Moisture removing device for a laundry appliance that incorporates a nanopore membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laundry appliances are inefficient in dehumidifying process air, leading to reduced drying performance and increased energy consumption due to the inability to effectively separate condensate from humid air.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a nanopore membrane within the condensing apparatus that utilizes capillary condensation to dehumidify humid air, separating condensate and transferring heat generated during the process to the dehumidified air, while collecting condensate for reuse or disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional condensing apparatus is used, then dehumidification is achieved, but condensate separation from humid air is ineffective leading to reduced drying performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying performanceVSAvoidcondensate separation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nanopore membrane as the condensing surface, which utilizes capillary condensation to effectively separate condensate from humid air. The nanoporous structure provides numerous condensation sites and ensures efficient condensate drainage, directly resolving the inadequate condensate separation issue and improving drying performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages capillary condensation, a phase transition phenomenon, where water vapor condenses into liquid water within the nanopores of the membrane. This phase transition occurs at higher temperatures than conventional condensation, enabling effective moisture removal while maintaining energy efficiency and improving overall drying performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional condensing apparatus is used, then dehumidification occurs, but energy consumption increases due to inability to utilize condensation heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcondensation heat utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a heat feedback system where the condensation heat generated by capillary condensation in the nanopore membrane is captured and fed back into the drying system. This feedback loop recovers energy that would otherwise be lost, reducing overall energy consumption and improving drying efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously wasted condensation heat into a useful resource by implementing heat recovery mechanisms. The thermal energy released during capillary condensation is captured and reused to preheat incoming air or maintain drying temperature, transforming energy loss into energy gain and reducing total energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If nanopore membrane is incorporated, then condensate separation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensate separation efficiencyVSAvoidcondensing apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nanopore membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the condensing surface, provides condensate separation through capillary action, and facilitates heat transfer. This multi-functionality consolidates several components into one, improving condensate separation efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances drying efficiency by effectively removing moisture from the air, reducing humidity, and utilizing the heat generated during condensation to improve energy efficiency and potentially reuse it within the appliance.

Implementation Method 1

the nanopores operate through capillary condensation to dehumidify the humid air and separate condensate away from the humid air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary condensation: Capillary Condensation

Implementation Method 2

Heat generated by the capillary condensation within the nanopore membrane is transferred to the dehumidified air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11465097B2Moisture removing device for a laundry appliance that incorporates a nanopore membrane

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A dehumidification mechanism for an appliance includes a blower that delivers humid process air along an airflow path. A drum is positioned along the airflow path. A condensing apparatus dehumidifies the humid air to define dehumidified air. A membrane has a plurality of nanopores that define a portion of the airflow path within the condensing apparatus. The humid air is delivered along the membrane having the plurality of nanopores and the nanopores operate through capillary condensation to dehumidify the humid air and separate condensate away from the humid air to define the dehumidified air. The condensate removed by the nanopore membrane is delivered away from the airflow path and to a condensate collection area within the appliance.