Clothes processing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condensing type dryers have inefficient heat exchange due to a complex circulation flow path and high flow resistance, leading to reduced performance and increased energy consumption. Additionally, they face issues with condensate water scattering and accumulation, which can affect the reliability of the circulation fan and increase the risk of dew condensation inside the clothes treatment apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A simplified circulation flow path is implemented, optimizing the layout of components on the base cabinet to reduce flow resistance. A new water cover structure is introduced to prevent condensate water scattering and provide a space for the evaporator and condenser to be spaced apart from the bottom surface. The design also includes a structure for smooth drainage of condensate water and an optimal design for the circulation fan to minimize noise and maximize air volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the circulation fan is disposed on a circulation flow path perpendicular to the evaporator, then the circulation flow path can be established, but flow resistance becomes large and heat exchange efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation flow path is divided into multiple segments: a first circulation flow path for hot humid air from the drum to the evaporator, a second circulation flow path for cooled air from the evaporator to the condenser, and a third circulation flow path for heated air from the condenser back to the drum. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized independently, reducing overall flow resistance and improving heat exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation fan is repositioned from a perpendicular arrangement to a rear-side arrangement relative to the evaporator, changing the spatial dimension of the flow path. This dimensional change creates a more direct airflow route, reducing flow resistance and improving the efficiency of both the evaporator and condenser.
2Ease of manufacture
If the circulation fan is disposed at the rear of the condenser, then space is provided for component layout, but condensate water scatters and may be introduced into the circulation fan
Solution Approach 1:
A water cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the condenser and the circulation fan. This water cover serves multiple functions: it collects condensate water from the condenser, prevents the scattered water from reaching the circulation fan, and provides a drainage path for the collected water. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between component layout convenience and fan reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If condensate water accumulates on the bottom surface of the circulation flow path, then drainage space is required, but the circulation fan's suction force scatters the condensate water
Solution Approach 1:
The water cover acts as an intermediary collection and drainage system. It provides a dedicated space for condensate water accumulation beneath the condenser and uses gravity-driven drainage channels to smoothly guide the water to a drainage outlet, preventing scattering by the circulation fan's suction force while maintaining effective condensate collection.
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
The simplified circulation flow path enhances heat exchange efficiency and reduces energy consumption. The new water cover structure effectively prevents condensate water scattering and accumulation, improving the reliability of the circulation fan and reducing the risk of dew condensation. The optimized circulation fan design achieves low noise and high air volume performance, further enhancing the overall efficiency of the clothes treatment apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
condenses moisture contained in the hot and humid air through heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
condenses moisture contained in the hot and humid air
Implementation Method 3
heating the air to be introduced into the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes processing apparatus includes a drum, a circulation flow path for circulating air from a frontal-side opening of the drum to a rear-side opening of the drum, and a base cabinet in a lower portion of the drum to provide a space for components. The base cabinet includes a base flow path part of the circulation flow path in which an evaporator, a condenser, and a circulation fan are disposed sequentially towards a rear of the base flow path part, a drum motor mounting part which is disposed at one side in front of the base flow path part, and in which a drum motor for generating a driving force for rotating the drum is mounted, and a compressor mounting part which is disposed at one side behind the base flow path part, and in which a compressor for generating compressed air for heat exchange is mounted.