Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure generally relates to drying systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a laundry drying system and a method for controlling a laundry drying system for a washing machine.
BACKGROUND
[2] Washing machines are essential appliances for many households around the world. Washing machines are designed to clean and wash different types of laundry, including clothes, bed sheets, curtains, towels, and the like. The primary use of a washing machine is to clean clothes, thereby saving time and energy compared to manual washing. Modern washing machines are relatively energy efficient and consume less water and electricity compared to traditional washing methods. Washing machines operate with different wash cycles, allowing users to choose the appropriate cycle depending on the type of fabric and level of dirt.
[3] Laundry drying systems integrated into the washing machines have become an essential feature for modern households, offering the convenience of all-in-one washing and drying. However, traditional drying systems often suffer from inefficiencies, including inconsistent drying performance, high energy consumption, and extended drying cycles. These issues arise due to the lack of advanced mechanisms for controlling airflow, drum rotation, and heat distribution within the drying chamber.
[4] Most conventional systems rely on static airflow and predefined drum rotations, which fail to address variations in laundry load size, fabric type, and residual moisture content. Furthermore, inadequate temperature sensing mechanisms can lead to overheating, causing potential fabric damage and increased energy usage.
[5] Conventional laundry drying systems lack the advanced mechanisms needed to optimize drying performance, resulting in inefficiencies such as inconsistent moisture removal, uneven drying, and high energy consumption. Existing systems often fail to provide precise control over drum motion and airflow, limiting their ability to adapt to varying drying needs. Additionally, the absence of real-time monitoring and feedback prevents dynamic adjustments to heat and airflow, leading to prolonged drying times and unnecessary energy use
[6] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a system and a method that may eliminate, or at least, mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems associated with the existing solutions.
SUMMARY
[7] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[8] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laundry drying system for a washing machine. The system includes a washing drum mechanically coupled with a variable-speed motor. The motor is configured to control the rotational speed of the washing drum. The system further includes an air suction unit configured to draw air from the environment and pump the air into the washing drum, thereby facilitating the drying process. A rubber sleeve insert, incorporating a venturi, is coupled with the air suction unit and is configured to increase the velocity of the airflow entering the washing drum. Disposed within the air suction pathway is a heater, which is configured to heat the air before it enters the washing drum, thereby aiding in the evaporation of moisture from the laundry. The system further includes a controller configured to regulate the power delivered to the heater, thereby controlling the temperature of the air entering the washing drum to optimize drying performance. The system further includes an exhaust pipe is provided to direct the heated air exiting the washing drum, ensuring the removal of moisture-laden air from the system. The laundry drying system is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the drying process by controlling air velocity, temperature, and ventilation within the washing machine.
[9] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a laundry drying system for a washing machine. The method includes rotating the washing drum of the washing machine at one or more predefined rotational speeds, with each speed being maintained for a predefined period of time, through a variable-speed motor. The method further includes heated air is pumped into the washing drum via an air suction unit. The temperature of the heated air is controlled as a function of the rotational speed of the washing drum, and the temperature is regulated by a controller. The controller is configured to adjust the power supplied to a heater located in the air path of the air suction unit, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the air entering the washing drum is optimized for effective drying. This method enhances the drying process by synchronizing the rotational speed of the drum with the temperature of the air, improving moisture evaporation from the laundry.
[10] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[11] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[12] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[13] Figure 2 is an isometric view of an air suction pathway of the washing machine, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[14] Figure 3a is an isometric view of turbulence fan in the air suction pathway of the washing machine in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[15] Figure 3b is a front perspective view of the turbulence fan in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of figure 3a of the present disclosure;
[16] Figure 3c is a rear isometric view of the turbulence fan in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of figure 3a of the present disclosure;
[17] Figure 3d is a partial front isometric view of the shaft in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 3b of the present disclosure;
[18] Figure 3e is a front isometric view of the shaft in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 3b of the present disclosure;
[19] Figure 4a is a partial front isometric view of the venturi structure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 2 of the present disclosure;
[20] Figure 4b is a front isometric view of the venturi structure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of figure 2 of the present disclosure; and
[21] Figure 5 is a flow chart of the method for controlling a laundry drying system for a washing machine in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[22] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of vehicle, one or more components of the vehicle may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[23] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[24] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[25] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[26] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[27] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[28] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[29] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[30] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[31] Figure 1 is a sectional view of a washing machine (100) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[32] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine (100) may include a washing drum (102), the laundry drying system (104), a variable speed motor (106), and an exhaust pipe (108).
[33] In an embodiment, the washing drum (102) has two parts i.e., an inner drum and an outer drum. The inner drum is designed to hold clothes and the water is used during a wash cycle. The inner drum has a perforated surface that allows water to circulate freely. The outer drum accommodates the inner drum and retains water throughout the washing process. Further, a rotary pump is used to circulate water during a wash cycle and to drain water once the wash cycle is completed.
[34] In an embodiment, the washing machine (100) comprises of a washing drum (102). The washing drum (102) is a central cylindrical component with perforations. The perforations may be configured to enable airflow and water drainage which is crucial for washing and drying. In an embodiment, the washing drum (102) may be designed to hold laundry.
[35] In one embodiment, the laundry drying system (104) is positioned on top of the washing machine (100). The laundry drying system (104) is designed to draw air from the surrounding environment and effectively dry the laundry inside the washing machine (100).
[36] In an embodiment, the variable speed motor (106) mechanically coupled to the washing drum (102) may be designed to control the rotational speed of the washing drum (102). The variable speed motor (106) may be configured to enable the washing drum (102) to operate at speeds optimized for tumbling and drying. In one embodiment, the variable-speed motor (106) mechanically coupled to the washing drum (102) may be configured to operate substantially between 400 rpm and 800 rpm.
[37] In an embodiment, the exhaust pipe (108) positioned on top of the washing drum (102) at the back portion, serves as a pathway for removing moisture from the laundry. In other words, the exhaust pipe (108) may be designed to provide an outlet for the moist air after it has absorbed water from the laundry. In some embodiments, the washing machine (100) may include an exhaust fan to aid in expelling the air efficiently.
[38] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the laundry drying system (104) of the washing machine (100), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[39] The laundry drying system (104) is positioned on top of the washing machine (100). The laundry drying system (104) is designed to draw air from the surrounding environment and effectively dry the laundry inside the washing machine (100). In an embodiment, the laundry drying system (104) comprises of three main parts, including a heater (202), an air suction unit (204), and a rubber sleeve insert (206).
[40] The air suction unit (204) may be configured to draw air and pump the air into the washing drum (102). In an embodiment, the heater (202) is disposed in an air suction pathway of the air suction unit (204). The heater (202) may be configured to heat the air entering the washing drum (102) for aiding the evaporation of moisture in the laundry in the washing drum (102) of the washing machine (100).
[41] Furthermore, the rubber sleeve insert (206) with a venturi is coupled with the air suction unit (204). The rubber sleeve insert (206) may be configured to increase airflow velocity.
[42] Figure 3a illustrates an isometric view of the heater (202) associated with the laundry drying system (104) comprising a turbulence fan (302), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[43] Figures 3b and 3c illustrate a front view (304) and rear view (306) of the turbulence fan (302) associated with the heater (202) of the laundry drying system (104), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[44] The turbulence fan (302) in the laundry drying system (104) is mechanically coupled with the air suction pathway of the air suction unit (204) which is further coupled to the heater (202). The turbulence fan (302) ensures that the airflow is effectively influenced as it passes through the heater (202), promoting better and more uniform drying. The turbulence fan (302) features aerodynamically designed blades that induce a vortex or add momentum to the moving air, enhancing the airflow dynamics.
[45] The turbulence fan (302) may be configured to optimize the movement of heated air into the washing drum (102), improving the evaporation of moisture from the laundry by slightly increasing the suction speed downstream. The turbulence fan (302) may be rotatably mounted on a shaft (308) with a low-friction rotational axis, enabling passive rotation. This design minimizes energy consumption while creating sufficient turbulence in the airflow, ensuring even distribution of heat and efficient drying performance.
[46] Figures 3d and 3e illustrate a shaft (308) for holding the turbulence fan (302), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[47] The shaft (308) in the laundry drying system (104) may be designed to facilitate the efficient operation of the turbulence fan (302). The shaft (308) is integrated with the heater (202) and is configured to enable the passive rotation of the turbulence fan (302) by providing a low-friction rotational axis. The low-friction design ensures that the turbulence fan (302) blades may be configured to rotate smoothly with minimal resistance, utilizing the kinetic energy of the moving airflow without requiring additional energy input.
[48] The shaft (308) may be further configured to maintain precise alignment of the turbulence fan (302), which is essential for consistent performance and to avoid mechanical imbalances that could disrupt the airflow. The shaft (308) may be configured to minimize any unnecessary turbulence that might otherwise reduce the efficiency of the airflow dynamics by keeping the turbulence fan (302) properly aligned.
[49] Additionally, the shaft (308) may be configured to facilitate the effective transfer of kinetic energy from the airflow to the mechanical rotation of the blades of the turbulence fan (302). The kinetic energy transfer may be further configured to enhance capability of the turbulence fan (302) to create a vortex or turbulence in the airflow and may contribute to optimizing the airflow velocity and direction. As a result, the heated air is distributed uniformly into the washing drum (102), improving moisture evaporation and ensuring efficient drying of the laundry.
[50] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a three-dimensional (3-D) and a two-dimensional view of the rubber sleeve insert (206) respectively having a venturi structure (402), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[51] The rubber sleeve insert (206) with a venturi structure (402) is a key component of the laundry drying system (104). The rubber sleeve insert (206) may be designed to optimize airflow dynamics. The venturi structure (402) within the rubber sleeve insert (206) may be configured to create a constriction in the airflow path, leading to an increase in the velocity of air passing through it. This effect, known as the Venturi effect, occurs because as the air flows through the narrowed section of the sleeve, its pressure decreases while its speed increases.
[52] The increased airflow enhances the suction speed downstream, improving the efficiency of the air intake and movement through the laundry drying system (104). The surrounding geometry of the rubber sleeve insert (206) may be specifically designed to facilitate the venturi effect, ensuring that the airflow is directed and accelerated in a controlled manner. The venturi structure (402) may be configured to support faster and more effective moisture evaporation from the laundry. When combined with other components of the laundry drying system (104), such as the turbulence fan 302 and the heater (202), the venturi structure (402) ensures a synergistic improvement in airflow dynamics, resulting in uniform heat distribution, reduced drying times, and energy-efficient operation.
[53] Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart for method (500) for controlling a laundry drying system (104) for a washing machine (100), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[54] At step 502, tumbling a laundry by rotating the washing drum (102) at a predefined speed for a predefined period.
[55] For example, tumbling the laundry involves rotating the washing drum (102) at a predefined speed for a set amount of time, before transitioning to the drying phase, helps to agitate the clothes, loosen dirt, and prepare them for efficient drying.
[56] At step 504, accelerating the rotational speed of the washing drum (102) in the range of 400 RPM to 800 RPM while the heater (202) is on for a set duration helps to enhance the cleaning or drying process by increasing the agitation and applying heat to the laundry.
[57] For example, gradually increasing the speed of washing drum (102) to 400 RPM while the heater (202) is on for 2 minutes to begin agitating and heating the laundry. The washing drum (102) speed is further increased to 600 RPM with the heater (202) still on for 3 minutes, providing more intense agitation and continued heating to aid the cleaning or drying process. The washing drum (102) speed is increased to the maximum of 800 RPM, maintaining the operation of the heater (202) for 5 minutes to maximize agitation and heat application for thorough cleaning or drying.
[58] At step 506, decelerating the rotational speed of the washing drum (102) involves gradually reducing the speed of washing drum (102) after the acceleration phase is complete, ensuring a smooth transition and preventing sudden mechanical stress on the washing drum (102) and laundry.
[59] For example, decelerating the rotation of the washing drum (102) is initiated once the washing drum (102) reaches a speed of 800 RPM and operates at that speed for 5 minutes, gradually reducing the speed to avoid abrupt changes and ensure smooth operation.
[60] At step 508, halting the rotation of the washing drum (102) involves stopping the washing drum (102) completely after the deceleration phase, maintaining the halt for a predefined period to allow the laundry to rest or prepare for the next cycle.
[61] For example, halting the rotation of the washing drum (102) involves stopping it completely for 5 seconds after the deceleration phase to allow the laundry to settle before proceeding to the next step.
[62] At step 510, repeating the above steps for a predefined number of repetitions.
[63] For example, repeating the above steps involves executing the sequence of tumbling, accelerating, decelerating, and halting the rotation of the washing drum (102) for a specified number of cycles to ensure thorough washing or drying.
[0001] The present disclosure advantageously overcomes one or more technical problems associated with the existing systems, such as:
[0002] Firstly, the present disclosure may intelligently enhanced drying efficiency by combining controlled airflow, temperature regulation, and rotational speed, the system significantly improves the drying process. The air suction unit draws air and pumps it into the washing drum (102), while the rubber sleeve with a venturi accelerates airflow, ensuring that the air effectively reaches all areas of the laundry. The heater (202) warms the air, aiding in the faster evaporation of moisture from clothes. The synchronized control of rotational speed and air temperature optimizes the drying environment, allowing the laundry to dry more quickly and effectively.
[0003] The present disclosure uses a variable-speed motor (106) and a controller to regulate the power supplied to the heater (202) allows for precise control over the drying process. The variable-speed motor (106) adjusts the speed of the washing drum (102) based on the drying needs, and the temperature of the heater (202) is controlled to prevent excessive energy consumption. By delivering the optimal amount of heat and airflow, the system ensures energy efficiency, contributing to reduced electricity costs.
[0004] The present disclosure allows the ability to adjust the temperature and airflow based on the rotational speed of the washing drum (102) helps prevent overheating, which can damage delicate fabrics. The precise control of air temperature ensures that clothes are dried at the optimal heat level, preserving their quality and extending their lifespan. This feature is particularly beneficial for households with diverse fabric types, offering customized drying for different laundry loads.
[0005] The inclusion of the exhaust pipe (108) allows for the efficient removal of moisture-laden air from the washing drum (102). This ensures that the drying environment remains optimal throughout the cycle, preventing the buildup of humidity within the washing drum (102) and allowing for continuous drying. This efficient moisture removal process enhances drying speed and reduces the likelihood of clothes remaining damp after the cycle is completed.
[0006] Further the present disclosure ensures that the system’s controller offers users greater flexibility and convenience by regulating the power to the heater (202), adjusting the air temperature, and maintaining the optimal drying conditions. The method of rotating the washing drum (102) at specific speeds for set times based on drying requirements provides ease of use while ensuring the laundry is properly dried. This intelligent control system enhances the overall user experience, making laundry drying more efficient and effortless.
[0007] This laundry drying system (104) offers a combination of improved drying efficiency, energy savings, garment care, and user-friendly operation, making it a valuable addition to modern washing machines.
[64] While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
[65] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A laundry drying system (104) for a washing machine (100), the drying system (104) comprising:
a washing drum (102) mechanically coupled with a variable-speed motor (106) configured to control a rotational speed of the washing drum (102);
an air suction unit configured to draw air and pump the air into the washing drum (102);
a rubber sleeve insert (206) with a venturi, configured to increase airflow velocity, coupled with the air suction unit;
a heater (202) disposed in an air suction pathway of the air suction unit (204), to heat the air entering the washing drum (102) for aiding the evaporation of moisture in laundry in the washing drum (102);
a controller configured to control a power delivered to the heater (202) to control the temperature of the air entering the washing drum (102); and
an exhaust pipe (108) configured to provide a path for heated air to exit the washing drum (102).
2. The laundry drying system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the variable-speed motor (106) mechanically coupled to the washing drum (102) is configured to operate substantially between 400 rpm and 800 rpm.
3. The laundry drying system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a turbulence fan (302) coupled to the heater (202) is disposed in the air suction pathway (204) for creating a turbulence in the airflow.
4. The laundry drying system (104) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the turbulence fan (302) is rotatably mounted in a shaft (308) configured to enable passive rotation of the turbulence fan (302) by providing a low-friction rotational axis.
5. The laundry drying system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thermistor is added to the rubber sleeve insert (206) for sensing the air temperature for controlling the air temperature.
6. The laundry drying system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an exhaust fan is disposed at an outlet of the exhaust pipe (108) for aiding the exhaust of the air.
7. The laundry drying system (104) as claimed in claim 6, the exhaust fan disposed at the outlet of the exhaust pipe (108) is attached to the cabinet of the washing machine (100).
8. A method (500) for controlling a laundry drying system (104) for a washing machine (100), the method (500) comprising:
rotating a washing drum (102) of the washing machine (100) at predefined one or more rotational speeds and at each speed for a predefined period of time, through a variable speed motor (106); and
pumping heated air into the washing drum (102), through an air suction unit, wherein a temperature of the heated air is a function of the rotational speed of the washing drum (102) and wherein the temperature of the air is controlled by a controller configured to control a power supplied to a heater (202) in an air path of the air suction unit.
9. The method (500) as claimed in claim 8, the method (500) comprising:
tumbling (502) a laundry by rotating the washing drum (102) at a predefined speed for a predefined period of time, prior to the rotation of the washing drum (102) for drying the laundry.
10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 8, the method (500) comprising:
a step of accelerating (504) the rotational speed of the washing drum (102) in the range of 400 RPM to 800 RPM with the heater (202) on during a predetermined period of time,
a step of decelerating (506) the rotational speed of the washing drum (102) based on completion of the acceleration of the washing drum (102),
a step of halting (508) the rotation of the washing drum (102) after the deceleration for a predefined period, and
repeating the above steps (510) for a predefined number of repetitions.
11. The method (500) as claimed in claim 8, the method (500) comprising,
a step accelerating (504) the rotation of the washing drum (102) to 400 RPM with the heater (202) on for 2 minutes,
a step increasing (504) the rotation of the washing drum (102) to 600 RPM with the heater (202) on for 3 minutes,
a step increasing (504) the rotation of the washing drum (102) to 800 RPM with the heater (202) on for 5 minutes, and
a step decelerating (506) the rotation of the washing drum (102) based on detecting the rotation of the washing drum (102) at 800 RPM for 5 minutes, and
a step halting (508) the rotation after the deceleration, for 5 seconds; and
repeating (510) the above steps for a predefined number of repetitions.