Dryer Impeller Blade Extensions for Higher Air Flow in Tight Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dryer appliance performance is hindered by limited space and increased costs due to the need for larger impellers or additional motors to enhance air flow, as existing solutions struggle to efficiently circulate heated air without compromising size or budget.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rotatable impeller assembly with a base plate, blades, and extensions that optimize air flow through the drum by defining specific dimensions and positions, allowing for improved air circulation without requiring a large impeller or additional motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of the impeller is increased to improve air flow, then dryer performance is improved, but the available space in the dryer appliance is limited making it difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the impeller blades in the axial direction (adding a fifth dimension beyond the typical radial and circumferential dimensions) by creating extensions that protrude from the blade surfaces. This dimensional extension increases the effective impeller volume and air-moving capability without increasing the impeller's radial footprint, thereby resolving the contradiction between air flow volume and available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller is segmented into multiple blades with extensions, where each blade acts as an independent air-moving element. The extensions are positioned at specific circumferential locations on each blade, creating a segmented structure that maximizes air flow efficiency within the constrained space by distributing the air-moving function across multiple discrete elements rather than requiring a single large impeller.
2Productivity
If a second motor is added to rotate the impeller to improve air flow, then dryer performance is improved, but the cost of the dryer appliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing motor that rotates the drum is made to serve multiple functions by coupling it to the impeller assembly, causing the impeller to rotate along with the drum. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for a dedicated second motor, thereby maintaining improved air flow performance while avoiding the increased cost and complexity associated with adding an additional motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller rotation function is merged with the existing drum rotation mechanism. The impeller is positioned within the drum chamber and coupled to rotate with the drum, combining the air circulation function with the existing mechanical drive system rather than requiring separate actuation.
3Productivity
If the impeller size is increased to generate large volume of heated air, then dryer performance is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller structure is extended in the axial direction by adding extensions to the blades, increasing the effective volume of heated air that can be generated and circulated. This dimensional extension allows the impeller to move larger volumes of air without increasing the radial or circumferential dimensions, thereby improving productivity while maintaining simple device structure and compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The extensions are positioned at specific local positions on the impeller blades, with each extension having optimized dimensions and positioning to maximize air flow efficiency. The local quality of the blade structure is enhanced at critical locations rather than uniformly increasing the entire impeller size, thereby improving heated air volume generation while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
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 appliance, improving drying efficiency while maintaining compactness and reducing costs by leveraging existing motor power.
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
A 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, a plurality of blades and a plurality of extensions. The size and position of the plurality of extensions can assist with urging the flow of air through the drum of the dryer appliance.