Evaporator Rinsing Chamber for Gravity-Gush Lint Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning components within the process air circuit of washer/dryers or dryers, particularly evaporators of condenser devices, require significant effort, energy, and constructional complexity, as they often rely on powerful pumps or inefficient comb-type cleaning devices that fail to effectively remove lint and contaminants from the entire surface area.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize condensation water collected in a pan, which is directed to a collection container with a rinsing chamber and overflow storage area, allowing the water to be suddenly dispensed as a gush onto the component, efficiently cleaning the evaporator by leveraging the volume and flow rate of the water without the need for powerful pumps or complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a powerful pump is used to pump condensation water for rinsing the condenser device, then the rinsing effectiveness is improved, but the constructional outlay and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by storing condensation water in the collection container and releasing it in periodic rinsing cycles. The control device activates the rinsing process at specific intervals, allowing water to flow through the condenser device without requiring continuous pumping, thus eliminating the need for powerful pumps while maintaining effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service by utilizing the condensation water naturally collected during the drying process. The collection container automatically accumulates water from the condensation water pan, and the rinsing process uses this stored water under gravity flow, requiring no additional energy input or complex pumping mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If a comb-type cleaning device with bristles extending over the entire depth of the evaporator is used, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the energy outlay and constructional outlay increase due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mechanical cleaning function and replaces it with a fluid-based rinsing system. Instead of using a comb-type device that requires mechanical movement through the evaporator fins, the system channels condensation water to flow through the evaporator, allowing water to carry away lint and contaminants without mechanical contact, thus eliminating friction-related energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies hydraulic principles by using flowing water to clean the evaporator. The control device directs condensation water through the evaporator fins, utilizing the kinetic energy of the flowing water to dislodge and remove contaminants, replacing the need for mechanical brush-based cleaning systems.
3Reliability
If a large volume of condensation water is used for rinsing the condenser device, then the rinsing effectiveness is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by collecting and storing condensation water in the collection container during the drying process. This pre-collected water is then utilized during subsequent rinsing cycles, ensuring that each rinsing operation uses an adequate volume of water for effective cleaning while maximizing the utilization of the condensation water that would otherwise be wasted.
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 approach allows for effective cleaning of evaporators with a relatively small volume of condensation water, dispensed rapidly as a gush, efficiently removing lint and contaminants, reducing the need for high-energy pumps and complex constructions, and enabling efficient drainage of waste water without manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
condensation water acquired in the process air circuit from the drying of moist laundry and collected in a condensation water pan, from which it is guided to a collection container provided above the evaporator and is dispensed from its outlet side onto the evaporator concerned
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cleaning an evaporator of a condenser with condensation water. The device includes a condensation water pan that collects condensation water condensed from process air by the evaporator, and a collection container above the evaporator that receives the condensation water from the condensation water pan and that dispenses the condensation water with a gush onto the evaporator from a rinsing chamber of the collection container with a sudden opening of a closure part through a downpipe.