and uses it to evaporate water and produce steam, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while achieving the desired steam function.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generation process is merged with the heat pump operation, utilizing the same refrigerant cycle and condenser component. This integration allows the system to generate steam using the thermal energy already present in the refrigeration cycle, eliminating the need for separate heating elements and improving energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If space for installing a steam module is secured in the inside, then steam function is implemented, but design flexibility of the inside of the washing machine is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam generation function with the existing heat pump components, specifically utilizing the condenser as the steam generation surface. This approach eliminates the need for dedicated space for a separate steam module, allowing greater design flexibility in the internal arrangement of the washing machine while still achieving the steam function.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser is designed to serve dual purposes: heat exchange in the refrigeration cycle and steam generation surface. By making this existing component multi-functional, the system achieves steam capability without requiring additional installation space, thereby maintaining design flexibility in the internal configuration.
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 efficient steam generation without additional heating elements, reducing costs and improving energy efficiency while maintaining design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator configured to spray water to the condenser and generate steam by heat generated from the condenser
Implementation Method 2
a heat pump including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve so as to heat air provided to an inside of the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine with a dryer is disclosed. The washing machine includes a cabinet wherein a laundry inlet is provided on a front surface thereof, a tub arranged inside the cabinet, and including a front opening and a rear opening connected with the laundry inlet, a drum configured to rotate inside the tub, a heat pump including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve so as to heat air provided to an inside of the drum, a steam generator configured to spray water to the condenser and generate steam by heat generated from the condenser, and a blast fan arranged on a steam supply flow channel continued from the condenser to the drum, and configured to transfer the steam generated at the steam generator to the inside of the drum.