Dryer Filter Brush Cleaning for Lint Removal and Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dryers require frequent manual filter cleaning due to adhered foreign substances, which can lead to reduced airflow and increased fire risk, complicating the drying process and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

An automatic filter cleaning system that separates and stores foreign substances in a lint case, maintaining airflow and reducing the need for frequent filter cleaning, thereby enhancing user convenience and minimizing fire risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filter is manually cleaned frequently to remove adhered foreign substances, then the airflow is maintained and fire risk is reduced, but the user convenience deteriorates and operation becomes troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire risk preventionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit automatically cleans the filter by rotating and brushing against its surface, enabling the filter to clean itself without user intervention. This self-service mechanism removes adhered foreign substances continuously, maintaining airflow and preventing fire risks while eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The brush unit performs preliminary cleaning action on the filter surface before foreign substances can accumulate to dangerous levels. By continuously removing lint and debris during the drying process, the system prevents airflow restriction and fire hazards before they occur, rather than requiring reactive manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the filter is manually cleaned frequently, then the airflow quantity is maintained, but the time required for maintenance increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit operates continuously during the drying process, maintaining constant cleaning action on the filter surface. This continuous useful action ensures that airflow pathways remain clear throughout the entire drying cycle, preventing efficiency loss from clogged filters without requiring periodic interruption for manual maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic brush cleaning system performs maintenance functions autonomously during normal operation, converting maintenance time into productive drying time. The brush unit sweeps the filter surface continuously, ensuring optimal airflow and drying performance without removing the dryer from service or requiring user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the filter cleaning is performed manually, then the foreign substances are removed, but the complexity of the cleaning process increases due to strong adhesion of dried substances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidcleaning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated brush mechanism driven by a motor. The brush unit rotates and mechanically sweeps the filter surface, using controlled mechanical force to remove adhered foreign substances without requiring user strength or complex manual manipulation procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system operates autonomously through automated brush rotation and control mechanisms. The brush unit self-regulates its cleaning action on the filter surface, removing foreign substances through programmed mechanical motion rather than requiring complex user-driven cleaning procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 automatic filter cleaning system ensures convenient operation by minimizing filter maintenance and maintaining a consistent airflow, reducing the risk of fire and improving drying performance.

Implementation Method 1

a brush unit (360) connected to a rotation shaft (351) to separate the foreign substances attached to the filter (341)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a rotation shaft (351) protruding from the front cover (310) in a rear direction, and a brush unit (360) connected to the rotation shaft (351) to separate the foreign substances attached to the filter (341)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 3

where a foreign substance removing unit (360) is disposed inside the filter unit (300) to separate foreign substances attached to an inner surface of a filter (341)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2366044B1dryer
Publication Date: 2014.11.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2366044B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2366044B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2366044B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is a dryer. In the dryer, foreign substances such naps generated during a drying process are filtered by a filter unit, and the foreign substances attached to the filter unit are automatically removed.