Dryer Filter Cleaning With Sieve Collection to Prevent Pump Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers face issues with the accumulation of fibers and lint in filters, which affects air flow rate and drying performance, and current cleaning methods either create an unpleasant mess or clog water discharge systems.
Innovation Solution
A dryer design featuring a water-permeable sieve under the filter to collect cleaned fibers, combined with a squeezing mechanism to drain water without blocking air circulation and maintain hygiene, allowing for efficient cleaning and replacement without manual contact with fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filters are cleaned by spraying with water using nozzles, then fibers are washed away from the filter, but the washed fibers become muddy and create an unpleasant view, and fibers may clog the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the collection of washed fibers from the water discharge path. A sieve structure is positioned to intercept fibers falling from the filter, while water flows through the sieve openings to a separate discharge channel. This segmentation prevents fibers from mixing with water in the collection area, eliminating the muddy appearance and pump clogging problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sieve acts as an intermediary element between the filter and the water discharge system. It allows water to pass through while retaining fibers, serving as a mediating structure that separates the two substances and directs them to different destinations, thus preventing the harmful mixing of water and fibers.
2Reliability
If a sieve is placed under the filter to collect fibers, then fibers are collected cleanly, but the sieve may block the air circulation duct
Solution Approach 1:
The sieve is positioned to cover only the specific area directly beneath the filter where fibers fall, rather than blocking the entire air circulation duct. This localized placement allows the sieve to perform its fiber collection function while leaving the rest of the duct open for air flow, thus maintaining drying performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sieve is designed with a porous or mesh structure that allows air to pass through it while still effectively capturing fibers. This porous construction enables the sieve to collect fibers cleanly without becoming a complete blockage to the air circulation required for drying.
3Reliability
If the sieve is made water-permeable to allow water flow, then only fibers are collected, but the sieve becomes wet and may affect drying performance
Solution Approach 1:
The sieve's wetness is managed dynamically through the squeezing mechanism, which periodically compresses the sieve to expel accumulated water. This dynamic water removal prevents the sieve from remaining continuously wet, thereby maintaining drying performance while preserving the water-permeable structure needed for effective fiber collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The squeezing mechanism is designed to automatically or manually expel water from the sieve without requiring complete removal or replacement of the sieve. This self-service water drainage system maintains the sieve in a functional state, allowing it to continue collecting fibers efficiently while periodically removing excess moisture that could affect drying.
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 sieve collects fibers cleanly without blocking air flow, maintaining drying performance and preventing bacterial growth, while the squeezing mechanism ensures the sieve remains dry and efficient, enhancing user experience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a sieve (8) which is attached under the filter (5) and wherein the fibers washed away from the filter (5) are collected. The sieve (8) is preferably a water-permeable structure, and the water flowing from the filter (5) flows downwards without being collected in the sieve (8).
Implementation Method 2
The dryer (1) comprises a squeezing mechanism (9) which compresses the sieve (8) so as to enable the water thereon to be drained.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dryer (1) comprising a body (2); a drum (3) wherein the laundry to be dried is loaded; an air circulation duct (4) for circulating the drying air which dries the laundry in the drum (3); at least one filter (5) which retains the particles in the drying air such as fibers, lint, etc.; a water line (6) which delivers water to the filter (5); and a nozzle (7) which is arranged on the filter (5) and which is connected to the water line (6).