Flat Annular Heat Exchanger for Space-Efficient Dryer Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry drying appliances face inefficiencies in heat exchange and space utilization, leading to suboptimal drying performance and increased volume and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange apparatus with a flat, annular structure and tiled fluid passages is integrated between the tub and drum, allowing for efficient heat exchange and air circulation, utilizing a cooling medium to condense moisture while minimizing space and maintaining airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional heat exchange apparatus is used in laundry drying appliances, then heat exchange function is provided, but the appliance volume increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange apparatus is nested between the tub and drum structures, utilizing the existing spatial arrangement. The flat annular body is positioned within the gap between the tub rear wall and drum rear wall, allowing heat exchange functionality without increasing overall appliance volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional heat exchange structures to a flat annular two-dimensional configuration. This dimensional reduction allows the heat exchange apparatus to fit within the limited radial space between tub and drum while maintaining effective heat transfer area.
2Loss of energy
If a conventional heat exchange apparatus is used in laundry drying appliances, then heat exchange function is provided, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange apparatus is segmented into a flat annular body with multiple fluid passages distributed around the through hole. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining heat exchange effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the heat exchange apparatus from traditional bulky forms to a flat annular configuration with optimized fluid passage distribution. This parameter optimization reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity while improving heat transfer efficiency.
3Volume of stationary object
If heat exchange apparatus is integrated between tub and drum, then space is minimized, but mounting complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flat annular heat exchange apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides heat exchange functionality, acts as a structural component between tub and drum, and facilitates air circulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting structures, simplifying assembly despite the integrated design.
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
The solution enhances heat exchange efficiency, reduces appliance volume, and lowers manufacturing costs by maximizing heat transfer area without affecting the mounting of the tub and drum, ensuring effective drying performance.
Implementation Method 1
cooling water flows into the condensing passage from the inlet pipe, so that heat is exchanged with the drying air entering the condensing passage, thereby condensing the moisture in the drying air
Implementation Method 2
the moisture in the drying air is condensed to become liquid again and be separated from the drying air
Implementation Method 3
a heater in the air heating passage heats drying air flowing through the air heating passage. Heated high-temperature drying air enters the laundry processing barrel assembly under action of the fan, to heat wet laundry in the drum, thereby evaporating moisture in the laundry
Implementation Method 4
The drying air carrying the evaporated moisture then enters the condensing passage, in which the moisture in the drying air is condensed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A heat exchange apparatus is provided, including a flat body (14,140,240), the body having a tiled fluid passage (11,110,210), the fluid passage having an outlet (13,112,212) and an inlet (12,111) adapted to receive a cooling medium that enters the fluid passage from the inlet and leaves the fluid passage from the outlet, where the body is at least partially made of metal or a material whose thermal conductivity is not inferior to that of metal, and the body includes a through hole (15,1500), the fluid passages being distributed around the through hole. A laundry drying appliance, including a heat exchange apparatus mounted between a rear wall (22) of a tub (2) and a rear wall (43) of a drum (4), a drive shaft (44) passing through a through hole (15,1500) of the heat exchange apparatus.