Modular Heat Pump Assembly for Compact Garment Dryer Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garment processing apparatuses with heat pump systems face challenges in assembly and performance testing due to narrow installation spaces, refrigerant leakage issues, and energy losses from long refrigerant pipes, making it difficult to diagnose and replace defective components efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus integrates a heat pump module with a compressor, condenser, and evaporator into a single, compact unit mounted at the upper part of the tub, using a modular design that simplifies assembly and allows for pre-assembly performance testing, shortens refrigerant pipe lengths, and optimizes space usage, while also providing a separate gas-liquid separator to manage refrigerant effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the heat pump system components are installed separately in the cabinet, then the installation space utilization is low and assembly is complex, but the components can be replaced individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and gas-liquid separator into a single integrated heat pump module that is pre-assembled and pre-tested as one unit. This merging approach simplifies installation by reducing the number of separate assembly steps in the narrow cabinet space, while the modular design allows the entire module to be replaced as a single component if issues arise, balancing assembly simplicity with maintenance practicality
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump system is segmented into a distinct modular unit that can be independently installed, tested, and replaced. This segmentation creates a self-contained module with defined boundaries, making it easier to handle as a single unit during installation and replacement, while maintaining the functional separation of refrigeration components
2Reliability
If the refrigerant pipes are made long to connect distant components, then the components can be positioned for optimal function, but energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and gas-liquid separator into a single integrated module with internally connected refrigerant passages, the patent eliminates long external refrigerant pipes. The refrigerant flows through short internal connections within the module, significantly reducing energy losses while maintaining optimal functional relationships between components through careful internal layout
3Area of stationary object
If the heat pump module is installed in the narrow space of the cabinet, then the space utilization is high, but assembly and performance testing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump module is pre-assembled and pre-tested in a manufacturing environment with ample space before being installed in the cabinet. This preliminary action allows for complete assembly and performance verification of the module independently, avoiding the difficulties of assembling complex refrigeration systems in the narrow confined space of the finished cabinet
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of all heat pump components into a single modular unit reduces the number of separate installation steps required in the cabinet. The module is installed as one complete unit rather than assembling multiple components in situ, making the most of the limited installation space while simplifying the assembly process
4Loss of energy
If the heat pump components are integrated into a single module, then the refrigerant pipe length is shortened and energy loss reduced, but the module becomes heavier and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and gas-liquid separator in a nested or compact configuration where components are closely integrated and share space. This nesting approach minimizes the overall module dimensions and weight while maintaining all necessary functional components and their internal refrigerant connections, reducing energy losses without excessive weight penalty
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 solution enhances the compactness and efficiency of the garment processing apparatus, simplifies installation and maintenance, reduces energy losses, and ensures reliable performance by allowing for easier diagnosis and replacement of components, while maintaining tub rigidity and improving heat exchange efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (113)
Implementation Method 2
a condenser (112)
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator (111)
Implementation Method 4
heat exchange efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a garment processing apparatus for compactly optimizing the arrangement space of a heat pump system. A heat pump module is modularized by integrally mounting a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator in an integrated housing and is disposed at an upper portion of a tub.