Tumble drier with cyclone filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers require frequent maintenance due to lint accumulation on lint filters, which increases energy consumption and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cyclone filter as a lint filter that uses centrifugal forces to separate lint into a collection container, reducing the need for regular cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lint filter is installed to filter lint from the airflow, then lint is effectively removed from the air circulation system, but the filter requires frequent cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone filter automatically separates lint from the airflow using centrifugal force generated by the airflow itself, without requiring user intervention for cleaning. The lint is collected in a container that can be emptied at longer intervals, making the system self-maintaining to a large extent
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lint screen with a cyclone separation system that uses fluid dynamics and centrifugal force to separate lint from air, eliminating the need for manual screen cleaning while maintaining effective lint removal
2Reliability
If a traditional lint screen is used, then lint is filtered from the airflow, but flow resistance increases significantly when lint accumulates, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone filter replaces the mechanical lint screen with a separation system that uses centrifugal force in the airflow to remove lint, preventing the buildup of flow resistance that occurs with traditional screens while maintaining effective lint filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pneumatic properties of the airflow itself to generate centrifugal force through the cyclone structure, separating lint from the air stream without creating significant flow resistance, thereby maintaining low energy consumption throughout operation
3Volume of moving object
If an axial cyclone separator is used instead of a tangential cyclone separator, then installation space is reduced and airflow resistance is lowered, but lint separation efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cyclone separator from a traditional tangential design to an axial design with optimized dimensions (maximum diameter of 100 mm, specifically 80 mm or 70 mm), achieving reduced installation space and airflow resistance while maintaining effective lint separation through carefully controlled swirl generation by guide vanes
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 cyclone filter effectively reduces maintenance requirements by allowing lint to be collected at longer intervals, minimizing airflow resistance and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A cyclone filter uses centrifugal forces as a separation method, generated by creating a vortex flow
Implementation Method 2
the air, which carries the lint to be separated, is set into a rotational motion by its own flow velocity through the appropriately designed stationary separator
Implementation Method 3
The evaporator extracts heat from the airflow, allowing the moisture to condense from the air and the condensate to be drained away
Implementation Method 4
the evaporator extracts heat from the airflow, allowing the moisture to condense from the air
Implementation Method 5
The condenser adds heat back to the airflow, so that warm and dry air returns to the drum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A dryer, in particular a household tumble dryer or a household washer-dryer, comprises a drum (1) for holding textiles and a heat pump with a condenser (3) and an evaporator (2). The dryer further comprises an air circulation system (6) for circulating an airflow through the drum (1), the condenser (3), and the evaporator (2) to dry the textiles in the drum (1). A lint filter is also provided, which filters lint from the airflow. The lint filter is designed as a cyclone filter (8).