Integrated Heat Pump Module Layout for Dryer Assembly and Inspection
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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 assembly, inspection, and increased energy loss through extended connection pipes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a heat pump module above the tub, using an integrated housing that includes a compressor base unit and a heat exchange duct 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 above the tub rather than below, and is integrated with the heat exchangers (evaporator and condenser) into one assembly unit. This integration simplifies assembly procedures and enables performance inspection before complete assembly, while still fitting within the available space above the tub.
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:
By integrating the compressor and heat exchangers into a single module, the patent enables performance inspection to be conducted on the complete heat pump system before it is fully assembled into the clothes treatment apparatus. This integration allows for testing refrigerant circulation and heat exchange functionality prior to final installation, improving reliability by identifying potential defects early.
3Power
If the compressor and heat exchangers are positioned away from each other, then the heat pump system can operate, but connection pipes extend causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the compressor and heat exchangers into a compact module, significantly reducing the length of connection pipes required between these components. By positioning the compressor directly above the tub and integrating it with the heat exchangers in the same assembly, the patent minimizes pipe extensions and associated energy losses while maintaining full heat pump operational capability.
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, while maintaining effective heat exchange and air circulation within the clothes treatment apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant to have a high temperature and high pressure
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to condense the compressed refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
heat exchanged with a refrigerant
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.