Drying Tub Filter Layout for Self-Cleaning Lint Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry machines with drying functions often fail to automatically clean lint filters, leading to accumulation of lint and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The filter is placed on the circumferential surface of the tub, where it can be cleaned by the rotational airflow and, optionally, supplemented with water from the tub to enhance cleaning effectiveness.
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 lint accumulates on the duct
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleans itself by utilizing the existing rotational airflow within the tub during washing cycles. The airflow generated by drum rotation automatically removes accumulated lint from the filter surface, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining continuous lint removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is repositioned to be exposed into the tub space, allowing it to interact with the rotational airflow as an intermediary cleaning mechanism. This positioning enables the airflow to act as a mediator that continuously clears lint from the filter without requiring separate cleaning systems or manual maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is exposed into the tub for automatic cleaning, then filter maintenance is simplified, but the filter placement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter structure is merged with the drying duct system, where the filter serves dual purposes: filtering lint from the drying air while simultaneously being positioned to receive cleaning airflow from tub rotation. This integration reduces the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and simplifies the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is designed to perform multiple functions: it filters lint during drying cycles and is simultaneously cleaned by the rotational airflow during washing cycles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cleaning systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If high rotational speed is used to clean the filter, then filter cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the drum's own rotational motion, which is already necessary for the washing function, to simultaneously clean the filter. This self-service approach leverages existing energy expenditure for dual purposes, avoiding additional energy consumption dedicated solely to filter cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning action occurs continuously during the washing cycle through the rotational airflow, rather than requiring a separate high-energy cleaning phase. This continuous low-level cleaning utilizes the ongoing drum rotation, maintaining cleaning effectiveness without peak energy demands.
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
This design ensures automatic cleaning of the filter during operation, preventing lint accumulation and maintaining the machine's efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the filter can be cleaned by airflow caused by rotation of the drum. If a rotational speed of the drum is great, air velocity of the rotational airflow becomes strong enough to clean the filter.
Data Source
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, whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven.