Dehumidifier Heat Exchange Block With Airflow Leakage Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dehumidifiers face inefficiencies in airflow management, particularly in low humidity conditions, leading to reduced performance and moisture removal capacity due to air leakage and imperfect airflow directionality within heat exchange blocks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a heat exchange block with strategically positioned airflow blockers and seals at corner and edge portions, along with corrugated or fluted configurations, to direct and separate airflow segments, enhancing thermal communication and preventing air leakage, thereby improving airflow efficiency and moisture removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional heat exchange blocks are used without airflow blockers, then the device structure is simpler, but airflow leakage occurs and airflow directionality is imperfect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow directionalityVSAvoidheat exchange block structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchange block is segmented into multiple functional zones using airflow blockers positioned at corner and edge portions. These blockers divide the internal space to create distinct first and second airflow segments that follow separate paths, preventing air leakage between segments and ensuring each airflow is properly directed through its intended route for optimal heat exchange performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If airflow blockers are added to prevent air leakage, then moisture removal capacity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture removal capacityVSAvoidheat exchange block assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow blockers are merged with the heat exchange block structure itself, with blockers positioned at corner and edge portions that are integral to the block's geometry. This integration allows the blockers to be formed simultaneously with the heat exchange block during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity while still effectively preventing air leakage and enhancing moisture removal capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If airflow paths are not separated, then the heat exchange block is simpler, but thermal communication between airflow segments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal communication efficiencyVSAvoidairflow path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchange block structure serves as an intermediary that facilitates thermal communication between the first and second airflow segments. By configuring the block with specific geometric features and positioning airflow blockers at corner and edge portions, the design enables efficient heat transfer between segments while maintaining distinct airflow paths, thus improving thermal communication efficiency without requiring direct mixing of the airflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration increases dehumidifier performance by 5-10%, translating to additional moisture removal capacity, such as 7-10 pints per day, by optimizing airflow paths and reducing leakage within the heat exchange block.

Implementation Method 1

The components of the refrigeration cycle cool the airflow below the dew-point temperature so that water vapor in the airflow is condensed to liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The airflow flows across an evaporator and a condenser of a refrigeration cycle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

The heat exchange block is configured to pre-cool airflow by thermal communication with the evaporator before the airflow reaches the evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPre-cooling: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 4

The heat exchange block is configured to redirect a portion of the airflow from an outlet of the evaporator back to an inlet of the evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow redirection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS8784529B2Dehumidifiers having improved heat exchange blocks and associated methods of use and manufacture

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 LEGEND BRANDS INC

AI summary

Dehumidifiers having improved heat exchange blocks and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed. A heat exchange system in accordance with a particular embodiment can include a plurality of elements with a plurality of airflow channels. A plurality of peripheral spacers are positioned toward edges of neighboring elements and extend in a first direction. A first airflow path extends in the first direction, and is at least partially defined by the corresponding elements and the peripheral spacers. A second airflow path is defined by the airflow channels and extends in a second direction, and an airflow blocker is positioned at a corner portion of the elements to prevent fluid communication between the first and the second airflow paths at the elements. In certain embodiments, the heat exchange system can further include a dehumidifier having an evaporator positioned between the first and second airflow paths.