Button Trap with Finger Aperture Design for Laundry Drain Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances face issues with foreign objects, such as buttons and coins, damaging pumps by passing through the drain system, while fine particulate material like lint is not effectively captured, leading to clogging and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A button trap with an elongated body and plurality of fingers extending across an aperture is integrated into the tub drain, allowing fine particulate material to pass while preventing foreign objects from entering the pump system, utilizing a configuration that directs fluid and air flow to prevent object passage and facilitate particulate movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional drain system is used, then foreign objects can pass through freely, but pumps are damaged by foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is segmented into multiple functional zones: an upper section with larger openings for foreign object capture, a middle section with fingers for intermediate filtration, and a lower section with smaller openings for fine particulate passage. This segmentation allows each zone to handle specific size ranges of debris, protecting the pump while maintaining drainage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap structure acts as an intermediary component between the drain and pump, capturing foreign objects before they reach the pump. The elongated body with fingers creates an intermediate filtration stage that separates harmful foreign objects from the water flow, allowing safe passage of water and fine particles to the pump.
2Reliability
If a trap with small openings is used to prevent foreign objects, then fine particulate material accumulates and clogs the system
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the trap have different opening sizes tailored to their specific functions. The upper section has larger openings optimized for capturing foreign objects, while the lower section has smaller openings optimized for filtering fine particulate material. This local differentiation allows each zone to perform its function effectively without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap structure adds a vertical dimension to filtration, with multiple levels of opening sizes arranged from top to bottom. This dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous filtration at different size thresholds, enabling foreign object capture at the upper level while fine particulate filtration occurs at the lower level, preventing clogging.
3Reliability
If lint is captured effectively, then pump damage is prevented, but drainage efficiency decreases due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The trap structure dynamically adapts to different flow conditions and particle sizes. During high-flow conditions, the larger upper openings dominate, maintaining drainage efficiency. During low-flow conditions, the finer lower openings become more effective at capturing lint. This dynamic behavior allows the system to balance pump protection with drainage efficiency across varying operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a wash tub disposed within a cabinet. A rotating drum is disposed within the wash tub. A drain system directs a fluid from the wash tub to a fluid pump. A trap is disposed within a tub drain of the wash tub. The trap includes an elongated body having a plurality of fingers that extend across an aperture defined within the elongated body. The plurality of fingers are configured to permit passage of particulate material and prevent passage of foreign objects through the elongated body.