Heat Pump Dryer Filter Layout for Evaporator Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers with heat pump systems face difficulties in accessing and cleaning the evaporator, as it is typically located at the bottom of the dryer, requiring complex steps due to its position and the presence of lint or fluff from laundry.
Innovation Solution
The evaporator and filter elements are arranged at least partially below an access opening in the dryer's casing, allowing for simplified access and removal, enabling easy cleaning of the inlet side of the evaporator by positioning them to be removable from the access opening, facilitating external cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the evaporator is arranged at the bottom of the dryer, then the heat pump system can be compactly integrated, but the cleaning access to the evaporator inlet side becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is divided into two separate parts: a first evaporator part arranged at the bottom for heat pump integration, and a second evaporator part arranged in the air stream circuit where it can be accessed for cleaning. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function while resolving the access problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The second evaporator part is positioned within the air stream circuit path, effectively nesting the accessible cleaning surface within the existing airflow pathway. This allows the evaporator to be accessed through the same opening used for laundry access, eliminating the need for separate complex access mechanisms.
2Reliability
If filter elements are placed upstream of the evaporator, then lint filtration is improved, but the filter elements themselves become difficult to access and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into a first filter element arranged at the bottom and a second filter element arranged in the air stream circuit. The second filter element is positioned where it can be accessed through the front opening, while the first filter element remains in its traditional upstream position for optimal filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The second filter element acts as an intermediary that can be easily accessed and cleaned through the front opening, while still performing the critical filtration function upstream of the evaporator. This intermediary element provides a maintenance-friendly interface to the filtration system.
3Device complexity
If the evaporator inlet side is not easily accessible, then the internal structure can be compact, but lint accumulation on the evaporator occurs more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is segmented into a first part for compact bottom mounting and a second part accessible in the air stream circuit. This allows the main body to remain compact while the accessible second part prevents lint accumulation through easy cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The second evaporator part is positioned to be accessible before lint accumulation becomes problematic. The design anticipates maintenance needs by providing easy access to the evaporator surface where lint would accumulate, allowing preventive cleaning before performance degradation occurs.
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 simplifies the cleaning process, reduces complexity, and improves air stream flow, enhancing water condensation efficiency and reducing potential leakages by allowing direct access and cleaning of the evaporator inlet side.
Implementation Method 1
an air stream circuit (15) formed as a closed loop... an evaporator (18)... The air stream (16) flowing in said air stream circuit passes a laundry drum (12), an evaporator (18)...
Implementation Method 2
The evaporator and the condenser are heat exchangers... an air stream circuit (15) formed as a closed loop... an evaporator (18)... and a condenser (20)
Implementation Method 3
one or more filter elements (22, 24) are arranged in the air stream circuit... the filter elements may be not totally perfect, and therefore lint or fluff coming from the laundry may escape from the filter element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer (10) with a heat pump system. The laundry dryer (10) includes a rotatable laundry drum (12). An access opening (14) is arranged in the front side of the laundry dryer (10). The access opening (14) allows an access to the interior of the laundry drum (12). The heat pump system includes an evaporator (18) and a condenser (20). The heat pump system includes an air stream circuit arranged in such a way to allow an air stream (16) to pass the laundry drum (12), the evaporator (18) and the condenser (20). At least one filter element (22, 24) is arranged upstream the evaporator (18). The at least one filter element is arranged at least partially in correspondence of and/or below the access opening, so that it is removable from the laundry dryer from the access opening; the evaporator is arranged at least partially in correspondence of and/or below the access opening, so that it is accessible from the access opening once the at least one filter element has been removed.