Clothes treatment apparatus having heat pump module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clothes treatment apparatuses using heat pump systems face challenges in assembly, performance inspection, and energy efficiency due to the separate positioning of compressors and heat exchangers, which leads to difficulties in assembling and inspecting the heat pump system, and results in energy loss through extended connection pipes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of the heat pump module above the tub, using an integrated housing that includes a heat exchange duct unit and a compressor base unit, allows for compact installation, simplified assembly, and enables performance inspection before complete assembly, reducing energy loss by shortening pipe lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the compressor and heat exchangers are separately positioned, then the heat pump system can be installed in the available space, but it becomes difficult to assemble and inspect the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor and heat exchangers into a single integrated heat pump module. The compressor is positioned directly above the heat exchangers within a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate positioning. This integration simplifies assembly operations and enables performance inspection before complete assembly, while still utilizing the available space above the tub effectively.
2Volume of moving object
If the compressor and heat exchangers are separately positioned, then the heat pump system can be installed, but performance inspection becomes impossible before complete assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated heat pump module design allows performance inspection to be conducted before the module is completely assembled into the clothes treatment apparatus. The refrigerant circulation path is configured to enable inspection of heat exchange performance and compressor operation in advance, allowing defective parts to be identified and replaced before final assembly, thereby improving reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If the compressor and heat exchangers are positioned away from each other, then the heat pump system can be installed, but connection pipes extend causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the compressor and heat exchangers into a compact module with the compressor positioned directly above the heat exchangers, the connection pipes between these components are significantly shortened. This reduces the surface area of the pipes and minimizes energy loss during refrigerant circulation, while still providing installation flexibility within the cabinet space.
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 assembly efficiency, allows for pre-assembly performance inspection, and reduces energy loss by utilizing the upper space effectively, improving the overall performance of the heat pump system.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to receive a gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator, compress the refrigerant to have a high temperature and high pressure
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to receive the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the compressor, perform heat exchange with air to be supplied to the drum, and discharge the refrigerant which has changed into a liquid state
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator configured to receive liquid refrigerant from the expansion valve, perform heat exchange with air discharged from the drum, and discharge gaseous refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
the condenser configured to receive the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the compressor, perform heat exchange with air to be supplied to the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet; a tub provided within the cabinet; a drum rotatably provided within the tub and configured to accommodate the laundry or a dry item therein; and a heat pump configured to circulate a refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, and re-circulate air discharged from the drum to the drum by way of the evaporator and the condenser, wherein the heat pump includes a compressor base supporting and disposed above the tub, a bracket disposed in an upper portion of the compressor base, fixed to an upper surface of the compressor, and transmitting vibration generated by the compressor, and an air-vibration mount disposed between the bracket and the compressor base and absorbing vibration of the compressor transmitted through the bracket.