Dryer Door Distribution Plenum Design to Reduce Outlet Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dryer appliances face limitations in air flow rate due to high flow velocities causing clothing articles to be pushed toward the outlet, leading to clogs and decreased performance, which results in increased drying times and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a door with a distribution plenum and inlets on its inner surface, providing fluid communication between the chamber and the plenum, along with a plenum outlet that directs bypass air through a bypass aperture, reducing the likelihood of clogs and enhancing air flow by creating alternate pathways for air to exit the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high flow velocities are used to increase air flow rate, then dryer performance and drying speed improve, but clothing articles are pushed toward the outlet causing clogs and choking the air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet system is segmented into multiple pathways: a primary outlet and a bypass aperture. The bypass aperture provides an alternative exit path for air and clothing particles, preventing clogs at the main outlet while maintaining high air flow velocities for improved dryer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A distribution plenum is introduced as an intermediary component between the chamber and the bypass aperture. The plenum distributes air flow evenly and reduces velocity before air enters the bypass aperture, preventing direct high-velocity pushing of clothing articles while still enabling effective air circulation.
2Loss of time
If high flow velocities are used to improve drying speed, then drying time decreases, but the suction at the outlet traps clothing articles and decreases dryer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet system is divided into a primary outlet for main air extraction and a bypass aperture for alternative air flow. This segmentation allows the primary outlet to maintain strong suction for rapid drying while the bypass provides a secondary path that prevents clothing entrapment, maintaining overall dryer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass aperture changes the flow parameters by providing a lower resistance path for air and particles. This alters the velocity distribution and pressure gradient in the outlet region, reducing the trapping effect on clothing articles while preserving the high flow rate needed for efficient drying.
3Loss of time
If high flow velocities are used to reduce drying time, then energy consumption decreases, but high temperatures are generated and heating elements are repeatedly cycled
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plenum acts as an intermediary that distributes and conditions the air flow before it reaches the bypass aperture. This intermediate structure helps regulate temperature distribution and prevents localized high-temperature zones that would cause excessive heating element cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass aperture modifies the thermal parameters by providing an additional air flow path that distributes heat more evenly throughout the chamber. This prevents temperature buildup and reduces the frequency of heating element cycling, maintaining efficient drying with stable temperatures.
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 solution improves the volumetric flow rate of heated air, reducing the risk of clogs and maintaining efficient dryer performance by ensuring air can flow even if clothing obstructs the primary outlet, thus lowering drying times and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a distribution plenum and a plurality of inlets defined on the inner surface for providing fluid communication between the chamber and the distribution plenum
Implementation Method 2
A plenum outlet is defined on the inner surface for providing fluid communication between the distribution plenum and the bypass aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A door of a dryer appliance includes a frame defining a distribution plenum surrounding a transparent window. The frame defines a plurality of inlets on an inner surface and being spaced circumferentially around the frame to provide fluid communication between a drying chamber and the distribution plenum. A plenum outlet provides fluid communication between the distribution plenum and a trap duct for permitting the discharge of heated air from the drying chamber.