Removable Dryer Door Lint Filter Bag for Easier Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lint filter devices in tumble dryers are difficult for users to clean and maintain, requiring significant effort after each drying cycle.

Innovation Solution

A tumble dryer with a fluff filter device featuring a filter bag attached to the door, which collects lint via gravity and can be easily accessed and replaced, incorporating multiple filter membranes with decreasing mesh sizes for enhanced filtration and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed frame component with sieve fabric is used as lint filter device, then lint filtration is achieved, but cleaning effort increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelint filtration effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lint filter device is segmented into a removable filter bag that can be easily detached from the dryer housing. This segmentation allows users to remove the filter bag for cleaning without disassembling the entire dryer structure, significantly reducing cleaning effort while maintaining effective lint filtration through the sieve fabric.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter bag is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component made from inexpensive materials. Users can simply replace the filter bag when it becomes clogged with lint, eliminating the need for complex cleaning mechanisms and reducing maintenance effort while ensuring continuous effective filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If lint filter device is positioned in hard-to-reach location, then filtration function is maintained, but user accessibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration functionVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter bag is extracted from the internal housing structure and positioned in an easily accessible location on the dryer exterior. This extraction allows users to access and remove the filter bag without opening the dryer door or disassembling internal components, maintaining filtration function while dramatically improving accessibility for routine maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution allows for efficient lint collection and filtration, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and enabling easier maintenance, with the filter bag capable of holding lint from multiple loads before disposal, thus saving user effort and time.

Implementation Method 1

The filter bag (5) has a bag opening (6) and an interior (70), the wall of which has a filter membrane (50) through which the process air (12) passes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilter (physical): Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

After the drying process is complete, laundry fluff that has collected in the filter bag cannot fall out due to the effects of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2492389B1Laundry dryer with removable lint filter device
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 V-ZUG AG
  • EP2492389B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2492389B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2492389B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A tumble dryer is equipped with a lint filter device (4) on its door (2), which includes a filter bag (5). The filter bag (5) removes lint (17) from the exhaust air stream (12) from the dryer drum (1), ensuring safe and efficient operation of the tumble dryer. Unlike conventional lint filter devices, such as those made of mesh-covered frame components, the use of a filter bag (5) on the door (2) allows for convenient and hygienic cleaning and disposal by the user.