Closable Lint Filter Design to Trap Particles During Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry appliances struggle to effectively capture and contain lint particles during the drying process, leading to mess and inefficiency when the filter is removed.

Innovation Solution

A lint filter with opposable panels that open under air pressure to capture lint and close when air flow stops, using a hinge mechanism to trap particles within an enclosed space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional lint filter is used, then lint particles can be captured during air flow, but the filter cannot retain particles when removed causing re-dispersion and mess

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle retentionVSAvoidfilter removal cleanliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into a first panel with mesh filtration member and a second panel that can move relative to it. The second panel segments the filtering space into an open position for filtration and a closed position for particle containment, allowing the filter to perform different functions in different states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second panel is made movable through a hinge member with biasing mechanism, transitioning between open and closed positions. This dynamic structure allows the filter to adapt its configuration based on operational needs - open during filtration, closed during removal and storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the filter allows air flow through during operation, then filtration occurs, but particles may escape when air flow stops and filter is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidparticle re-dispersion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter operates in periodic cycles: during active drying cycles, the second panel is in the open position allowing air flow and filtration; during idle or removal cycles, the second panel closes to contain particles. This periodic state change ensures particles are captured during operation and contained during non-operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The second panel is extracted or separated from the first panel during the open position to allow air flow through the mesh filtration member. When closing, the second panel returns to enclose the filtering space, effectively taking out the particle containment function from the air flow path during filtration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a closed filter structure is used, then particles are retained, but air flow is blocked during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle containmentVSAvoidair flow through filter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter structure transitions dynamically between closed and open states. The hinge member with biasing mechanism enables the second panel to move between a closed position for particle containment and an open position for air flow, allowing the same structure to satisfy both particle retention and filtration productivity requirements at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Efficient capture and containment of lint particles during operation, minimizing mess and debris when the filter is removed.

Implementation Method 1

The hinge member biases the second panel against the mesh filtration member to define a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a mesh filtration member that is disposed within the first panel that is configured to separate particulate matter from the process air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a flow of process air through the mesh filtration member moves the second panel away from the mesh filtration member to define an open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12618189B2Lint filter for laundry appliance having a closable filtering space for capturing lint particles

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A lint filter for a laundry appliance includes a handle, a first panel that extends from the handle and has a mesh filtration member, and a second panel that is coupled to the first panel at a hinge member that opposes the handle. The hinge member biases the second panel against the mesh filtration member to define a closed position, and a flow of process air through the mesh filtration member moves the second panel away from the mesh filtration member to define an open position that forms a filtering space for capturing particulate matter from the process air. Upon deactivation of the flow of the process air, the lint filter returns to the closed position that is configured to trap the particulate matter in the filtering space and between the first and second panels.