Shoe care apparatus and control method therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoe care apparatuses using heat pump cycles face challenges in maintaining a constant temperature to prevent damage to shoes while efficiently reducing power consumption and noise, and protecting the heat pump device from overheating.
Innovation Solution
A shoe care apparatus with a controller that switches between synchronous and asynchronous operation modes based on temperature sensors, controlling the compressor and fan to maintain a constant chamber temperature, reduce power consumption, and protect the heat pump device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor and fan operate together in synchronous mode to maintain constant temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between synchronous operation mode (compressor and fan operating together) and asynchronous operation mode (fan operating alone), creating periodic action patterns that balance temperature maintenance with energy conservation. The controller switches between modes based on temperature thresholds and time intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time temperature conditions and operational timing. The controller monitors chamber temperature and automatically transitions between synchronous and asynchronous modes, making the system adaptable to varying thermal conditions and energy requirements.
2Power
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain temperature, then heating efficiency is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor operates periodically rather than continuously, alternating between active heating phases and idle phases. During asynchronous operation mode, the fan continues to circulate air without compressor operation, reducing noise while maintaining adequate air circulation and temperature distribution.
3Speed
If the heat pump device operates at high power to quickly heat the chamber, then heating speed is improved, but risk of overheating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors chamber temperature and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the operation mode between synchronous and asynchronous, and controls the duration of compressor operation, preventing overheating while maintaining efficient heating when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic operation cycles with predetermined time periods, alternating between high-power synchronous mode for rapid heating and lower-power asynchronous mode for temperature maintenance and cooling, preventing continuous high-power operation and associated overheating risks.
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 apparatus effectively maintains a constant temperature, reduces power consumption, and prevents overheating, thereby protecting shoes and components while minimizing noise.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser configured to heat air supplied to the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a compressor configured to discharge a refrigerant to the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe care apparatus includes a chamber for accommodating shoes; a heat pump device including a condenser for heating air to be supplied to the chamber, and a compressor for discharging a coolant to the condenser; a fan for supplying the heated air to the chamber; a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the air to be supplied to the chamber; and a controller. The controller performs a synchronous operation mode controlling the compressor and the fan to operate together, based on receipt of a signal from the temperature sensor, and performs an asynchronous operation mode in which the fan is operated without operating the compressor in response to a predetermined time period having elapsed after the stop of the operation of the compressor.