Side-Mounted Dehumidifier Water Tank for Easier Condensate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-capacity dehumidifiers face challenges in managing condensed water, as the increasing weight makes it difficult for users to withdraw and remove the water tank, which can lead to leakage and poor aesthetics due to the placement of the water tank on the front surface.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidifier design featuring a water tank mounted on the side surface of the main body, with a detachable and rotatable configuration that includes a coupling module and a cover system, allowing for easy access and removal of condensed water without compromising the device's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the dehumidifier capacity is increased, then the dehumidification performance is improved, but the weight of condensed water increases making it difficult for users to withdraw and remove the water tank
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is segmented from the main body through a detachable coupling module, allowing the tank to be separated into independent parts. This enables users to easily remove just the water tank portion without moving the entire dehumidifier unit, solving the problem of heavy condensed water making tank removal difficult while maintaining high dehumidification capacity.
2Ease of operation
If the water tank is disposed at the front surface to allow easy manipulation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the outer appearance of the front surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is repositioned from the front surface to the side surface of the dehumidifier body. This spatial relocation in another dimension maintains ease of operation through the detachable coupling module while preserving the aesthetic appearance of the front surface, as the tank is now positioned laterally where it does not compromise the device's visual design.
3Ease of operation
If the water tank is made detachable and rotatable for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling module is segmented into discrete components including coupling protrusions and coupling grooves that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This modular segmentation provides detachable and rotatable functionality for easy tank access while keeping the overall structural complexity manageable through standardized connection elements.
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
Enhances user convenience by simplifying the removal of condensed water, preventing leakage, and maintaining a sleek appearance by allowing the water tank to be easily detached and rotated from the side, improving both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the suctioned air to pass through a heat exchanger including a condenser and an evaporator and to be heat-exchanged with a refrigerant flowing along insides of the condenser and evaporator, thereby removing moisture contained in the air
Implementation Method 2
moisture contained in the air may be condensed to form dew on a surface of the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
The evaporator may absorb heat from surrounding air to evaporate a liquid refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
The evaporator may absorb heat from surrounding air to evaporate a liquid refrigerant. Thus, air passing through the evaporator may decrease in temperature through the heat-exchange with the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidifier may include: a main body; a heat exchange unit mounted inside the main body; and a water tank mounted inside the main body and separated or mounted through a side surface of the main body, the water tank storing condensed water formed on the heat exchange unit. The water tank may include: a case of which a front surface defines a portion of the side surface of the main body in a state where the case is mounted inside the main body, the case defining a space for storing the condensed water; a cover selectively opening or closing a top surface of the case; and a coupling module passing through the cover and a side surface of the case to protrude to an outside of the case, and coupled to the main body.