Dryer Filter Assembly with Blade Compression for Reduced Lint Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes dryers face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent filter cleaning, which is inconvenient and can lead to reduced heat exchange efficiency and performance, especially since manual removal of lint requires handling and can expose users to arsenic acid.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a primary and secondary filter system, where the primary filter is detachably inserted into the secondary filter, and includes blades that rotate to compress and scrape off lint, allowing for easy cleaning without separating the filter from the dryer, reducing the frequency of lint discharge and maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is installed to collect lint, then lint accumulation is prevented from sticking to the heat exchange apparatus, but the filter requires frequent manual cleaning which causes user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member is configured to automatically compress lint against the filter screen when the user removes the filter assembly from the housing, eliminating the need for manual lint removal. The mechanical action of insertion and removal automatically performs the cleaning function, making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression member pre-compresses lint during normal operation before the user needs to clean the filter. By continuously compressing lint as it accumulates, the system prepares the lint for easy removal during the next filter cleaning cycle, reducing the effort required by the user.
2Loss of time
If lint is compressed in the filter, then the frequency of cleaning operations is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the compression mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is merged with the existing filter assembly structure. The compression member utilizes the same insertion and removal motions already required for filter cleaning, combining two functions (compression and filtering) into a single integrated component without requiring separate operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression member automatically performs lint compression during the normal filter removal operation, converting user action into a useful compression function without requiring additional energy input or complex control systems. The spring mechanism self-activates based on the mechanical motion of filter removal.
3Ease of operation
If manual lint removal is required, then the filter can be cleaned, but users are exposed to arsenic acid in the lint which is harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member extracts and concentrates lint into a compact form that can be easily removed from the filter assembly in a single action. By compressing lint into a dense mass, the system enables complete lint removal without manual handling of scattered lint particles, reducing user exposure to harmful substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression member acts as an intermediary that processes lint between accumulation and removal stages. It transforms loose lint into a compressed form that is safer and easier to handle, mediating the interaction between the harmful lint and the user.
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 assembly minimizes the need for frequent cleaning, maintains dryer performance, and simplifies the cleaning process by compressing and collecting lint within the filter assembly, reducing user inconvenience and potential exposure to arsenic acid.
Implementation Method 1
at least one blade being rotatably coupled to the secondary filter and configured to compresses first foreign substances collected in the primary filter based on the primary filter moving in a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly includes a primary filter; a secondary filter into which the primary filter is detachably inserted; a case detachably coupled to the primary filter and comprising a plurality of air inlet holes; and at least one blade being rotatably coupled to the secondary filter and configured to compresses first foreign substances collected in the primary filter based on the primary filter moving in a first direction in which the primary filter is drawn out from the secondary filter.