Multifunctional storage system having separate cleaning flow passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage systems face issues with damaging clothing due to high-temperature steam, potential generation of harmful environmental hormones, and inefficiencies in both clothing cleaning and air purification, particularly in managing humidity and air quality simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional storage system with separate flow passages for dehumidification/humidification and air cleaning, incorporating a humidifier, dehumidifier, cleaning filter unit, and fan unit, which allows for independent operation of clothing management and air cleaning modes, maximizing efficiency and preventing performance loss through the use of a heat exchanger and humidification filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam is directly ejected to clothing to remove contaminants and improve wrinkles, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but clothing may be damaged due to high temperature and high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is divided into multiple sections: a first flow passage for steam generation and ejection, and a second flow passage for dehumidification. This segmentation allows the steam treatment and humidity control to occur in separate zones, enabling effective cleaning while preventing excessive moisture accumulation that could damage clothing.
Solution Approach 2:
A dehumidifier is introduced as an intermediary device between the steam source and the clothing storage area. The dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air in the second flow passage, acting as a mediator that allows steam treatment to occur while preventing the harmful effects of excessive humidity on sensitive clothing materials.
2Productivity
If steam is ejected at high temperature and high pressure to improve cleaning efficiency, then wrinkle removal is enhanced, but harmful environmental hormones may be generated from plastic parts
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the steam generation function from the clothing storage space using separate flow passages. The first flow passage contains the high-temperature steam source, while the second flow passage provides a controlled environment for clothing storage, preventing direct contact between high-temperature steam and plastic components that could generate harmful substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The dehumidifier serves as an intermediary that controls the thermal and humidity environment in the second flow passage. By maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels in the storage area, it prevents conditions that would cause plastic parts to degrade and release environmental hormones while still allowing effective steam treatment.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated flow passage is used for both dehumidification and air cleaning, then device complexity is reduced, but performance is lost due to steam passing through filters and heat exchangers not used in all modes
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage system is segmented into a first flow passage for steam generation and a second flow passage for air cleaning and dehumidification. This segmentation allows each passage to be optimized for its specific function, with the second passage containing only the filters and heat exchangers needed for air cleaning mode, eliminating unnecessary components in each mode and maintaining high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality through separate flow passages rather than a single integrated passage. The first flow passage handles steam generation for clothing treatment, while the second flow passage handles air cleaning and dehumidification. This multi-functional design allows the system to perform both clothing management and air purification efficiently without compromising either function.
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 removes contaminants and malodorous substances from clothing while purifying air, minimizing damage to clothing and enhancing both humidification/dehumidification and air cleaning efficiencies, thereby improving clothing management and air quality simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a dehumidifier 220 including a heat pump module and configured to generate dried air with the heat pump module
Implementation Method 2
a humidifier including a circulation filter unit 212 and configured to generate naturally humidified air with the circulation filter unit 212
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional storage system includes a storage chamber and a machine chamber provided on one side of the storage chamber and in fluid communication with the storage chamber. The system also includes a humidifier configured to generate naturally humidified air with a circulation filter unit; a dehumidifier configured to generate dried air with a heat pump module; a cleaning filter unit configured to purify exterior air; a first flow passage in which the humidifier band the dehumidifier are embedded and configured such that the naturally humidified or dried air flows therethrough; a second flow passage configured such that the exterior air filtered by the cleaning filter unit flows therethrough; and a fan unit configured to circulate air in one direction. The first and second flow passages form flow passages that are independently formed and separated from each other, and formed to be in communication with the fan unit.