Upper-Space Heat Pump Layout for Shorter Flue and Faster Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing and drying machines with heat pump mechanisms face challenges in achieving faster air circulation and larger air volume due to longer circulatory ventilation flues, leading to longer drying times and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The design relocates the heat pump device and filter to the upper space within the machine, creating a shorter circulatory ventilation flue and allowing for efficient air regulation, which enhances air circulation and heat exchange efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the heat pump mechanism is disposed in the lower space of the housing, then the structure is stable and components are easily accessible, but the circulatory ventilation flue becomes longer which increases pressure loss and reduces air circulation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidair circulation rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the heat pump mechanism from the lower space to the upper space of the housing, changing its spatial position to reduce the length of the circulatory ventilation flue. This dimensional repositioning directly addresses the contradiction by shortening the air circulation path while maintaining component accessibility through proper upper space configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the circulatory ventilation flue is made longer to accommodate heat pump in lower space, then structural stability is improved, but pressure loss of dry air increases and drying efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the heat pump mechanism to the upper space, the patent changes the spatial arrangement to minimize flue length and reduce pressure loss. The upper space configuration maintains structural stability while optimizing the air circulation path for energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the heat pump mechanism is placed in the lower space, then installation is simplified, but the circulatory volume of dry air is reduced and drying time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddrying time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by repositioning the heat pump mechanism to the upper space, which shortens the circulatory ventilation flue and increases the circulatory volume of dry air. This spatial change accelerates the drying process while installation procedures for upper space configuration remain straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration reduces power consumption, shortens drying time, and improves maintenance accessibility by allowing for more efficient air circulation and heat exchange.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the dry air discharged from the rotating drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the dry air discharged from the rotating drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

a heater configured to heat the dry air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the dry air discharged from the rotating drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2848730B1Drying machine and washing machine comprising a drying machine
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2848730B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2848730B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2848730B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A drying machine (500) including housing (1), outer vessel (2) supported in housing (1), rotating drum (3) mounted in outer vessel (2) to accommodate and dry clothing, heat pump device (30) including heat exchanger (HEX) for drying clothing in rotating drum (3), blower (9) for blowing dry air, circulatory ventilation flue (8) for connecting outer vessel (2) to heat pump device (30) to define circulation path through which dry air from blower (9) circulates, and filter (40) disposed in circulatory ventilation flue (8) to prevent infiltration of dust components into heat exchanger (HEX), wherein filter (40) and heat exchanger (HEX) are disposed in upper space above outer vessel (2) formed in housing (1), and filter (40), heat exchanger (HEX) and blower (9) are disposed in sequence along flow direction of dry air.