Laundry Dryer Air Filter Hinge Reinforcement Against Net Breakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air stream filters for laundry dryers are prone to damage due to frequent opening and closing, with the net sheet often breaking at the connecting portion between the plastic frame parts, and large size filters are heavy, requiring frequent cleaning after one or two drying cycles.
Innovation Solution
An air stream filter design featuring a plastic frame with symmetric wings and a reinforcing element attached to the net sheet at the hinge portion, forming a solid hinge that combines the net sheet and the reinforcing element for increased stability and durability, allowing the filter to be opened and closed in a book-like fashion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the air stream filter is opened and closed frequently for cleaning, then the filter can be maintained and cleaned, but the net sheet breaks at the connecting portion between the plastic frame parts
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic frame is divided into two separate parts connected by a hinge, allowing the filter to be opened like a book for cleaning while distributing mechanical stress away from the net sheet's critical connecting portions
Solution Approach 2:
A hinge is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element between the two plastic frame parts, enabling opening and closing motion while protecting the net sheet from direct stress at the connection points
2Area of stationary object
If the plastic frame is made large to cover the air stream channel, then the filtering area is increased, but the filter becomes heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The large plastic frame is segmented into two parts connected by a hinge, allowing the filter to be opened for cleaning and reducing the effective weight during handling and installation operations
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air stream filter, in particular for an air stream channel in a laundry dryer (26). The air stream filter includes at least one plastic frame (10, 210). The plastic frame (10, 210) comprises two substantially symmetric wings. A net sheet (14, 214) covers the plastic frame (10). The net sheet (14, 214) is provided for filtering fluff. A hinge (12) extends along a symmetry axis between the wings of the plastic frame (10, 210), so that the plastic frame (10, 210) is openable and closable in a book-like fashion. In the closed state of the plastic frame (10, 210) the air stream filter is formed as a pocket. At least one reinforcing element (20) is attached on at least one side of the net sheet (14, 214) in a hinge portion (16) between the wings of the plastic frame (10, 210). Further, the present invention relates to a laundry dryer (26) with at least one air stream filter.