De-Fluff Filter Airflow Layout for Laundry Dryer Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry drying machines face inefficiencies due to lint and fluff accumulation in air circuits, which can obstruct airflow and reduce drying performance, requiring frequent cleaning of de-fluff filters and complicating air flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A de-fluff filter with a hollow chamber and air guiding elements that homogenously distribute drying air flow, featuring a filtering element, air guiding blades, and an ejection device for easy insertion and removal, positioned to minimize energy loss and improve airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the de-fluff filter is positioned in the air-path within the casing top element, then fluff and lint particles are effectively trapped, but the air flow path becomes complicated causing energy loss and reduced drying performance
Solution Approach 1:
The de-fluff filter is integrated into the casing top element, utilizing the vertical dimension of the casing structure. The filter housing is formed as an integral part of the casing top element, allowing the filter to be positioned in the air-path without adding horizontal complexity to the air flow path. This dimensional integration maintains effective fluff trapping while minimizing energy loss by keeping the air flow path relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If the de-fluff filter is made accessible through a housing aperture on the casing top element, then the filter can be easily cleaned by users, but the air circuit arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The casing top element serves multiple functions: it provides the structural top of the casing, contains the de-fluff filter housing, and facilitates user access for filter cleaning through the housing aperture. By integrating these functions into a single component, the design achieves ease of operation without significantly increasing air circuit complexity.
3Productivity
If air guiding elements are added to homogenously distribute drying air flow, then drying performance is improved, but the filter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Air guiding elements are strategically positioned within the hollow chamber of the filter to create zones of homogeneous air flow distribution. These elements are located specifically where air flow optimization is most needed, rather than being distributed throughout the entire filter structure. This localized approach improves drying performance while minimizing the overall complexity of the filter structure.
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 solution effectively traps lint and fluff, maintaining airflow efficiency and reducing the need for frequent filter cleaning, thereby enhancing the drying performance and extending the operational life of laundry drying machines.
Implementation Method 1
a de-fluff filter for trapping fluff and/or lint particles carried by the flow of drying air crossing said de-fluff filter
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of air guiding elements that guide the flow of drying air from said inlet aperture, being provided in said rear sidewall, to said outlet portion, being comprised in said second transversal sidewall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A laundry machine (100) adapted to dry laundry by means of a flow of drying air is proposed. The laundry machine (100) comprises a casing (110) for accommodating components necessary for the operation of the laundry machine (100). Inside the casing, a laundry treating chamber (105) adapted to contain the laundry to be dried is provided and a casing top element (125) incorporates at least part of an air circuit in fluid communication with the laundry treating chamber (105) through an inlet opening (210) and through an outlet opening (215), and defining an air-path for the flow of drying air between said inlet (210) and outlet (215) openings. Said casing top element (125) comprises a filter housing (217) for removably accommodating a de-fluff filter (218), said filter housing (217) being provided in the air-path and being accessible through a housing aperture (219) provided on the casing top element (125), a de-fluff filter (218) for trapping fluff and/or lint particles carried by the flow of drying air crossing said de-fluff filter (218), the de-fluff filter (218) comprising a filtering element (321) and a hollow chamber (361) accessible through an inlet aperture (330) and through an outlet portion (303d). In the solution according to an embodiment of the present invention, the de-fluff filter (218) further comprises at least one air guiding element (354, 363) having a shape that distributes homogenously the flow of drying air inside the hollow chamber (361) and along the outlet portion (303d) of the de-fluff filter (218).