Portable Dehumidifier Fan Bracket for Multi-Position Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable dehumidifiers are inefficient in dehumidifying air, particularly in applications like fire and flood restoration, where a compact and effective solution is needed to quickly reduce humidity in damaged structures.
Innovation Solution
A portable dehumidifier design featuring a desiccant compartment with a rotating desiccant that undergoes two airflows: a process airflow for dehumidification and a reactivation airflow for desiccant drying, with a plenum and bracket configuration that minimizes height and supports fan weight in various positions, enhancing compactness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a portable dehumidifier is designed with a compact structure, then it can be easily transported and deployed in restoration applications, but the internal components may not have sufficient space for effective operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of components within the cabinet, arranging the desiccant compartment, plenum, and fans in a vertically integrated configuration. This dimensional arrangement maximizes space utilization while maintaining adequate clearance for airflow paths and component operation, resolving the conflict between compact volume and operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum is positioned within the desiccant compartment space, and the rotating desiccant is housed within the desiccant compartment. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, achieving high component density without compromising the functional clearance needed for dehumidification performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dehumidifier is designed to operate in both upright and horizontal positions, then it gains versatility for different deployment scenarios, but the fan mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a support member that acts as a mechanical counterbalance, transferring the fan weight load between the cabinet frame and the fan mounting point depending on orientation. This gravitational force compensation mechanism enables stable fan operation whether the cabinet is upright or horizontal without requiring complex active stabilization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fan mounting, structural support, and orientation-adaptive load bearing. The support member serves multiple purposes: structural reinforcement, weight distribution, and orientation-independent fan positioning, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms for different operating positions
3Productivity
If a rotating desiccant system is implemented, then continuous dehumidification and desiccant drying can be achieved, but the mechanical complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The desiccant rotation mechanism is integrated with the cassette assembly, combining the rotating desiccant wheel, support structure, and drive mechanism into a single modular unit. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate mechanical components and connections, simplifying the overall system while enabling continuous rotation for uninterrupted dehumidification and desiccant regeneration cycles
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 design results in a more compact and efficient dehumidification system capable of effectively reducing humidity in a variety of applications, including restoration scenarios, by ensuring continuous dehumidification and desiccant drying, allowing for uniform temperature airflow and flexible operation.
Implementation Method 1
The desiccant compartment includes a removable cassette assembly that houses a desiccant that is configured to rotate. The first fan is configured to generate a process airflow that flows through a first portion of the desiccant in order to provide dehumidification.
Implementation Method 2
The second fan is configured to generate a reactivation airflow that flows through a second portion of the desiccant and into the plenum in order to dry the desiccant.
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidifier includes a desiccant, first and second fans, and a bracket. The first fan generates a process airflow through a first portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to provide dehumidification. The second fan generates a reactivation airflow through a second portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to dry the desiccant. The bracket is configured to mount the first fan within the dehumidifier. The bracket includes a first portion coupled to the first fan that supports weight of the first fan when the dehumidifier is in an upright position. The bracket also includes a support member coupled to the first portion and a side of the dehumidifier. The side member supports weight of the first fan when the dehumidifier is in a horizontal position.