Dryer filter assembly and methods for removing lint from a dryer filter assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clothing dryers require manual cleaning of lint filters, which is inconvenient and can lead to increased fire risk and decreased efficiency due to lint buildup and inconsistent lint capture.
Innovation Solution
A dryer filter assembly with integrated lint containers and a sweeper mechanism that translates across the filter to automatically collect and dispose of lint into these containers, ensuring easy and hygienic removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning of lint filters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper mechanism automatically cleans the filter surface by translating across it to dislodge and collect lint, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations while maintaining filter effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is divided into functional components including the filter element, sweeper mechanism, lint containers, and receptacles, allowing each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated system
2Productivity
If manual cleaning is required, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic sweeper mechanism performs filter maintenance during or between drying cycles without requiring user intervention, eliminating time loss associated with manual cleaning and maximizing dryer productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The sweeper mechanism proactively removes lint accumulation before it reaches problematic levels, preventing performance degradation and eliminating the need for reactive manual cleaning interruptions
3Reliability
If simple lint screens are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to fire risk and performance impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic sweeper mechanism continuously maintains filter effectiveness by removing lint accumulation, ensuring consistent performance and fire safety without requiring user monitoring or intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The sweeper mechanism acts as an intermediary between lint accumulation and filter performance, actively managing lint removal to prevent the harmful effects that would otherwise compromise reliability
4Ease of operation
If automatic sweeper mechanism is added, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper mechanism automates the entire lint removal process, translating across the filter surface to dislodge and collect lint in containers, providing hands-free operation that maximizes convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The sweeper mechanism performs multiple functions including lint dislodgment, lint transport, and container filling through a single integrated component, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and minimizing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer filter assembly includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end and further defining a frame that receives a filter. The dryer filter assembly further includes a plurality of receptacles, with each of the distal end of the body and the proximal end of the body defining at least one of the plurality of receptacles. A plurality of containers are releasably received by the plurality of receptacles, and a sweeper mechanism is slidably coupled to the body, such that the sweeper mechanism may translate in a longitudinal direction between the distal end and the proximal end of the body. Translation of the sweeper mechanism between the distal end and the proximal end of the body forces particulate accumulated on the filter to be disposed in at least one of the plurality of containers.