Top-Mounted Condensing Module for Space-Saving Laundry Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryer and washer/dryer designs face challenges in minimizing the encumbrance of components necessary for drying air circulation, particularly in terms of space constraints within the existing washer cabinet.
Innovation Solution
A top module is designed to be mounted over the cabinet, incorporating a moisture condensing system using a heat pump, which includes an evaporator and condenser, along with air passageways and filters to dehydrate and reheat the drying air, reducing the need for additional space-consuming components within the cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components for drying air circulation are added to the existing washer cabinet, then the laundry drying function is achieved, but the space constraints within the cabinet are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the moisture condensing system from the horizontal plane within the cabinet to the vertical dimension by placing it on the top of the cabinet. This dimensional transition allows the system to utilize previously unused vertical space, thereby achieving the drying function without encroaching on the cabinet's internal volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the washing machine into functionally independent modules: the washing drum/cabinet remains separate from the drying/condensing system. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, with the condensing system occupying the top surface while the cabinet maintains its original washing capacity and internal space.
2Volume of stationary object
If a moisture condensing system is integrated into the existing washer design, then space requirements are reduced, but substantial modifications to the washer design are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the moisture condensing system with the existing washing machine by positioning it on the top surface, creating an integrated dual-function appliance. This merging approach allows space reduction while minimizing modifications to the original washer design, as the condensing system operates as an added component rather than a reconfigured internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The top surface of the washing machine is transformed into a multi-functional element: it serves both as the closing cover for the cabinet and as the mounting platform for the moisture condensing system. This universalization of the top surface reduces the need for additional space-consuming components while maintaining the original washer's structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the moisture condensing system is placed within the cabinet, then the drying function is achieved, but the encumbrance of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisture condensing system from the cabinet's internal space and places it on the top of the cabinet. This extraction removes the encumbrance of components from the cabinet interior, allowing the drying function to be achieved without increasing device complexity within the main body of the washing machine.
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
This solution effectively reduces space requirements by integrating the moisture condensing system within the top module, allowing for efficient drying air circulation and moisture removal without substantial modifications to the existing washer design, while also saving water and electrical energy.
Implementation Method 1
The moisture condensing means comprises an evaporator of a heat pump
Implementation Method 2
The heat pump is fluidly coupled or couplable to a compressor either attached to the top or being accommodated in correspondence of a basement of the laundry drying appliance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A top (119) adapted to match and close from above a cabinet (110) of a laundry drying appliance (100). The top is formed as a ready-to-mount part ready to be mounted to the cabinet and forms a moisture condensing module for dehydrating drying air used to dry laundry within a drying drum of the laundry drying appliance. The top has a drying air inlet (510), a drying air outlet (515), fluid passageways defined thereinside from said drying air inlet to said drying air outlet for the passage of the drying air to be dehydrated and moisture condensing means arranged inside said fluid passageways.