Laundry Dryer Lint Filter Assembly for Side-Cabinet-Free Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry dryers with lint filter cleaning devices require users to separate side cabinets to access and replace the lint filter, making maintenance and inspection cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A laundry dryer design where the lint filter unit is configured to be easily detachable and accessible, allowing for straightforward replacement and maintenance without needing to remove side cabinets, featuring a sliding mechanism and a cleaning nozzle for efficient lint removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the lint filter and cleaning device are disposed in the vicinity of a central portion of the inside of the cabinet, then the lint filter can be automatically cleaned, but it becomes impossible to separate the lint filter without removing side cabinets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic cleaning of lint filterVSAvoidaccessibility of lint filter for replacement and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dryer interior is divided into multiple compartments: a first compartment containing the lint filter and cleaning device, and a second compartment accessible from the front. This segmentation allows the lint filter to be automatically cleaned while maintaining accessibility through the separable front cabinet design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front cabinet acts as an intermediary component that can be separated to provide access to the lint filter. This mediator allows users to reach the lint filter for replacement or maintenance without removing side cabinets, while the lint filter itself remains positioned in the central area for automatic cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the lint filter is located at a deep portion within the cabinet, then the cleaning device can be integrated nearby, but side cabinets must be separated to access the lint filter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of cleaning deviceVSAvoidmaintenance of lint filter
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The dryer is segmented into a front cabinet that can be separated and a main body. The lint filter and cleaning device are integrated in the main body, while the separable front cabinet provides access pathways, allowing maintenance without disassembling side cabinets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Access to the lint filter is provided through a different spatial dimension - the front cabinet separation approach rather than removing side cabinets. This dimensional change in access methodology maintains the deep positioning of the lint filter for cleaning device integration while simplifying maintenance access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables easy detachment and maintenance of the lint filter, improving user convenience and safety by preventing lint buildup and ignition risks, while simplifying the replacement process.

Implementation Method 1

a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the lint filter unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

the hot air is supplied into the drying drum by driving a blower fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3476995B1Laundry dryer
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3476995B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476995B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476995B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laundry dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a drying drum having an opening formed at the front side thereof; a front cabinet erected at the front side of the drying drum, and having an input hole formed at a portion corresponding to the opening; and a filter assembly mounted at the back side of the front cabinet corresponding to the lower side of the input hole, and through which humid air discharged from the drying drum passes, wherein the filter assembly can comprise: a case having an exhaust hole formed at the back side thereof; a blocking filter coupled to the upper side of the case; a lint filter unit penetrating the blocking filter so as to be slidably inserted or withdrawn in a vertical direction; a cleaning nozzle disposed at the front or rear of the lint filter unit; and a filter housing accommodated inside the case and disposed at the lower side of the lint filter unit.