Portable Dehumidifier with Nested Coil Layout and Adaptive Fan Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dehumidifiers are often bulky, difficult to move, and inefficient, making them unsuitable for applications like fire and flood restoration where quick and effective moisture removal is needed.
Innovation Solution
A portable dehumidifier design featuring a compact and rugged structure with a pivoting handle, unique wheel mounting brackets for increased mobility, and a fan control method that adjusts speed based on temperature differences between ambient and exhaust temperatures to maintain optimal dehumidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dehumidifier designs are used, then dehumidification function is provided, but the device is bulky and difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to pivot between a stored position (flush with the cabinet) and an engaged position (extended for gripping), allowing the device to transition between compact transport configuration and usable operating configuration. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the device compact when moved and functional when in use.
2Productivity
If current dehumidifiers are used, then moisture removal is achieved, but they are inefficient in various respects
Solution Approach 1:
The dehumidification system employs nested evaporator and condenser coils where the secondary evaporator is positioned within or adjacent to the primary evaporator, and the secondary condenser is positioned within or adjacent to the primary condenser. This nested arrangement increases heat exchange efficiency and dehumidification productivity while minimizing the space required, thereby not increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan control system continuously monitors temperature differences between ambient and exhaust air, and dynamically adjusts fan speed to maintain optimal dehumidification conditions. This continuous adjustment ensures the system operates at peak efficiency throughout the dehumidification process, improving productivity without requiring more complex hardware.
3Productivity
If fan speed is increased to improve dehumidification, then moisture removal speed increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan control system continuously monitors the temperature difference between ambient and exhaust air and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust fan speed. When the temperature difference indicates optimal dehumidification conditions, the fan operates at lower speeds to conserve energy. When conditions require faster moisture removal, the fan speed increases accordingly. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption based on real-time operating conditions.
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, efficient, and effective dehumidification system that can be easily transported and operated, ensuring optimal moisture removal in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor
Implementation Method 2
a primary condenser located proximate to the airflow outlet
Implementation Method 3
a primary evaporator located adjacent to the secondary evaporator
Implementation Method 4
a secondary condenser located between the primary evaporator and the primary condenser
Implementation Method 5
a secondary evaporator located proximate to the airflow inlet
Implementation Method 6
The fan is configured to generate an airflow that flows into the cabinet through the airflow inlet and out of the cabinet through the airflow outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A portable dehumidifier includes a cabinet, a fan, a dehumidification system, and a compressor. The cabinet includes a front side and a back side opposite the front side, an airflow inlet located on a first side of the cabinet, and an airflow outlet located on a second side of the cabinet that is opposite the first side. The dehumidification system includes a secondary evaporator located proximate to the airflow inlet, a primary condenser located proximate to the airflow outlet, a primary evaporator located adjacent to the secondary evaporator, a secondary condenser located between the primary evaporator and the primary condenser, and a compressor. The fan is configured to generate an airflow that flows into the cabinet through the airflow inlet and out of the cabinet through the airflow outlet. The airflow flows through the dehumidification system in order to provide dehumidification to the airflow.