Dryer Lint Filter Cleaning With Pivot Housing and Auger Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry dryer lint filters require frequent manual cleaning to prevent lint buildup and ensure proper airflow, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
An automatic lint filter cleaning and collection system that includes a pivotable lint filter housing, a drive assembly to pivot and release the filter, and an auger to transfer lint into a collection container, allowing for automated lint removal and collection after each drying cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of lint filter is required after each drying cycle, then lint buildup is prevented and airflow is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically cleaning the lint filter through a drive assembly that pivots the filter housing, applies cleaning force, and collects lint without requiring user intervention after each drying cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by accumulating lint in a collection chamber during the drying cycle and automatically removing it through the drive assembly and auger mechanism, preventing lint buildup before it affects airflow
2Ease of manufacture
If lint filter is cleaned manually by removal, then cleaning can be performed, but time is lost and operation becomes frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by automatically cleaning the lint filter at the end of each drying cycle through the drive assembly and auger, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning operations and reducing total time spent on maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service cleaning by using the drive assembly to pivot the filter housing, apply cleaning force, and use the auger to remove lint automatically, freeing users from the time-consuming manual cleaning process
3Ease of operation
If automatic lint filter cleaning system is implemented, then user convenience is improved and cleaning frequency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly performs multiple functions - pivoting the filter housing, applying cleaning force, and driving the auger - consolidating several operations into a single multi-functional mechanism that reduces overall system complexity despite adding automation
Solution Approach 2:
The lint collection chamber is nested within the existing dryer structure, and the auger is nested within the collection chamber, allowing the automatic cleaning system to be integrated into the existing dryer without requiring significant additional space or structural complexity
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 system ensures consistent lint filter cleaning, preventing airflow interference and reducing user inconvenience by automatically collecting lint, with the collection container needing replacement only every six months.
Implementation Method 1
a flange formed along an internal surface of the apparatus housing between the pivot chamber and the collection chamber, wherein the filter housing is biased into abutment with the flange
Implementation Method 2
The drive assembly is operable to pivot the filter housing within the pivot chamber and away from the flange
Implementation Method 3
The drive assembly is further operable to release the filter housing after the filter housing has been pivoted away from the flange, such that the filter housing forcibly returns into abutment with the flange, causing the lint filter to release lint adhered thereto into the collection chamber
Implementation Method 4
The drive assembly is further operable to rotate the auger and the auger is operable to move lint from the collection chamber, through the pipe, and into the collection container as the auger rotates
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic lint filter cleaning and lint collection system for a laundry dryer. The apparatus comprises a lint filter pivot chamber, a lint collection chamber, a lint filter housing pivotably mounted between the pivot chamber and collection chamber, a flange between the pivot chamber and collection chamber wherein the filter housing is biased into abutment with the flange, a lint collection container, an auger rotatably mounted within the collection chamber, and a drive assembly operably connected to the lint filter housing and auger. The drive assembly is operable to pivot the filter housing away from the flange and then to release the filter housing such that the filter housing forcibly returns into abutment with the flange and thereby causes the lint filter to release lint into the collection chamber. The drive assembly is operable to rotate the auger and thereby move lint from the collection chamber into the collection container.