Heat Pump Module Layout for Low-Vibration Clothes Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In clothes treatment apparatuses using heat pump systems, the separation of compressors and heat exchangers complicates assembly, hinders performance inspection, and leads to energy losses due to lengthy refrigerant pipes, while also reducing the rigidity of the tub and increasing noise and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A compact heat pump module integrating a compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion valve is positioned above the tub, with a horizontal compressor supported by an anti-vibration mount and a compressor base unit, allowing for simplified assembly and performance inspection, reduced pipe length, and enhanced space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the compressor and heat exchangers are separately positioned, then the heat pump system can be installed in the cabinet, but assembly becomes difficult and performance inspection is hindered
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 within the same module housing as the heat exchangers, eliminating the need for separate positioning and complex assembly procedures while enabling simplified performance inspection as a complete unit.
2Ease of operation
If the compressor and heat exchangers are separated, then installation is possible, but performance inspection before assembly becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the compressor and heat exchangers into one modular unit, the system allows performance inspection to be conducted on the complete heat pump module before installation into the cabinet. This eliminates the need for complex post-assembly debugging and enables quality control at the module level.
3Loss of energy
If the compressor and heat exchanger are positioned away from each other, then installation flexibility is improved, but connection pipes extend causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump module integrates the compressor and heat exchangers in close proximity, significantly reducing the length of refrigerant connection pipes. This minimizes thermal losses and pressure drops in the refrigerant flow, improving overall system energy efficiency while maintaining installation flexibility through modular design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the compressor is positioned below the tub, then vibration and noise are generated, but space utilization is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the compressor below the tub as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the compressor above the tub within the heat pump module. This spatial inversion reduces vibration and noise transmission to the cabinet structure while effectively utilizing the available space in the upper portion of the cabinet.
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 reduces vibration and noise, simplifies assembly, allows for easier performance inspection, minimizes energy loss, and maximizes space utilization by integrating the heat pump components, while maintaining the tub's rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure state
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to emit heat from the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator configured to absorb heat from air discharged from the drum
Implementation Method 4
heat exchangers such as the evaporator and the condenser
Implementation Method 5
a bracket disposed on an upper portion of the compressor base unit, and wherein the compressor body is disposed below the bracket
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A clothes treatment apparatus may include:a cabinet (10); a tub (17) provided within the cabinet (10); a drum (18) rotatably provided within the tub (17) and configured to accommodate the laundry or a dry item therein; and a heat pump module (100) configured to circulate a refrigerant through a compressor (113), a condenser (112), an expansion valve (114), and an evaporator (111), and re-circulate air discharged from the drum (18) to the drum (18) by way of the evaporator (111) and the condenser (112), wherein the heat pump module (100) includes a compressor base unit (122) supporting and disposed above the tub (17), a bracket (1131) disposed in an upper portion of the compressor base unit (122), fixed to an upper surface of the compressor (113), and transmitting vibration generated by the compressor (113), and an air-vibration mount disposed between the bracket (1131) and the compressor base unit (122) and absorbing vibration of the compressor (113) transmitted through the bracket (1131).