Tub-Exposed Lint Filter Using Drum Airflow Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry machines with drying functions do not have an effective method for automatically cleaning lint filters during operation, leading to accumulation of lint in the ducts and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine design where the lint filter is exposed within the tub, allowing it to be cleaned by the rotational airflow and water from the drum, with optional fluid supply for enhanced cleaning, ensuring effective removal of lint and prevention of accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is placed in the duct to remove lint from hot air, then lint removal efficiency is improved, but lint accumulates on the duct and filter requiring manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed to be automatically cleaned by the washing machine's own water spray system and drum-generated airflow during normal washing operations, enabling self-maintenance without external intervention. The filter positioned in the tub receives water spray during washing cycles and strong airflow during high-speed rotation, automatically removing accumulated lint.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning function is merged with the existing washing and drying operations. The same water spray system used for washing clothes is utilized to clean the filter, and the same drum rotation used for drying clothes generates airflow to blow lint off the filter. This combines multiple functions into existing system operations.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is exposed into the tub for automatic cleaning, then filter maintenance is simplified, but the filter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter surface is extracted from the enclosed duct and exposed into the tub space, allowing it to be accessible to water spray and airflow for automatic cleaning. The filter remains functionally integrated in the air circulation system while its cleaning surface is separated into a different environment (tub interior) where cleaning resources are available.
3Productivity
If high rotational speed is used to clean the filter through airflow, then filter cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-speed drum rotation serves dual purposes: the primary function of removing water from clothes during the spin cycle, and the secondary function of generating strong airflow to clean the filter. The same rotational energy accomplishes both tasks simultaneously, avoiding additional energy consumption dedicated solely to filter cleaning.
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 filter is automatically cleaned during operation, preventing lint accumulation and maintaining the machine's efficiency by using rotational airflow and water from the drum, with optional fluid supply for enhanced cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the filter can be cleaned by airflow caused by rotation of the drum. If a rotational speed of the drum is great, air velocity of the rotational airflow becomes strong enough to clean the filter.
Implementation Method 2
In case of a dehydrating stroke or cycle, water drops are spouted out from wet laundry through a through hole of the drum. The lint may be wetted in a way that the water drops is in contact with the filter. If the dehydrating stroke is carried out, the rotational speed of the drum is high and the water drops may approach to the filter
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter, whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven.