Heat pump module for laundry treatment device and laundry treatment device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heat pump modules in laundry treatment devices face layout difficulties due to space constraints, and the compressor generates vibration and noise, leading to a shortened service life.

Innovation Solution

The heat pump module features a base plate with a recessed surface forming a receiving groove for the compressor, which is embedded and surrounded by a damping sheath, allowing for oblique mounting that optimizes space utilization and reduces vibration and noise through a damping mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the compressor is mounted in a conventional horizontal position, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the space utilization is poor and the compressor generates excessive vibration and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor is mounted in an oblique position rather than the conventional horizontal orientation. The compressor body is arranged at an angle to the base plate, with its discharge port facing upward and rearward. This dimensional change in mounting orientation optimizes space utilization within the limited appliance compartment while reducing vibration and noise transmission to the base plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the compressor is mounted horizontally on the base plate, then the mounting is simple, but the vibration and noise generated by the compressor directly affect the base plate and reduce service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor service lifeVSAvoidvibration and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A rubber buffer is introduced as an intermediary element between the compressor and the base plate. The rubber buffer serves as a vibration isolation component that absorbs and dampens the vibrations generated by the compressor during operation, preventing direct transmission to the base plate and reducing noise. This intermediary element protects both the compressor and the base plate from harmful vibrational effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber buffer is pre-installed on the base plate at the mounting position before the compressor is attached. This beforehand cushioning prepares the mounting location with vibration-absorbing material, ensuring that vibration isolation is in place before the compressor begins operation, thereby preventing vibration and noise transmission from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Area of stationary object

If the heat pump module components are densely arranged to save space, then the overall device size is reduced, but the layout becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pump module is divided into distinct functional components: the base plate with mounting structures, the compressor with its oblique orientation, the rubber buffer as a separate isolation element, and the discharge port arrangement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a systematic manner, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the compressor's stability, reduces noise, and prolongs its service life while improving the overall layout efficiency and aesthetics of the laundry treatment device.

Implementation Method 1

a damping sheath is fitted over the compressor, and at least part of an outer peripheral wall of the damping sheath abuts against an inner peripheral wall of the first receiving groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3252213B1Heat pump module for laundry treatment device and laundry treatment device
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3252213B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3252213B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3252213B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A heat pump module (1) for a laundry treatment device and the laundry treatment device are provided, said heat pump module (1) includes: a base plate (1), a top cover and a compressor (2), wherein the base plate (1) has a first side wall (11) and a second side wall (12) adjacent to the first side wall (11); the top cover defines a mounting chamber together with the base plate (1); the compressor (2) is located in the mounting chamber; and an extension line of an axis of the compressor (2) intersects with the first side wall (11) and the second side wall (12) separately, which facilitates the layout of leads and pipes connected with the compressor (2) and the arrangement of other components on the base plate (1), thereby improving utilization rate of installation space on the base plate (1) and optimizing the layout scheme of the heat pump module (1).