Laundry Dryer Condenser Washing to Prevent Fluff Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The moisture condensing system in laundry dryers and washers/dryers can become clogged by fluff released from laundry, leading to reduced drying performance due to ineffective demisturization of drying air.
Innovation Solution
A laundry drying appliance with a water circuit that allows water from the mains to be used for cleaning the moisture condensing system, including a valve to selectively load water onto the condensing means and a nozzle for sprinkling water, which can be actuated during washing or rinsing phases to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the moisture condensing system operates continuously to dehydrate drying air, then drying performance is improved, but the system becomes clogged by fluff from laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by spraying water onto the moisture condensing system during the washing cycle before the drying cycle begins. This prevents fluff accumulation that would otherwise clog the system during drying operation, maintaining both drying performance and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is integrated into the washing cycle, allowing continuous operation of the appliance without interruption. The moisture condensing system is cleaned during the washing phase and then immediately ready for the drying phase, maintaining continuous useful action without separate maintenance steps.
2Reliability
If water is sprayed onto the moisture condensing system to clean it, then fluff removal is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system serves multiple functions: it provides water for washing laundry and also provides water for cleaning the moisture condensing system. This multi-functionality allows the cleaning operation to utilize water that would otherwise be consumed in the washing process, reducing overall water consumption for the appliance operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system cleans itself by utilizing the water supply already available for washing. The moisture condensing system is cleaned using water from the mains supply during the washing cycle, allowing the system to maintain its own cleanliness without requiring separate cleaning resources or manual intervention.
3Productivity
If the drum rotates at high speed to agitate laundry, then drying efficiency is improved, but fluff generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluff generated by high-speed drum rotation during washing is converted into a cleaning opportunity. The water spray system utilizes the presence of fluff during the washing cycle to clean the moisture condensing system, transforming the harmful fluff accumulation problem into a beneficial self-cleaning mechanism that maintains drying efficiency.
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
This solution effectively prevents clogging of the moisture condensing system, maintaining the appliance's drying performance by ensuring effective demisturization of drying air.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle for sprinkling water onto the moisture condensing means
Implementation Method 2
moisture condensing means operable for dehydrating moisture-laden drying air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A laundry drying appliance (100) comprising a cabinet (110), a rotatable drum (105) accommodated within the cabinet, and a laundry drying air circulation system for circulating drying air, the drying air circulation system comprising moisture condensing means (3605) operable for dehydrating moisture-laden drying air, characterized in that means (3625,3725,3635,4010,3640,3740) operable for washing the moisture condensing means are provided, said means for washing comprising valve means (3625;3725) operable to selectively enable a load of water from a water main to which the laundry drying appliance is connectable, and a water circuit for delivering the loaded water from the valve means to the moisture condensing means.