Dryer Diffuser Layout for Uniform Vertical Flushing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dryer cleaning methods, such as those using condensate for flushing, result in non-uniform cleaning of lint-loaded components due to horizontal flow components, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential long-term contamination.

Innovation Solution

A device with a diffuser having a distribution channel and an overflow area, where the flushing medium is directed vertically downwards, ensuring uniform flow distribution across the component, utilizing a one-piece design to prevent assembly tolerances and enhance flow directionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the flushing medium is supplied laterally to the diffuser, then the diffuser can be positioned above the component, but the flow direction has a large horizontal component resulting in non-uniform flow distribution and incomplete cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning uniformityVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the flow direction from horizontal to vertical by repositioning the inlet opening at the bottom of the diffuser instead of laterally. This dimensional change in flow direction eliminates the large horizontal flow component and achieves uniform vertical flow distribution across the component surface, resolving the cleaning uniformity issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a conventional diffuser design is used with lateral inlet, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced due to non-uniform flow distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional diffuser design by placing the inlet opening at the bottom instead of laterally at the top or side. This inversion of the inlet position causes the flushing medium to flow upward and then distribute vertically downward, creating uniform flow distribution and significantly improving cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration achieves significantly improved cleaning by ensuring all areas of the component are flushed uniformly, preventing spillage and ensuring complete removal of fluff, thus enhancing the overall cleaning effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

an overflow area which is fluidically coupled to the distribution channel and with which the flushing medium can be directed downwards to the component in the vertical direction of flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2521813B1Device for cleaning a component of a dryer and dryer having such a device
Publication Date: 2014.06.04 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2521813B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a component (4) of a dryer (1) having a liquid rinsing medium, comprising a diffuser (9) for distributing the rinsing medium disposed over the component (4), wherein the diffuser (9) comprises a distribution channel (12) extending over the width thereof for distributing the rinsing medium introduced into the diffuser (9) and a transition region (13) fluidically connected to the distribution channel (12), by means of which the rinsing medium can be fed downward in the vertical flow direction P4 to the component (4). The invention further relates to a dryer having such a device.