Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water heating systems in washers and dryers, which use electrical resistance devices positioned at the bottom of the tub, face issues such as safety risks due to insulation cracking, increased costs for special insulation and safety functions, inefficient heat transfer, and prolonged washing cycles as the detergent action is delayed until heat is transferred to the drum.
Innovation Solution
A heating system utilizing electromagnetic coupling between a power transmitter unit on the tub and a power receiver unit integrated into the drum, with heating elements in the drum lifters, allowing for efficient and safe heating by directly transferring power to heating elements within the drum, 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 positioned at the bottom of the tub, then heating function is provided, but safety risk increases due to insulation cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the bottom sump area and relocated to the drum structure through integrated heating elements. This removes the heating device from the problematic bottom position where insulation cracking occurs, while maintaining the heating capability through elements mounted on the drum surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum structure serves as an intermediary carrier for the heating elements. Instead of placing heating devices directly in the sump area where insulation failures occur, the heating elements are mounted on the drum, which acts as a mediator between the power source and the water/laundry, eliminating direct exposure to cracking-prone insulation environments.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heating element is positioned in the sump area, then heating function is achieved, but energy loss increases due to premature heating of tub surface
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is localized to specific areas on the drum surface rather than being concentrated in the bottom sump. Heating elements are distributed on the drum structure, creating localized heating zones that directly contact water and laundry during the wash cycle, preventing premature heating of the tub surface and improving overall energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If heating is performed in the sump area, then water heating is achieved, but washing cycle duration increases due to delayed detergent activation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements on the drum begin heating the water and laundry immediately as the drum rotates, rather than waiting for heat to transfer from the bottom sump. This preliminary heating action occurs concurrently with detergent dissolution and mixing, allowing detergent activation to proceed without delay and reducing overall cycle time.
4Reliability
If special electrical insulation and safety functions are added to bottom-mounted heaters, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the complex bottom-mounted insulation system and relocated to the drum structure. This eliminates the need for specialized insulation materials and complex safety systems required for bottom-mounted heaters, as the drum-mounted elements operate in a more accessible and structurally sound environment.
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, shortens washing cycles by ensuring the drum reaches the desired temperature quickly, and allows for precise control of washing and drying processes.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element in the 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 opposite to the power transmitter unit
Implementation Method 2
the power transmitter unit comprises a transmission coil generating a magnetic field and the power receiver unit comprises a reception coil generating power from the magnetic field generated by the transmission coil
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus having a tub, a drum rotatably mounted inside the tub, at least one electrical powered element mounted in the drum, a wireless power transmitter unit and a wireless power receiver unit. The wireless power receiver unit supplies power to the electrical powered element.