Tumble Dryer Depth Filter Block for Heat Exchanger Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumble dryer designs, particularly heat pump models, suffer from inadequate protection of heat exchangers against fine dust and detergent residue contamination, leading to reduced efficiency and potential device failure, with complex and frequent filter maintenance requirements due to permanently installed heat exchangers and cumbersome deep-bed filter handling.
Innovation Solution
A deep-bed filter block without a frame is positioned directly in front of the heat exchanger, designed as a self-sealing insert with a box shape and bow-type handle for easy assembly and disassembly, made of PUR foam with open pores for effective filtration and easy cleaning, eliminating the need for additional seals and simplifying maintenance by interacting with a sensor for cleaning interval detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a deep-bed filter is installed in a drawer with frame, then the filter can be removed and cleaned, but the handling becomes complicated and requires additional seals
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into two independent parts: the deep-bed filter element and the drawer/frame structure. This allows the filter to be accessed and replaced without removing the entire drawer assembly, simplifying maintenance while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The deep-bed filter is positioned within the drawer structure in a nested arrangement, where the filter fits into the drawer cavity. This nesting allows the filter to be accessed through the drawer opening without requiring complete disassembly of the drawer or additional sealing mechanisms
2Device complexity
If heat exchanger is permanently installed in base module, then device structure is simplified, but cleaning becomes impossible and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deep-bed filter is extracted and positioned in front of the heat exchanger, creating a protective barrier that prevents contaminants from reaching the heat exchanger. This extraction allows the heat exchanger to remain permanently installed while protecting it from contamination through the filter barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The deep-bed filter is positioned upstream of the heat exchanger to perform preliminary filtration of the air stream. This preliminary action removes fine dust and detergent residues before the air reaches the heat exchanger, preventing contamination and maintaining efficiency over time
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 extends cleaning intervals, simplifies filter handling, and ensures effective filtration of fine dust, reducing maintenance frequency and preventing heat exchanger contamination, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the tumble dryer.
Implementation Method 1
the filter insert consisting of a deep-bed filter block for filtering dust
Implementation Method 2
made of PUR foam with open pores for effective filtration
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laundry treatment machine, in particular a tumble dryer (1), comprising a drum rotatably mounted in a housing (2), a loading opening closable with a door (3), a blower, and a heating device for generating a process airflow intended to flow through the drum and over a heat exchanger (14), wherein a filter element (4), accessible from the outside via an inspection hatch (6) arranged in the front wall (5) of the housing (2), is positioned upstream of the heat exchanger (14) in the flow channel (8). According to the invention, the filter element (4) consists of a depth filter block (7) for filtering dust.