Dryer vent coupling assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryer vent systems lack a quick and efficient method for disconnecting and reconnecting the exhaust vent of a clothes dryer to an exhaust duct, and they do not effectively filter lint from the heated air.
Innovation Solution
A dryer vent coupling assembly comprising a first sleeve with engagements and a filter, and a second sleeve that secures into an exhaust duct, allowing easy attachment and detachment of the dryer vent to the duct, with a filter to capture lint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dryer vent connections are used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult disconnection and reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The dryer vent connection system is divided into separate modular components: a first sleeve that receives the exhaust vent, a second sleeve that extends into the exhaust duct, and engagement mechanisms with tabs and slots. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy assembly and disconnection while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first sleeve is insertably received within the second sleeve, creating a nested configuration where the exhaust vent passes through the first sleeve which is contained within the second sleeve that extends into the exhaust duct. This nesting arrangement provides a compact, space-efficient connection that is both structurally sound and easily assembled or disconnected.
2Productivity
If traditional dryer vent systems are used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to lengthy installation and maintenance procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement tabs and slots are pre-configured on the sleeves and duct components, allowing for rapid alignment and connection without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional fastening steps. The preliminary positioning features ensure that connection can be achieved quickly and correctly the first time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from static, permanently fixed connections to dynamic, movable connections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The tabs and slots provide guided movement during assembly, while the overall design allows the sleeves to be quickly inserted and removed from the exhaust duct for maintenance or relocation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If no filter is installed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the harmful factors increase due to lint accumulation and potential fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is integrated into the existing sleeve structure, combining the ventilation function with the filtration function in a single unified component. The filter media is positioned within the first or second sleeve, allowing lint to be captured as air passes through without requiring a separate, complex filtration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter acts as an intermediary element between the dryer exhaust and the exhaust duct, intercepting and trapping lint particles before they can accumulate in the ductwork or pose a fire hazard. This intermediary filtration layer protects the exhaust system while maintaining proper ventilation function.
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer vent coupling assembly includes a first sleeve which insertably receives an exhaust vent of a clothes dryer to receive heated air from the clothes dryer. The first sleeve has a set of first engagements and a set of second engagements. A filter has a pair of secondary engagements which each releasably engages a respective second engagement in the first sleeve for mounting the filter within the first sleeve to filter lint from the heated air. A second sleeve is insertable into the first sleeve and the second sleeve has a pair of secondary engagements which each releasably engage a respective one of the second engagements on the first sleeve for securing the second sleeve in the first sleeve. The second sleeve extends into an exhaust duct of a building to direct the heated air into the exhaust duct for venting the heated air from the building.