Lower-Cabinet Dryer Water Tank Layout for Overflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dryers face challenges in space utilization and water overflow prevention when the water tank is located above the condensate water collection area, particularly in heat pump type dryers, where condensate water collection and storage can be inefficient and prone to overflow during user manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The dryer design incorporates a water tank positioned in the lower cabinet with a cap system that opens to allow condensate water collection from the evaporator and closes to prevent overflow, featuring a bent water passage and a closing member with a spring mechanism to ensure water is directed into the tank and retained within, even when the dryer is manipulated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the water tank is disposed in an upper portion of the dryer, then the space for control panel installation is increased, but the user's convenience in manipulating the water tank is reduced and water overflow risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is repositioned from an upper vertical location to a lower horizontal location at the front of the dryer. This spatial reconfiguration allows the control panel to be installed on the upper portion while the water tank is accessible at waist height at the front, resolving the contradiction between control panel space and user convenience.
2Area of stationary object
If the water tank is disposed in an upper portion of the dryer, then the control panel can be installed above the door, but water overflow occurs when the user manipulates the water tank
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is relocated to a lower position at the front of the dryer, changing its spatial dimension from upper to lower. This repositioning prevents water overflow during manipulation while still allowing adequate space for control panel installation above the door.
3Ease of operation
If the water tank is disposed in a lower portion of the cabinet, then space utilization is improved and user convenience is enhanced, but condensate water collection from the evaporator becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A condensate water collection passage is pre-configured to extend from the evaporator downward to the lower water tank position. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that condensate water can be collected efficiently even though the water tank is positioned at a lower location, avoiding the need for complex pumping systems.
4Volume of stationary object
If the water tank is disposed in a lower portion of the cabinet, then space utilization is improved, but the water tank inlet positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank inlet and condensate water passage are pre-configured in the lower water tank position, allowing for simplified connection between the evaporator and water tank. This preliminary arrangement maximizes cabinet space utilization while avoiding complex inlet positioning.
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 space utilization by relocating the water tank to the lower cabinet, prevents water overflow during user handling, and ensures efficient condensate water collection and storage, improving user convenience and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
a closing member with a spring mechanism to ensure water is directed into the tank and retained within
Implementation Method 2
a bent water passage and a closing member with a spring mechanism to ensure water is directed into the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer includes a cabinet including a front panel, a door coupled to the front panel, a base disposed on a lower portion of the cabinet, a condensate water tray disposed on the base and configured to receive water, a water tank configured to be withdrawn forward of the front panel and configured to store water received in the condensate water tray, and a cap configured to couple to the water tank. The water tank includes a front surface part disposed vertically below the front panel of the cabinet, a top surface part that extends rearward from an upper portion of the front surface part and that defines a water tank inlet configured to be coupled to the cap, and a side surface part that extends rearward from each of both sides of the front surface part.