Condensate Drawer Tank Guiding Structure for Laundry Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers face issues with the condensate drawer tank interfering with other components during extraction, leading to uncontrolled condensate pouring and potential damage, which can result in machine malfunction and require costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A condensate drawer tank design featuring a guiding portion on its outer surface that prevents interference by guiding structural elements over the pouring opening, along with a bush that locks into place to prevent hooking and an embossment to redirect shed condensate back into the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the condensate drawer tank is extracted from the laundry dryer, then the user can empty the condensate container, but the rear end of the drawer interferes with the support structure and worktop supports causing the pouring bush to be hooked and pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a guiding portion on the outer surface of the condensate container that proactively guides structural elements over the pouring opening during drawer extraction. This guiding portion prevents the pouring bush from being hooked before the interference can occur, thereby maintaining reliable positioning of the pouring bush while still allowing condensate emptying operation.
2Productivity
If the pouring bush is slidably mounted within the pouring opening for better condensate driving, then the bush can be extracted and locked on the opening, but the bush is more susceptible to being hooked during drawer extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a guiding portion as a mediating element between the structural elements and the pouring bush. This guiding portion intercepts structural elements during drawer extraction, guiding them over the pouring opening before they can reach and hook the pouring bush. This protects the sliddably mounted bush from hooking while maintaining its condensate emptying efficiency function.
3Ease of operation
If the drawer is almost completely extracted from the opening, then the user can access the condensate container, but the drawer becomes inclined towards the user causing accidental condensate pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing an embossment on the outer surface of the condensate container that redirects condensate flow before accidental pouring can occur. When the drawer becomes inclined during extraction, the embossment proactively redirects any shed condensate back towards the pouring opening, preventing uncontrolled pouring towards the user while still allowing container access.
4Reliability
If the pouring bush is damaged or compromised, then the fitting to the filling sleeve is compromised, but the condensate collection function is lost causing machine malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a guiding portion that proactively prevents structural elements from hooking the pouring bush during drawer extraction. This protective guiding structure cushions the pouring bush from potential damage before it can occur, maintaining the reliable fitting to the filling sleeve and preserving the condensate collection function, thereby avoiding machine malfunction and the need for repair.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a laundry dryer having an improved condensate drawer tank. A laundry dryer according to the invention comprises a drying air circuit for circulating a drying air flow through laundry to be dried, a drying air moisture condensing unit and a condensate drawer tank (102) which is movable along a sliding path (A) relative to a housing (121) and comprises a condensate container (115) having a pouring opening (114) for collecting moisture condensed from said drying air flow, wherein the condensate drawer tank (102) comprises a guiding portion (128) formed on an outer surface (127) of the condensate container (115) and extending parallel to said sliding path (A), said guiding portion (128) being arranged in proximity of a pouring opening (114) for driving at least a structural element (109, 112) of the laundry dryer to slide over the pouring opening (114) when the condensate drawer tank (102) moves along the sliding path (A).