dehumidifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dehumidifiers increase the temperature of discharged air, causing user discomfort and require time for refrigeration cycle stabilization, leading to inefficient dehumidification.

Innovation Solution

A dehumidifier design that utilizes a dehumidification module with polymer membrane fibers, a vacuum pump, and a heat exchanger to separate moisture without a refrigeration cycle, employing a two-way suction fan and gravitational flow to enhance moisture separation and condensation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a conventional refrigeration cycle is used for dehumidification, then moisture can be removed from air, but the discharged air temperature increases causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture removalVSAvoiddischarged air temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the refrigeration cycle from the dehumidification system and replaces it with a membrane-based moisture separation module. This removes the harmful thermal effect while preserving the moisture removal function, directly resolving the contradiction between effective dehumidification and excessive temperature increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical refrigeration cycle with a membrane-based separation system that uses selective permeability rather than phase change and compression. This substitution eliminates the temperature increase issue while maintaining dehumidification effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If a refrigeration cycle is used for dehumidification, then moisture can be removed, but time is required for refrigeration cycle stabilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture removalVSAvoidstabilization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the refrigeration cycle stabilization requirement by replacing it with a membrane system that operates immediately upon air contact. The membrane-based approach eliminates the thermal inertia and startup time associated with refrigeration cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane is pre-configured to selectively separate moisture from air without requiring system stabilization. The separation capability is inherent in the membrane structure, allowing immediate operation without the stabilization time needed for refrigeration cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If a membrane-based dehumidification module is used, then constant temperature dehumidification is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane-based module serves multiple functions: moisture separation, temperature stabilization, and integration with existing HVAC systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dehumidification module is designed as a nested structure where the membrane is integrated within a housing that connects to existing air handling systems. This nesting approach minimizes the overall footprint and simplifies installation while maintaining the temperature stability benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Achieves constant temperature dehumidification, reduces dehumidification time, and improves moisture separation performance by using a polymer membrane and vacuum pump to facilitate efficient moisture removal and condensation without temperature increase.

Implementation Method 1

a dehumidification module including a dehumidification member made of polymer membrane fibers to selectively separate moisture in the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective permeation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

by generating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the membrane using a vacuum pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the separated water vapor falls in the direction of gravity, making it easy to collect water vapor and forming a compact piping connected to a vacuum pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 4

the separated water vapor falls in the direction of gravity, making it easy to collect water vapor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250251173A1dehumidifier

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A dehumidifier may include a main body including a suction part and a fan; a dehumidification module including a dehumidification member made of polymer membrane fibers to separate moisture from the air suctioned in from the suction part; a vacuum pump configured to provide driving force to discharge moisture separated from the dehumidification module to the outside of the dehumidification module; a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the vacuum pump and configured to condense the separated moisture; a water supply tank configured to supply water to the dehumidification module; and a connection pipe configured to connect the water supply tank and the dehumidification module.