Barrel Filter Screen Design for Fluff Interception in Washer-Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluff from clothing entering the air channel of a clothing processing machine with a drying function accumulates and affects airflow, impacting drying efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A barrel with a filter screen that allows air to pass through, positioned at the lower part of the barrel, which intercepts fluff during the drying process and is automatically cleaned during the washing program, using a metal filter screen integrated with the plastic barrel for enhanced filtration and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air flows directly from the barrel to the downstream air channel without filtration, then the drying process operates with simple airflow path, but fluff accumulates in the air channel affecting airflow and drying result
Solution Approach 1:
The air channel is segmented into an upstream portion inside the barrel and a downstream portion outside the barrel, with a filter screen positioned at the interface. This segmentation allows fluff to be trapped in the upstream section while clean air flows through the downstream section, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple airflow and preventing fluff accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
A filter screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the barrel interior and the downstream air channel. This mediator captures fluff particles while allowing air to pass through, thereby maintaining reliable drying results without requiring complex modifications to the overall air channel structure.
2Reliability
If a filter screen is added to intercept fluff, then fluff accumulation is reduced and drying performance is maintained, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter screen is merged with the barrel structure by positioning it at the opening of the air channel within the barrel. This integration allows the filter to function as part of the existing barrel assembly rather than as a separate附加 component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable drying performance.
3Reliability
If the filter screen is positioned at the lower part of the barrel, then fluff is effectively intercepted during drying, but the filter screen may be submerged during washing programs
Solution Approach 1:
The potential harm of filter screen submersion during washing is converted into a benefit by designing the lower position of the filter screen to coincide with the water level during washing programs. This allows washing water to flow through and clean the filter screen, automatically removing accumulated fluff and regenerating the filter's effectiveness.
4Strength
If the filter screen is made of metal and integrated with the plastic barrel, then connection security and filtration effectiveness are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter screen is constructed as a composite structure combining metal mesh for filtration with plastic components for structural support and integration with the barrel. This composite approach enhances both connection security and filtration effectiveness while remaining compatible with integrated injection molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process utilizes parameter changes in material states during integrated injection molding, where the plastic barrel and filter screen components are molded together from molten state to solid state. This allows complex integrated structures to be manufactured efficiently despite the combination of different materials.
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
The filter screen effectively reduces fluff accumulation in the air channel, maintaining stable drying performance and automatically discharging fluff, while the integrated design simplifies installation and prevents secondary contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the opening is provided with a filter screen, such that air in the barrel is permitted to flow outward after passing through the filter screen
Implementation Method 2
when the clothing processing machine in which the barrel is fitted runs a washing program, the water level in the barrel is higher than at least part of the filter screen
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a barrel (2) of a clothing processing machine having a drying function, the barrel (2) comprising an opening (9) through which air can pass outward from inside the barrel (2), the opening (9) being provided with a filter screen (11), such that air in the barrel (2) is permitted to flow outward after passing through the filter screen (11). The present invention further relates to a clothing processing machine (1) having a drying function and comprising a barrel (2), wherein an air driving means (4) can drive air through the filter screen (11) from inside the barrel (2) and then into an air channel (23) downstream of the filter screen (11). In the barrel (2) and clothing processing machine (1) according to the present invention, the filter screen (11) of the barrel can intercept most of the fluff in drying air, reducing accumulation of fluff downstream of the filter screen (11), so that the clothing processing machine (1) maintains a more stable drying effect.