Dehumidifier Airflow Switching for Cold Air Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dehumidifiers require complex flow-path structures and result in low blowing capability due to increased flow resistance, leading to unpleasant warm air discharge and inefficient dehumidification.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidifier design incorporating a compressor, condenser, evaporator, four-way valve, and adjustable expansion valves, along with a mode switching unit and separate air flow paths for dehumidification and cooling modes, to simplify configuration and enhance air discharge capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a complicated flow-path structure is used to attain cold air function, then cold air discharge capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same dehumidifier system to perform both dehumidification and cooling functions through a four-way valve that redirects refrigerant flow. The evaporator and condenser serve dual purposes: in dehumidification mode, they remove moisture from air; in cooling mode, they cool the air. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining cold air discharge capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between operational modes using a four-way valve controlled by a controller. The system can dynamically transition between dehumidification mode and cooling mode based on user input or environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical infrastructure to serve different functions, avoiding the need for fixed, complex multi-path structures for each specific function.
2Reliability
If air passes through multiple heat exchangers to achieve dehumidification, then dehumidification effectiveness is improved, but flow resistance increases and blowing capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in refrigerant state (temperature, pressure, phase) as it passes through the evaporator and condenser to achieve dehumidification. By controlling the refrigerant's thermal parameters through the four-way valve switching mechanism, the system effectively removes moisture from air while managing flow resistance. The expansion valve adjusts refrigerant flow parameters to optimize both dehumidification effectiveness and air discharge capability.
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 dehumidifier effectively discharges cold air through a simplified configuration, improving dehumidification efficiency and user comfort by controlling air temperature and flow rates, while maintaining a straightforward refrigeration cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor connected to the evaporator and the condenser and configured to compress the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator so as to discharge the refrigerant to the condenser
Implementation Method 2
a condenser and configured to condense the refrigerant compressed in the compressor
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator and configured to evaporate the refrigerant condensed in the heat exchangers
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of heat exchangers provided within the main body and configured to condense the refrigerant compressed in the compressor or to evaporate the condensed refrigerant
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a dehumidifier including a main body, a compressor provided within the main body to compress refrigerant, a plurality of heat exchangers provided within the main body to condense the refrigerant compressed in the compressor or to evaporate the condensed refrigerant, a first fan to discharge air, having undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant evaporated in the heat exchangers and having subsequently undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant condensed in the heat exchangers, out of the main body, a mode switching unit to perform switching between operating modes including a cooling mode and a dehumidification mode, and a second fan to discharge the air, having undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant evaporated in the heat exchangers in the cooling mode, out of the main body.