Vertical Condenser Layout for Easier Dryer Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laundry dryer machines have inefficiencies in energy usage and maintenance due to the horizontal orientation of condenser channels and the location of the condenser near the base, which leads to increased manufacturing costs and requires specialized personnel for cleaning, and facilitates deposit buildup.
Innovation Solution
The condenser is repositioned vertically between the door and the drum, allowing for easy access and removal without a special door, and split into sections for user-friendly cleaning and maintenance, with a conduit system for cooling air to maintain efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the condenser is located near the base of the machine, then the condensate collecting tray can be positioned proximate to the condenser, but a special door and opening must be provided for access, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is merged with the drum assembly by positioning it on the rear face of the drum, allowing it to be accessed through the existing drum door rather than requiring a separate special door. This combines the access function with an existing structure, reducing manufacturing costs and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser is repositioned from the base level to the upper rear portion of the machine, changing its vertical position. This dimensional change allows access through the drum door at a higher level, eliminating the need for a special door at the base and simplifying the containing structure.
2Ease of operation
If the condenser is located at the bottom of the machine, then the condensate can be collected easily, but the condenser becomes difficult to remove for periodic cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is made detachable from the drum assembly through a quick-release mechanism, allowing it to be easily removed for cleaning. This dynamic design enables the condenser to be detached and reattached as needed, making maintenance simple while keeping it positioned for easy condensate collection.
3Volume of moving object
If the condenser channels are arranged in horizontal position, then the condenser can be compact, but deposits build up within the channels, slowing down air flow and reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser channels are inverted from horizontal to vertical orientation, with the inlet at the top and outlet at the bottom. This inversion uses gravity to prevent deposit buildup in the channels, maintaining smooth air flow and energy efficiency, while the compact vertical design occupies minimal space.
4Ease of repair
If the condenser is positioned vertically between the door and drum, then it can be accessed through the drum door for cleaning, but the space available for condenser placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is divided into a modular design that can be segmented into removable sections, allowing it to fit into the limited space between the drum and door while maintaining accessibility for cleaning. The segmented structure can be assembled and disassembled to accommodate the constrained installation space.
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 improves energy efficiency, reduces maintenance costs by enabling user-friendly cleaning, and prevents deposit buildup, enhancing overall machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser with a plurality of channels for the flow of drying air, for removing the moisture absorbed by the flow through the laundry in the drum
Implementation Method 2
a fan for moving said flow, a motor for driving said fan
Implementation Method 3
a condenser with a plurality of channels for the flow of drying air, for removing the moisture absorbed by the flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A laundry dryer machine, wherein a flow of drying air is circulated through a path, which comprises a fan (9) for moving said flow, a motor (10) for driving said fan, at least one filter (11) for filtering the flow, a drum (7) for containing the laundry to be dried, a condenser (12) with a plurality of channels (13) for the flow of drying air, for removing the moisture absorbed by the flow through the laundry in the drum (7), a container (17) for collecting condensate, a box-like structure for containing the components of the machine, said structure having a base (1), a top surface (2), a front vertical wall (3), a back vertical wall (4) and corresponding lateral vertical walls (5, 6), an opening (8) formed in said front vertical wall (3) for loading the laundry to be dried, a door (8A) adapted to open and close said opening (8) for loading and removing laundry, a conduit (19) for conveying a flow of cooling air to the condenser (12). The condenser (12) is located in a niche (24) formed in the front vertical wall (3) of said containing structure under said door (8A) and said plurality of channels (13) of the condenser (12) for the flow of drying air extend from top to bottom, toward the base (1) of the box-like containing structure.