Dehumidifier Lower Seal Panel Design for Compressor Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Household dehumidifiers produce loud noises due to the operation of the compressor, affecting their performance and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A dehumidifier design featuring a compressor positioned at the bottom of the main body with a lower seal panel for sound insulation, positioned between the main body and the front panel, and optionally using elastic members like elastic plastic parts or springs for additional noise reduction and secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the compressor is arranged in the upper compartment with integral construction, then the device structure is simple, but louder noises are produced affecting using performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dehumidifier body is divided into upper and lower compartments with distinct functions. The upper compartment contains the evaporator, condenser, and fan for air processing, while the lower compartment houses the compressor and water tank. This segmentation allows noise-generating components to be isolated from the user space, reducing perceived noise while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor, which is the primary noise source, is extracted from the upper compartment and relocated to the lower compartment. This extraction removes the harmful noise factor from the user environment while preserving the dehumidification function in the upper compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the lower seal panel is positioned between the front panel and compressor, then noise is reduced and safety is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and safetyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower seal panel performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a noise barrier to shield the compressor sound, provides safety protection by covering electrical components, and serves as a structural element connecting the front panel to the main body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, minimizing structural complexity while achieving noise reduction and safety goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower seal panel merges the noise shielding function and safety protection function into a single integrated component. Instead of having separate noise barriers and safety covers, both functions are combined in one panel that spans between the front panel and compressor area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If elastic members are disposed between the lower seal panel and front panel, then noise reduction is enhanced and assembly is secured, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Elastic members such as elastic plastic parts or spring elements are used between the lower seal panel and front panel. These flexible components provide noise damping through their elastic properties while maintaining secure mechanical connection. The elastic members absorb vibrations and reduce noise transmission without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic members act as intermediary elements between the lower seal panel and front panel, providing both mechanical connection and noise damping. These intermediaries facilitate secure assembly while reducing the direct rigid connection that would transmit noise, thus enhancing noise reduction without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

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

The design effectively reduces compressor noise and ensures user safety during maintenance by shielding electrical components, providing a simple and secure configuration.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic member is disposed between said lower seal panel and said front panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10443867B2Dehumidifier

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI

AI summary

Disclosed is a dehumidifier, including a main body (300) and a front panel (200); a compressor is arranged in the main body (300), and is positioned at the bottom of the main body (300), the front panel (200) is arranged on the outside of the main body (300); the dehumidifier further comprises a lower seal panel (100) for shielding the compressor; the lower seal panel (100) is disposed on the main body (300) and positioned between the front panel (200) and the compressor.