Dryer Lint Filter Placement for Self-Cleaning Laundry Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry machines with drying functions do not have an effective mechanism for automatically cleaning lint filters during operation, leading to accumulation of lint on ducts and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine design where the lint filter is exposed to the tub and cleaned by airflow generated during drum rotation, with optional water supply for enhanced cleaning, allowing automatic removal of lint and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is placed in the drying duct to remove lint, then lint removal efficiency is improved, but the filter requires manual cleaning and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleans itself by utilizing the existing rotational airflow within the dryer tub. The centrifugal force generated by the rotating laundry automatically dislodges and removes lint from the filter surface, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles by leveraging the airflow dynamics created during the drying cycle. The moving air and rotational motion create sufficient force to automatically clear the filter, converting the drying process itself into a cleaning mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the filter is exposed into the tub for automatic cleaning, then filter maintenance is simplified, but the filter structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is merged with the drying duct structure and positioned to extend into the tub space. This integration allows the filter to benefit from the existing rotational airflow and water splashing during the drying cycle, achieving automatic cleaning without requiring separate mechanical cleaning devices
3Productivity
If cooling water is supplied into the condensing duct to condense moisture, then drying efficiency is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same water supply system serves dual purposes: it provides cooling water for condensing moisture in the drying duct while also exposing the filter to water for automatic cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces overall water consumption by eliminating the need for separate cleaning water supply
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 filter is effectively cleaned during operation, preventing lint accumulation on ducts and maintaining efficiency by utilizing airflow and water to dislodge and remove lint from the filter.
Implementation Method 1
lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter
Implementation Method 2
the filter can be cleaned by airflow caused by rotation of the drum
Implementation Method 3
water is supplied to the lint to wet the lint
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter (52), whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct (40). Also, the filter (52) is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter (52) can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven.