Dual De-Fluff Filter Design for Laundry Dryer Air Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry machines face inefficiencies and potential malfunctions due to fluff accumulation in the air circuit, which can occur despite the use of de-fluff filters, as smaller particles often escape and clog components, requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A dual de-fluff filter system is introduced, comprising a primary de-fluff filter and an auxiliary de-fluff filter, with the latter being finer and positioned within the air circuit to capture escaped particles, and designed for easy insertion and removal, enhancing filtration efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single de-fluff filter is used in the air circuit, then the structure remains simple and maintenance is straightforward, but smaller fluff particles escape the filter and accumulate in the air circuit causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into two distinct filters with different mesh sizes: a first filter (coarser) and a second filter (finer). This segmentation allows each filter to handle different particle sizes, with the first filter capturing larger fluff particles and the second filter capturing smaller particles that escape the first filter, thereby improving overall filtration efficiency without creating a single complex filter system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the filtration system by introducing a second filtering stage with different mesh characteristics. Instead of making the first filter more complex, the solution adds another dimension (a second filter) to the system, allowing sequential filtration at different levels of fineness, which improves reliability while keeping each individual filter relatively simple
2Ease of operation
If the de-fluff filter is positioned in an easily accessible location for maintenance, then user convenience is improved, but the filter may not be optimally positioned within the air circuit for maximum filtration effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into two filters positioned at different locations within the air circuit. The first filter is positioned at an easily accessible location (such as the front of the casing) for convenient maintenance, while the second filter is positioned downstream in the air circuit to provide additional protection against smaller particles that escape the first filter, thus balancing accessibility with reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The first filter acts as an intermediary element that captures the majority of fluff particles at an accessible location, protecting the second filter (which is positioned deeper in the air circuit) from becoming overly clogged. This intermediary arrangement allows the second filter to maintain its protective function while reducing the frequency of its maintenance requirements
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 dual filter system significantly improves air filtration efficiency, reducing the likelihood of fluff accumulation and associated malfunctions, while simplifying maintenance by allowing easy inspection and cleaning of both filters.
Implementation Method 1
a first de-fluff filter (218) for trapping fluff particles (302) from a flow of drying air (301)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A laundry machine (100) adapted to dry laundry by means of a flow of drying air is provided. The laundry machine (100) comprises a casing (110) for accommodating components necessary for the operation of the laundry machine (100). Inside the casing, a laundry treating chamber (105) adapted to contain the laundry to be dried. A casing top element (125) incorporating at least part of an air circuit in fluid communication with the laundry treating chamber through an inlet opening (210) and through an outlet opening (215), and defining an air-path for the flow of drying air between said inlet (210) and outlet (215) openings. Said casing top element (125) comprises a first filter housing (217) for removably accommodating a first de-fluff filter (218), said filter housing (217) being provided in the air-path and being accessible through a housing aperture (219) provided on the casing top element (125). The laundry machine (100) further comprises a first de-fluff filter (218) for trapping fluff or lint particles carried by the flow of drying air crossing said de-fluff filter (218), the first de-fluff filter (218) comprising a filtering element (321) and a hollow chamber (361) accessible through an inlet aperture (330) and through an outlet portion (303d). In the solution according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the air-path for the flow of drying air defined by the casing top element (125), the laundry machine (100) further comprises a second de-fluff filter (221) removably received in a second filter housing (505u,505l).