Dual Particulate Filter Assembly for Single-Step Dry Cleaning Maintenance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry cleaning machines require separate wet and dry filters to be cleaned manually, leading to inefficient operation and increased complexity for the user.

Innovation Solution

A dual particulate filter assembly with a wet filter element for removing particulates from liquid dry cleaning fluid and a dry filter element for removing air-borne particulates, integrated into a single filtration unit within the dry cleaning machine, allowing for simultaneous cleaning and elimination of separate filter maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate wet and dry filters are used in the dry cleaning machine, then effective particulate removal during cleaning and drying cycles is achieved, but device complexity and user maintenance burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate removal effectivenessVSAvoidfilter system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate wet and dry filters into a single integrated filter assembly that handles both liquid and air filtration. The filter assembly includes a wet filter portion for filtering liquid dry cleaning fluid and a dry filter portion for filtering air, both integrated into one unit that can be installed in a single filter housing location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated filter assembly serves multiple functions: it filters particulates from liquid dry cleaning fluid during the cleaning cycle through the wet filter portion, and filters air-borne particulates during the drying cycle through the dry filter portion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate filter systems while maintaining effective particulate removal for both operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate wet and dry filters are provided, then effective filtration during different cycles is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple filters requiring cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidfilter maintenance ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate wet and dry filters into a single integrated filter assembly that handles both liquid and air filtration. The filter assembly includes a wet filter portion for filtering liquid dry cleaning fluid and a dry filter portion for filtering air, both integrated into one unit that can be installed in a single filter housing location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated filter assembly serves multiple functions: it filters particulates from liquid dry cleaning fluid during the cleaning cycle through the wet filter portion, and filters air-borne particulates during the drying cycle through the dry filter portion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate filter systems while maintaining effective particulate removal for both operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual cleaning of separate filters is required, then filter maintenance is possible, but loss of time increases due to multiple cleaning operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter functionalityVSAvoidfilter cleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate wet and dry filters into a single integrated filter assembly that handles both liquid and air filtration. The filter assembly includes a wet filter portion for filtering liquid dry cleaning fluid and a dry filter portion for filtering air, both integrated into one unit that can be installed in a single filter housing location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated filter assembly serves multiple functions: it filters particulates from liquid dry cleaning fluid during the cleaning cycle through the wet filter portion, and filters air-borne particulates during the drying cycle through the dry filter portion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate filter systems while maintaining effective particulate removal for both operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Simplifies filter maintenance by integrating both filter elements into one unit, ensuring efficient operation and reducing user complexity by allowing both filters to be cleaned in a single operation, while maintaining effective particulate removal during cleaning and drying cycles.

Implementation Method 1

A spray nozzle delivers liquid dry cleaning fluid to the dual particulate filter assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

A dehumidifying assembly removes vaporized fluid from air within the dry cleaning machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

A fan is provided for circulating air through the drum and through the dry cleaning fluid recovery system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS7637127B2Dual particulate filter for dry cleaning equipment

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A dual particulate filter assembly includes a filter frame and a first filter element and a second filter element mounted in the filter frame. The first filter element is configured to remove particulates from a first medium, and the second filter element is configured to remove particulates from a second medium different from the first medium.