Laundry Dryer Filter Assembly With Integrated Lint Wiper Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers require cumbersome and often overlooked filter cleaning processes, which can lead to reduced air flow efficiency and improper drying due to accumulated fluff or lint, and may result in damage to the filter system during manual removal.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer with a built-in filter assembly and cleaning device featuring a wiper portion and manually operable handle, allowing for easy and tool-free cleaning by pivoting the cleaning device to wipe the filtering surface without external tools, ensuring efficient air flow and reducing the risk of filter damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter system is cleaned manually with an external tool or by removing completely the filter system, then the foreign substance can be removed from the filter system, but the cleaning operation becomes cumbersome and may cause damages to the filter system itself in case of improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly performs self-cleaning through an integrated cleaning device that is part of the filter assembly itself. The cleaning device includes a cleaning element that can be manually moved to contact and clean the filtering surface, allowing the filter to clean itself without external tools or removal, thus maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is merged with the filter assembly structure, combining the filtering function and cleaning function into a single integrated unit. The cleaning element is positioned within the filter assembly and can be actuated through the filtering surface, merging the cleaning tool with the filter system to eliminate the need for external tools and prevent damage during cleaning
2Extent of automation
If automatic filter cleaning operation is provided through fluid spraying, then the cleaning operation is activated automatically, but complex arrangements are required in the dryer architecture and user still needs to remove washed-off fluff from the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly provides self-service cleaning through manual actuation of the cleaning element. The user can directly operate the cleaning device through the filtering surface without requiring automatic fluid spraying systems, complex sensors, or control algorithms, thus achieving adequate automation while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is extracted as a separate, simple manual operation that can be performed independently of complex automatic systems. The cleaning element can be manually moved and operated separately from the filtering operation, allowing users to clean the filter on-demand without requiring sophisticated automation infrastructure
3Productivity
If the filter cleaning is not carried out regularly, then the foreign substance interferes with the discharge of air from the drum by reducing the circulation of air, but frequent manual cleaning requires time and effort from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cleaning device enables quick self-service cleaning operations that take minimal time. Users can rapidly clean the filter surface by manually moving the cleaning element through the filtering surface, reducing cleaning time significantly compared to traditional methods while maintaining drying efficiency through regular, easy cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is positioned and ready for immediate use, allowing users to perform preliminary cleaning actions between drying cycles. The cleaning element can be actuated at any time without preparation or removal of components, enabling users to quickly address lint accumulation before it significantly impacts drying productivity
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
Simplifies filter cleaning operations, ensuring consistent air flow and reducing the risk of filter damage, as the cleaning device is integrated and manually operable, allowing for easy maintenance without external tools.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper portion to wipe the first filtering surface
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry dryer having a cabinet, a rotatable drum, a duct defining a flow passage for process air, and a filter assembly positioned in the duct. The filter assembly includes a frame, a filter surface, and a cleaning device. The cleaning device includes wiper seat, a wiper, and a handle portion connected to the wiper portion. The cleaning device is pivotally attached to the frame to rotate around an axis, to be movable from a first resting position in which the handle is substantially completely housed in the wiper seat, to a plurality of wiping positions in which the wiper portion wipes the first filtering surface. In at least in one of the wiping positions, the handle portion protrudes from the wiper seat, and the handle portion is operable to perform the transition from the first resting position to any of the wiping positions.