Automated Filter Cleaning Device for Laundry Treatment Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laundry treatment apparatus filters become clogged with impurities such as lint, requiring manual cleaning, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A filter cleaning device with a driving mechanism and spraying mechanism that sprays a cleaning fluid onto the filter, moving in multiple directions and angles to cover at least 80% of the filtration area, using a water supply pipe and spray head with spaced holes, and controlled by a control module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual cleaning of the filter is required, then the filter can be cleaned, but it consumes user time and effort and is not intelligent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of filter cleaningVSAvoiduser effort for filter cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cleaning device enables the filter to clean itself automatically through a spraying mechanism that delivers cleaning fluid to the filter surface, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by the user. The system performs self-maintenance functions autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated spraying mechanism that uses fluid dynamics to clean the filter. The spraying mechanism substitutes human hand operations with automated fluid-based cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If the spraying mechanism covers a large area of the filter, then cleaning comprehensiveness is improved, but the complexity of the driving mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaned area of filterVSAvoidcomplexity of driving mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-directional movement (horizontal, vertical, and rotational dimensions) of the spraying mechanism to achieve comprehensive filter coverage. By adding rotational movement around the filter circumference and vertical movement along the filter height, the system covers the entire filter surface area effectively.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The spraying mechanism incorporates dynamic multi-axis movement capabilities, allowing it to adapt its position and orientation to cover different areas of the filter. The mechanism transitions between horizontal scanning, vertical scanning, and rotational movements to systematically clean the entire filter surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the spraying mechanism moves in multiple directions, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of driving mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spraying mechanism incorporates dynamic multi-axis movement capabilities, allowing it to adapt its position and orientation to cover different areas of the filter. The mechanism transitions between horizontal scanning, vertical scanning, and rotational movements to systematically clean the entire filter surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multi-directional movement (horizontal, vertical, and rotational dimensions) of the spraying mechanism to achieve comprehensive filter coverage. By adding rotational movement around the filter circumference and vertical movement along the filter height, the system covers the entire filter surface area effectively.

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

Automated and comprehensive cleaning of filters, enhancing drying efficiency by removing impurities without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

the spraying mechanism is configured to spray a cleaning fluid onto a preset region of the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP4653603A1Filter cleaning device, and laundry treatment apparatus and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 NANJING ROBOROCK INNOVATION TECH CO LTD
  • EP4653603A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4653603A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4653603A1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~6(b)

AI summary

The present application relates to a filter cleaning device for cleaning a filter in a laundry treatment apparatus. The filter cleaning device includes: a driving mechanism and a spraying mechanism, where the driving mechanism is configured to provide a driving force for the movement of the spraying mechanism; and the spraying mechanism is configured to spray a cleaning fluid onto a preset region of the filter. The present application further relates to a laundry treatment apparatus and a method for controlling the clothing apparatus.