Desiccant Box With Nested Inner Housings For Complete Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing desiccant boxes for air dehumidification face issues with incomplete filling due to the design, leading to inefficiencies and potential bypass effects during air dehumidification.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates two concentric inner housings that fill the cylindrical outer housing almost completely, with air-permeable covers and snap-in connections for easy assembly, and a central pressure spring to maintain desiccant stability, along with an optional filter element for dust prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single inner housing is used to hold desiccant, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the housing cannot be completely filled with desiccant due to curved side constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesiccant filling volumeVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single inner housing is divided into two separate inner housings (first and second inner housings) that can be filled independently with desiccant. This segmentation allows complete utilization of the outer housing volume while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second inner housings are nested concentrically within the outer housing, with one housing positioned inside the other. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of available space in the outer housing while keeping the overall structure compact and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If desiccant is filled into a closed inner housing from the curved side, then assembly is straightforward, but the filling level is limited and cannot reach the outer edge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesiccant filling levelVSAvoidfilling process
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the housing into two separable inner housings, each can be filled independently through its own opening before assembly. This eliminates the limitation of filling from the curved side and allows complete filling to the outer edges of both housings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If compression springs are used to compress desiccant between inner and outer housing, then desiccant stability is improved during vibrations and shocks, but individual particle abrasion is prevented only at the expense of incomplete filling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesiccant stability under vibrationVSAvoiddesiccant filling completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The compression springs are applied separately to each inner housing rather than to a single housing. This allows each housing to be optimally compressed and filled, eliminating the space waste that occurred with a single housing design while maintaining stability under vibration and shock conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If air inlet and outlet openings are added to both inner housings for even air flow distribution, then dehumidification efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair dehumidification efficiencyVSAvoidhousing manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The air inlet and outlet openings are distributed across both inner housings rather than concentrated in one location. This segmentation of airflow paths creates more uniform air distribution through the desiccant bed, improving dehumidification efficiency while the modular housing design keeps manufacturing manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures optimal filling, reliable assembly, and efficient air dehumidification without desiccant abrasion or bypass, maintaining desiccant stability and preventing dust entry.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring is arranged between the inner and outer housing, which ensures that the desiccant remains in a compact form in the event of extreme vibrations and shocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a desiccant box for dehumidifying air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

a filter element in the form of a particle filter can be provided inside the outer housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2020259B1Desiccant box for removing moisture from air
Publication Date: 2011.10.05 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • EP2020259B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The dessicant box for drying air comprises an outer case (10) with a base cap (11) and two inner cases (12, 17). The upper case (17) has a curved top corresponding to the shape of the top of the outer casing.