Top-Mounted Moisture Condenser for Compact Washer-Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers and washer/dryers face challenges in integrating drying air circulation components without significantly encumbering the existing washer design due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A laundry drying appliance with a cabinet-mounted moisture condensing module that includes an air-air heat exchanger or heat pump, where the drying air circulation system uses a return duct and delivery duct connected to the cabinet for efficient air circulation, and a top panel with fluid passageways for dehydration, featuring a defluff filter and condense water droplet separator to manage moisture effectively.
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 and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture condensing module integrates multiple drying air circulation components (heat exchanger, condenser, air pathways) into a single unified structure that mounts to the cabinet top, combining several functions into one assembly to reduce overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The top panel structure serves dual purposes: it provides the mounting surface for the moisture condensing module and simultaneously acts as a structural component of the cabinet, while the heat exchanger and condenser components perform both cooling and condensation functions
2Adaptability 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 requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture condensing module is positioned in the vertical dimension by mounting it to the top panel of the cabinet, utilizing unused vertical space above the drum area rather than consuming horizontal space within the cabinet interior
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger and condenser components are nested within the moisture condensing module structure, with fluid passageways defined inside the top panel, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the overall volume occupied
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 minimizes space usage within the washer cabinet, allowing for efficient drying air circulation and condensation, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the transformation of a washer into a washer/dryer without substantial design changes, while also conserving water and energy.
Implementation Method 1
The moisture condensing means may comprise an air-air heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
where the humid air is at least partially dehydrated
Implementation Method 3
the moisture condensing means comprises an evaporator of a heat pump, and wherein a heat pump condenser is further accommodated in the top inside the fluid passageways downstream said evaporator
Implementation Method 4
where the humid air is at least partially dehydrated
Implementation Method 5
the dried air flow is heated up by means of a heating arrangement, like an electrical resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A laundry drying appliance (100) comprising a cabinet (110) having a top (119), a rotating drum (105) accommodated within a tub (303) housed in the cabinet, and a laundry drying air circulation system for circulating drying air. The drying air circulation system comprises a drying air return duct (305) through which drying air coming from drum flows, the drying air return duct having an outlet (310), and a drying air delivery duct (205,215) through which the drying air is sent back to the drum, the drying air delivery duct having an inlet (210). The top forms a ready-to-mount moisture condensing module ready to be mounted to the cabinet for dehydrating drying air used to dry laundry within the drying drum of the laundry drying appliance, the top having a drying air inlet (510) couplable to the outlet of the drying air return duct, a drying air outlet (515) couplable to the inlet of the drying air delivery duct, fluid passageways defined inside the top 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 the fluid passageways.