Upper-Space Heat Pump Layout to Reduce Dryer Circulation Loss
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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 higher power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The design positions the heat pump device and filter in the upper space of the machine, creating a shorter circulatory ventilation flue and optimizing the flow path to reduce pressure loss, enhance heat exchange efficiency, and improve air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the heat pump mechanism from the lower space to the upper space of the housing, changing the spatial dimension of component arrangement. This dimensional change shortens the circulatory ventilation flue path, reducing pressure loss and improving air circulation efficiency while maintaining component accessibility through front-panel access doors.
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 drying time increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the heat pump mechanism to the upper space, fundamentally changing the spatial arrangement dimension. This reduces the circulatory ventilation flue length, decreases pressure loss, and improves air circulation rate, thereby reducing drying time and power consumption while maintaining structural stability through alternative support designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable support legs with levelers that provide dynamic adaptability to uneven surfaces. This dynamic support system maintains structural stability without requiring a long circulatory ventilation flue, enabling the heat pump to be positioned in the upper space for improved air circulation efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heat pump mechanism is placed in the lower space, then installation is simplified, but the circulatory path length increases reducing heat exchange efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the vertical dimension of heat pump placement from lower to upper space. This shortens the circulatory path length, improving heat exchange efficiency between the heat pump and circulating air. Installation simplicity is maintained through modular design and front-accessible service points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a circulatory ventilation flue with optimized routing that acts as an intermediary between the upper-space heat pump and the drum. This mediator component efficiently transfers thermal energy while minimizing pressure loss, maintaining heat exchange efficiency despite the changed spatial arrangement.
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 results in faster drying times, reduced power consumption, and improved maintenance accessibility by positioning the filter and heat exchanger in the upper space, allowing for efficient air circulation and heat exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the dry air for drying the clothing
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger dehumidifies and heats the dry air
Implementation Method 3
a compressor configured to compress refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a heat pump mechanism comprising a compressor configured to compress refrigerant, a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with dry air
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 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.