Drum-Integrated Foreign Particulate Collector for Laundry Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances lack an effective mechanism for capturing and removing foreign particulates such as pet hair and lint during the washing and drying cycles, leading to inefficient cleaning and potential re-deposition on clothing.
Innovation Solution
A laundry appliance design featuring a drum with baffles and a foreign particulate collector, which includes an electrostatically charged member and a tacky surface, coupled to the baffles via grooves and projections, that attracts and traps foreign particulates, aided by a controller-operated particulate capturing algorithm to optimize collection and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foreign particulate collector is added to capture pet hair and lint, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foreign particulate collector is integrated with the existing lint filter assembly, combining two particulate collection functions into a single structural unit. The collector includes a first section that collects foreign particulates and a second section that collects lint, both within the same housing structure that attaches to the drum, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lint filter housing serves multiple functions: it collects lint from the airflow path, collects foreign particulates like pet hair on its inner surface, and provides a structural attachment point to the drum. This multi-functionality allows the system to address multiple cleaning needs without adding separate independent components.
2Reliability
If the particulate collector is integrated with the drum via baffles, then particulate collection is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The particulate collector is divided into distinct sections: a first section for collecting foreign particulates and a second section for collecting lint. The housing is separable from the drum, and baffles are distinct components that can be manufactured independently and assembled together, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective particulate collection.
Solution Approach 2:
Baffles serve as intermediary components that connect the particulate collector housing to the drum. These baffles can be manufactured separately and attached to both the housing and drum, providing a flexible manufacturing approach that maintains strong attachment for effective particulate collection while easing the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If an electrostatically charged member is added to attract foreign particulates, then collection effectiveness is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatically charged member generates its own electric field without requiring external power during operation. The electrostatic charge is maintained through the drying process itself, utilizing the existing electrical environment of the dryer to create attractive forces that capture foreign particulates, thereby improving collection effectiveness without significant additional energy consumption.
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 captures and retains foreign particulates, enhancing cleaning efficiency by maximizing contact between clothing items and the particulate collector, allowing for easy removal and maintenance, and improving the overall cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
An electrostatically charged member is disposed within the foreign particulate collector. The electrostatically charged member is a negatively charged member selectively disposed within the baffle. The negatively charged member is configured to attract oppositely-charged foreign particulates present within the drum.
Implementation Method 2
A foreign particulate collector design featuring a drum with baffles and a foreign particulate collector, which includes an electrostatically charged member and a tacky surface, coupled to the baffles via grooves and projections, that attracts and traps foreign particulates
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a cabinet that has a user interface. A drum is disposed within the cabinet and includes baffles. A blower directs process air through an airflow path that includes the drum. A lint filter is disposed within the airflow path and between the drum and the blower. A foreign particulate collector is disposed within the drum and is configured to collect foreign particulates within the drum. A controller is operably coupled to a motor for rotating the drum and the blower. The user interface and the controller cooperate to operate the drum and the blower for capturing foreign particulates at least within the foreign particulate collector.