Condenser Water Tank Layout for Dryer Cooling and Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry drying apparatuses require two separate water control valves for cooling and washing functions in a condenser, leading to precision issues with small flow rate valves and sediment formation in high-temperature environments.

Innovation Solution

A single water control valve and a water tank with multiple outlets, where the position and size of the outlets determine the flow rate for either cooling or washing, allowing the same valve to manage both functions by adjusting water admission based on the water level in the tank.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two different water control valves are used to implement cooling and washing functions, then both functions can be implemented, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidvalve system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single water control valve is designed to control water flow to a water tank that serves both cooling and washing functions. The water tank has multiple outlets positioned at different heights, allowing one valve to regulate both cooling water supply (to the heat exchanger) and washing water supply (to the washing nozzle), thereby reducing component count while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The water tank is segmented into multiple outlets at different positions and orientations. The first outlet (lower position) supplies cooling water horizontally to the heat exchanger, while the second outlet (higher position) supplies washing water vertically downward to the washing nozzle. This segmentation allows a single valve to control multiple functions through spatial differentiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of substance

If a water control valve with small flow rate is used for cooling function, then cooling water consumption is reduced, but flow rate precision decreases and sediment formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidflow rate precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The water tank outlets are designed with different local characteristics: the first outlet has a smaller flow section oriented horizontally for precise cooling water control, while the second outlet has a larger flow section oriented vertically for high-volume washing. This local differentiation allows each outlet to be optimized for its specific function while sharing a common control valve

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the flow rate parameter dynamically by controlling the water level in the tank. When the water level is low, only the first outlet flows providing precise cooling control. When the water level rises, the second outlet activates providing high flow for washing. This parameter change allows one valve to achieve both precision and high flow requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces the need for multiple valves, improves flow rate precision, and enhances the stability of the cooling water flow, ensuring effective condenser operation with reduced sediment formation.

Implementation Method 1

a water-cooled condenser, which is referred to as a condenser in short hereinafter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a cooling function for condensing vapor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

the position of the at least one first water outlet on the water tank is higher than that of the at least one second water outlet, as determined relative to a direction of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2883997B1Laundry drying apparatus and method for controlling a condenser in a laundry drying apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2883997B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2883997B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention provides a laundry drying apparatus and a method for controlling a condenser 0. The laundry drying apparatus includes a condenser 0, a water control valve 1 and a water tank 2. The water control valve 1 is connected to a water inlet 3 of the water tank 2, the water tank 2 includes a first water outlet 5 and a second water outlet 6, the first water outlet 5 and the second water outlet 6 are separately connected to the condenser 0, and the position of the first water outlet 5 on the water tank 2 is higher than that of the second water outlet 6, as determined relative to a direction of gravity. The water control valve 1 feeds water to the water tank 2 through the water inlet 3 of the water tank 2; when a water level in the water tank 2 reaches the second water outlet 6, water flows out of the second water outlet 6 to cool the condenser 0; and when the water level in the water tank 2 reaches the first water outlet 5, water flows out of the first water outlet 5 to wash the condenser 0. In the invention, only one water control valve 1 is needed to implement a cooling and a washing function for the condenser 0, and a problem of relatively low precision of a flow rate caused by a water control valve 1 having a small flow rate can be alleviated.