Tumble Dryer Condensate Line Holder for Tool-Free Drain Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumble dryers face difficulties in securely attaching the free end of the condensate line to an external water drain, often requiring complex setups and tools for proper condensate discharge.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a detachable holder within the coil on the rear wall of the tumble dryer, composed of molded plastic parts, ensures secure and tool-free attachment of the condensate line to an external water drain, using a U-shaped receiving channel and clip elements for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate bracket is attached to the free end of the condensate line to enable secure discharge, then the reliability of condensate discharge is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is integrated directly into the coil structure, merging the storage function and the attachment function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate brackets and reduces the overall complexity of the condensate line setup while maintaining reliable discharge capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil serves multiple functions: it stores the condensate line in a coiled manner and simultaneously provides an integrated holder for the free end. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system.
2Reliability
If a separate bracket is used for attaching the condensate line, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring additional tools and complex setup
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the holder into the coil, the attachment mechanism becomes part of the standard coil structure rather than a separate component. This allows users to attach the condensate line directly during normal operation without requiring separate brackets or additional tools, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (switching device, drain hose, sealing part) are used for condensate path configuration, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated holder design provides a universal attachment solution that works with the coil structure regardless of the specific condensate discharge configuration. This maintains adaptability for different installation scenarios while reducing the number of separate components needed compared to traditional switching devices and separate brackets.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tumble dryer (1) with a drum (3) rotatably mounted in a housing (2), a loading opening (4) that can be closed with a door, and a fan (5) and a heating device (6) for generating a process air flow. which flows through a heat exchanger (7), with the condensate occurring during the drying process being pumped either by means of a condensate pump (8) into a condensate collection container designed as a pusher (9) or via a coil ( 11) drainable condensate line (12) can be pumped into an external waste water outlet (13). According to the invention, the coil (11) attached to the rear wall (10) of the housing (2) for storing the condensate line (12) consists of a first plastic molded part (14) and a second plastic molded part (15), the second plastic molded part (15) a detachable part of the coil (11) which can be used as a holder (16) for the free end (17) of the condensate line (12) on an external waste water outlet (13).