Hygroscopic Liquid Distribution for Compact Appliance Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances with drying air circuits face high structural and energy costs due to complex and costly designs that require a large reaction surface for efficient drying, leading to increased financial outlay for production and operation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a distributor element with a kinetic drive, such as a fan motor, to actively distribute and atomize hygroscopic liquid, increasing its surface area and contact with drying air, thereby enhancing drying efficiency and reducing structural and energy costs by utilizing existing components and simplifying design and control complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large reaction surface is provided for the hygroscopic liquid to increase drying efficiency, then drying performance is improved, but structural space and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor element is made movable instead of stationary, allowing it to change position and orientation within the contact space. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to achieve sufficient drying efficiency without requiring a permanently large reaction surface, as the liquid can be redistributed to different areas during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor element is designed to move in multiple directions (horizontally and vertically) within the contact space, utilizing three-dimensional space more effectively. This allows the system to achieve adequate liquid distribution and drying performance without expanding the overall footprint or structural complexity of the appliance.
2Productivity
If the distributor element is made movable to increase surface area of hygroscopic liquid, then drying efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture and control complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor element serves multiple functions: it distributes the hygroscopic liquid across the contact space, moves to different positions to optimize liquid distribution, and can be controlled through simple actuation mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the added mobility feature.
3Productivity
If kinetic energy is used to distribute hygroscopic liquid actively, then contact surface area increases and drying efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor element operates periodically rather than continuously, moving to different positions at intervals to redistribute the hygroscopic liquid. This periodic operation maintains adequate contact surface area for efficient drying while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous active distribution mechanisms.
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 approach results in effective and efficient drying in a shorter time, with high energy efficiency and reduced operational costs, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design by utilizing existing components and minimizing the need for additional structural elements.
Implementation Method 1
The distributor element of the contact space has at least one drive for driving and/or moving, so that the hygroscopic liquid can be distributed with kinetic drive energy to increase the surface area
Implementation Method 2
remove moisture through the hygroscopic effect of the removal agent
Implementation Method 3
the heating device in the secondary circuit is designed to heat the drying air by means of the heat energy released during the exothermic removal of moisture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Domestic machine, in particular a dishwasher, tumble dryer or the like, with a primary circuit (1) containing a hygroscopic liquid (4), in particular a brine solution, for extracting moisture from the drying air and with a secondary circuit (2) for drying moist objects using the drying air, with a contact space is provided with at least one distributor element (9) for increasing the surface area of the contact surface of the hygroscopic liquid (4) for the drying air. The distribution element (9) of the contact space has at least one drive (12) for driving and/or moving, so that the hygroscopic liquid (4) can be distributed with kinetic drive energy to increase the surface area.