Dryer Impeller Assembly Geometry for Higher Air Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dryer appliance performance is hindered by limited space constraints and increased costs associated with larger impellers or additional motors to enhance air flow, necessitating a solution that improves air flow without requiring a large impeller or additional motor.
Innovation Solution
The dryer appliance incorporates an impeller assembly with a base plate, annular front plate, and blades, where the size and position of these components relative to each other facilitate air flow, with specific geometric ratios optimizing the impeller's ability to urge air through the drum, allowing for improved air circulation without the need for a larger impeller or second motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of the impeller is increased to improve air flow and dryer performance, then the air flow volume increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the impeller, specifically the ratio of the width of the annular front plate (WO) to the width of the leading edge of each blade (WB), setting it between 1.1 and 1.5. This parameter optimization enables the impeller to generate sufficient air flow volume without requiring an increase in overall impeller size, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
2Productivity
If a second motor is added to rotate the impeller separately to improve air flow, then the air flow control is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single motor that rotates the drum perform multiple functions by coupling it to the impeller assembly. The motor selectively rotates both the drum and the impeller, eliminating the need for a second dedicated motor. This multi-functionality approach improves air flow control while avoiding the increased manufacturing costs associated with adding additional motors.
3Productivity
If the impeller assembly is optimized to improve air flow without a larger impeller, then the space constraints are maintained, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise parameter range for the ratio WO/WB (between 1.1 and 1.5) that optimizes impeller performance. By defining this specific parameter range, the patent achieves improved air flow efficiency within the existing impeller size while providing clear manufacturing guidelines that balance precision requirements with manufacturability.
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 enhances air flow and pressure within the dryer, improving drying efficiency while maintaining compactness and reducing costs by leveraging the existing motor to rotate the impeller assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The impeller assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation by the motor in order to urge a flow of air from the chamber of the drum to the vent of the cabinet through the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter provides a dryer appliance. The dryer appliance includes an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation in order to urge a flow of air through a drum of the dryer appliance. The impeller assembly includes a base plate and an annular front plate spaced apart from the base plate. A plurality of blades extends between the base plate and the annular front plate. The size and position of the base plate, the annular front plate and the plurality of blades relative to one another can assist with urging the flow of air through the drum of the dryer appliance.