Heating system for an apparatus for the treatment of textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water heating systems in washers and dryers, using electrical resistance devices, face issues such as safety risks due to insulation cracking, increased costs for additional safety measures, inefficient heat transfer, and prolonged washing cycles as the detergent action is delayed until heat is transferred from the tub to the drum.
Innovation Solution
A heating system utilizing electromagnetic coupling between a power transmitter unit on the tub and a power receiver unit on the drum, with heating elements integrated into the drum lifters, allowing for efficient and safe heating, and an interface unit for wireless temperature measurement data transmission to the appliance control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical resistance heating devices are installed in the sump area, then heating function is provided, but safety risk increases due to insulation cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical resistance heating devices with induction heating technology. The induction heating system uses a magnetic field generated by a transmitter coil to induce eddy currents in the drum, which generates heat directly in the drum wall without direct electrical contact with water. This eliminates the risk of electrical insulation cracking while maintaining effective heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the drum wall as an intermediary medium for heat transfer. Instead of heating water directly through electrical elements in contact with water, the system heats the drum wall which then transfers heat to the laundry and water. This intermediary approach eliminates direct electrical-water contact, removing the insulation cracking hazard.
2Temperature
If heating elements are positioned in the sump area, then heating capability is achieved, but energy loss increases due to localized overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating function by distributing multiple heating zones around the drum perimeter through strategically positioned transmitter coils. Instead of a single concentrated heat source in the sump, the heating action is distributed around the entire drum, ensuring uniform heat distribution and preventing localized overheating and energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a point-source heating approach (sump area) to a distributed surface heating approach (drum wall). By moving the heating function to the drum wall surface that contacts the laundry, the system achieves three-dimensional heat distribution throughout the washing load, eliminating the two-dimensional heat concentration problem in the sump area.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If sump volume is filled with water for heat transfer, then heating system operates, but washing cycle duration increases due to delayed detergent activation
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating system activates heating immediately at the start of the washing cycle by directly heating the drum wall that contacts the laundry and detergent solution. There is no delay required to heat a large volume of sump water first, as the drum wall serves as the immediate heat transfer surface. This preliminary heating action allows detergent activation to occur without delay, reducing overall cycle time.
4Reliability
If traditional electrical heating systems are used, then heating function is provided, but device complexity increases due to additional safety functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical safety systems with a simpler electromagnetic induction system. The induction heating eliminates the need for electrical insulation, ground fault protection, and other water-contact electrical safety mechanisms. The system achieves reliable heating through magnetic field coupling between transmitter and receiver coils, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining heating effectiveness.
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 solution provides a safer, more efficient heating system that reduces energy loss and shortens washing cycles by directly heating the clothes and water in the drum, enhancing appliance performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element in a washer or washer dryer drum supplied by an electromagnetic coupling between a power transmitter unit positioned on the tub side and a power receiver unit fixed on the drum side
Implementation Method 2
A heating element in a washer or washer dryer drum supplied by an electromagnetic coupling between a power transmitter unit positioned on the tub side and a power receiver unit fixed on the drum side
Implementation Method 3
heating elements integrated into the drum lifters, allowing for efficient and safe heating
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus (10) comprising a tub (30), a drum (50) rotatably mounted inside the tub (30), at least one electrical powered element (200,61) mounted in the drum (50), a wireless power transmitter unit (62) and a wireless power receiver unit (63), wherein the wireless power receiver unit (63) supplies power to the electrical powered element (200,61).