Multi-functional storage system comprising a recirculation module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-functional storage systems face challenges in maintaining efficient air circulation within a closed-loop system, leading to stagnant air and slow removal of contaminants or malodorous substances from clothes, while also dealing with user safety issues and high energy consumption due to excessive heating and moisture use.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional storage system with a recirculation module that includes a blower unit, circulation filter unit, and air shot hanger, which recirculates and humidifies air within the system, improving air circulation and reducing the need for external air and excessive heating, thereby enhancing the removal of contaminants and malodorous substances without increasing power consumption or noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a closed-loop system is used to maintain high temperature and humidity inside the cabinet, then the atmosphere for removing contaminants is quickly formed, but air circulation becomes stagnant and circulation performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cabinet door movable between closed and open positions, and by using a blower that can adjust its operation mode. The door is dynamically opened at specific intervals to restore air circulation, while the blower switches between normal operation and forced circulation modes to maintain both temperature and airflow effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through timed door opening intervals during the drying process. The control unit opens the cabinet door at predetermined intervals to allow fresh air intake and prevent air stagnation, while maintaining the overall closed-loop system for most of the operation time to preserve heat and humidity.
2Productivity
If the system is switched to an open-loop system to discharge odors and improve circulation, then circulation performance increases, but odors are discharged into the room and user safety problems occur due to excessive heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by opening the cabinet door only for brief intervals rather than continuously, and by using forced circulation only when needed. This provides just enough air exchange to prevent odor buildup and maintain circulation performance without fully opening the system to the room environment, thus avoiding excessive heat discharge and odor pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the drying process and automatically adjusts the door opening timing and blower operation based on the operational stage. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system maintains optimal circulation performance while minimizing odor discharge and energy consumption.
3Productivity
If steam is used to generate high-temperature humid air, then contaminants are removed effectively, but power consumption and noise increase due to pump and heat exchanger operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the steam generation components (pump and heat exchanger) from the system. Instead of using steam, it employs a simpler heating element and blower combination to generate the required high-temperature humid air, thereby eliminating the energy-consuming and noisy steam generation subsystem while maintaining effective contaminant removal.
4Quantity of substance
If a large amount of water is supplied for steam generation, then high humidity is achieved, but frequent water supply and drainage become necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the steam generation system that required large amounts of water. Instead, it uses a more water-efficient heating and humidification approach that achieves the same humidity levels without requiring frequent water refilling and drainage operations, thus reducing maintenance time and operational interruptions.
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
The system effectively prevents air stagnation, reduces power consumption and noise, and maximizes air circulation performance, allowing for efficient removal of contaminants and malodorous substances without the need for additional equipment or excessive heating, while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculation blower unit (320) which is an interior of the recirculation flow path (330) and is positioned above the second surface
Implementation Method 2
a circulation filter unit (229) and a heating unit (260) are positioned in the machine room (200)
Implementation Method 3
the machine room (200) is heated by the heating unit (260)
Implementation Method 4
supplied with moisture by the circulation filter unit (229) to become a natural humidified air
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional storage system, provided with both an air cleaning function and a clothing management function, includes a storage room, a machine room positioned on and in fluid communication with one side of the storage room, and a recirculation module positioned on and in fluid communication with a recirculation module mounting part, which is an opening positioned on the other side of the storage room. The recirculation module, to improve circulation performance, includes a recirculation module frame covering the recirculation module mounting part, an air shot hanger mounted on the recirculation module frame, a plurality of recirculation intake ports positioned on the recirculation module frame, a plurality of recirculation discharge ports positioned on the recirculation module frame, and an air shot discharge port positioned on a bottom surface of the air shot hanger.