Condenser Water Jet Cleaning for Lint Buildup in Laundry Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lint accumulation in the condenser of laundry treatment machines with air-cooled condensers leads to reduced thermal performance and energy losses, as fluff particles block airflow and form layers on the condenser's surfaces, necessitating frequent filter maintenance which is burdensome for users.
Innovation Solution
A water jet device is integrated within the condenser's outlet tube, featuring nozzles that direct water jets parallel to the drying channels to effectively clear fluff particles from the condenser's main housing and inlet tube, eliminating the need for regular filter maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is disposed on the air circulation path to eliminate lint particles, then lint elimination effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the filter component from the air circulation system entirely. Instead of using a filter to capture lint particles, the system allows air to circulate freely through the condenser while lint particles are mechanically removed through the drying and elimination mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for filter maintenance while maintaining lint elimination effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a self-service mechanism where lint particles are automatically eliminated through the natural drying process and mechanical action within the condenser. The elimination device works continuously during the drying cycle to remove lint without requiring user intervention for filter cleaning or replacement
2Device complexity
If no filter is used in the air circulation path, then device complexity is reduced, but lint accumulation on condenser surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by equipping the condenser with an elimination device that proactively removes lint particles during the drying cycle. This preventive mechanism ensures lint particles are eliminated before they can accumulate on condenser surfaces, maintaining thermal performance without requiring a filter
Solution Approach 2:
The elimination device operates automatically during the drying cycle, using the mechanical action and airflow within the condenser to continuously remove lint particles. This self-service mechanism prevents lint accumulation without user intervention, replacing the need for manual filter maintenance
3Reliability
If lint particles accumulate on condenser surfaces, then thermal performance is reduced, but this leads to prolonged drying periods and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The elimination device operates continuously throughout the drying cycle, maintaining constant removal of lint particles from the condenser surfaces. This continuous action ensures thermal performance is consistently maintained without degradation, preventing the energy losses that would occur with periodic filter maintenance or lint accumulation
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
The water jet device ensures efficient lint removal, maintaining condenser performance and reducing energy losses by preventing fluff particle accumulation, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and user convenience by eliminating the need for frequent filter cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
A water jet device is integrated within the condenser's outlet tube, featuring nozzles that direct water jets parallel to the drying channels to effectively clear fluff particles from the condenser's main housing and inlet tube
Implementation Method 2
The cooling air is passed onto the condenser by means of a fan and thus, the moisture in the cycle air is condensed by the condenser that is being cooled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry treatment machine (1) comprising a drum (2), an air circulation duct (4) through which circulation of processing air is effected, a closed cycle fan (5) circulating processing air, an air-cooled condenser (8) and an outer air duct (10) along which an open cycle fan (9) functions. Said air-cooled condenser (8) having a main housing comprising at least a first drying channel (6) extending adjacent to a first side (15) of the main housing in the longitudinal direction of said at least first drying channel (6) and a second drying channel (6) extending adjacent to a second side (16) of the main housing in the longitudinal direction of said at least second drying channel (6). The first drying channel (6) and the second drying channel (6) are disposed in a spaced manner between the first side (15) and second side (16) of the main housing such that at least one cooling channel (7) is sandwiched thereinbetween.