Combined Filter Assembly for Single-Step Removal in Laundry Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry drying machine filtration systems require users to remove both inner and outer filters in separate steps, complicating the cleaning process and making it less user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A combined filter assembly with an inner and outer filter structure, where the inner filter is nested within the outer filter, and a handle cover with a locking mechanism that allows both filters to be grouped together, enabling single-step removal and preventing the outer filter from falling during inner filter access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner and outer filters are configured to move axially around separate hinge elements, then the filters can be removed separately for cleaning, but the removal process becomes complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner filter and outer filter into a single removable assembly where both filters are attached to a common handle cover. This merging allows both filters to be removed together in one step, simplifying the cleaning process while reducing structural complexity compared to separate hinge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner filter is nested within the outer filter, with both filters attached to the handle cover. This nested configuration allows the filters to be grouped together as a single unit for removal, eliminating the need for separate removal steps while maintaining a compact structure.
2Ease of operation
If the inner filter is accessed separately by removing it first, then the inner filter can be maintained independently, but the outer filter may fall and scatter lint
Solution Approach 1:
Both the inner and outer filters are merged into a single removable assembly attached to the handle cover. This allows the outer filter to remain in place (attached to the handle) when the inner filter is accessed, preventing lint scattering while enabling independent inner filter maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle cover acts as an intermediary structure that holds both filters together. When the inner filter is removed for maintenance, the handle cover and outer filter remain attached, serving as a support structure that prevents the outer filter from falling and scattering lint.
3Ease of repair
If multiple separate removal steps are required for inner and outer filters, then each filter can be maintained independently, but the overall maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner and outer filters into a single removable assembly, allowing both filters to be removed together in one step. This reduces maintenance time while still enabling independent maintenance of each filter when needed, as they can be separated after removal from the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is designed to be dynamically configurable - it can be used as a single removable unit for quick maintenance, or the inner and outer filters can be separated after removal for independent cleaning. This dynamic flexibility optimizes both maintenance time and ease of repair.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a combined filter assembly (10) suitable to be used in a laundry drying machine, comprising an inner filter (11) and an outer filter (12), wherein said outer filter (12) structure is located on the outside of the combined filter assembly (10) and is configured to contain said inner filter (11) structure in a large amount by volume, said inner filter (11) structure is designed and configured so as to be removed only after the outer filter (12) is removed, in accordance with the structure of the combined filter assembly (10), and said combined filter assembly (10) further comprises a locked handle cover (13) during operation, which create a temporary structural relationship between the inner and outer filters (11, 12) so as to prevent the outer filter (12) from falling when the inner filter (11) is opened.