Radially Arcuate Vane Impeller for Laundry Appliance Airflow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry appliance impeller designs, such as squirrel-cage impellers, are susceptible to airflow changes due to pressure drops caused by large loads or lint accumulation, leading to inconsistent airflow during drying cycles.
Innovation Solution
A laundry appliance with a radially arcuate vane impeller design that extends rearward from an inner to an outer end, supported on a baseplate, to improve airflow stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a squirrel-cage impeller design is used, then the impeller is inexpensive and easy to produce, but the airflow becomes inconsistent due to pressure drops from large loads or lint accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the impeller blades with a specific arcuate shape rather than straight lines. The blades follow a curved path from the hub outward to the periphery, which optimizes the airflow pattern and maintains consistent performance under varying pressure conditions. This curved geometry allows the impeller to handle pressure drops from large loads or lint accumulation while maintaining reliable airflow.
2Device complexity
If a squirrel-cage impeller design is used, then the structure is simple, but the volumetric airflow changes significantly under pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the impeller blade geometry to adapt to varying operating conditions. The specific blade shape and arrangement create dynamic airflow patterns that maintain consistent volumetric flow rates even when pressure drops occur due to large loads or lint accumulation. The impeller structure is optimized to respond to changing pressure conditions while maintaining productivity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If lint accumulates in the ventilation assembly, then the pressure drop increases, but the airflow performance deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the impeller and ventilation assembly to anticipate and compensate for lint accumulation. The impeller geometry is optimized to maintain airflow performance even when pressure drops occur due to lint buildup over time. This design provides a buffer against performance deterioration, allowing the system to operate effectively for extended periods despite gradual lint accumulation in the ventilation pathways.
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 radially arcuate vane impeller design enhances airflow stability and efficiency by minimizing pressure drops and reducing the impact of lint accumulation, ensuring consistent drying performance.
Implementation Method 1
The impeller may be rotatable along a rotational direction about the axial direction to urge a flow of air from the chamber of the laundry basket
Data Source
AI summary
An impeller may be in mechanical communication with a motor to motivate rotation of the impeller about an axial direction. The impeller may be rotatable along a rotational direction about the axial direction to urge a flow of air from the chamber of the laundry basket. The impeller may include a baseplate and a plurality of radially accurate vanes supported on the baseplate. The plurality of radially arcuate vanes may each extend rearward relative to the rotational direction from an inner end proximal to the axial direction to an outer end distal to the axial direction.