Extractable Dryer Lint Filter Frame With Automatic Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses with circulation-type or hybrid drying systems face issues with foreign substances like lint accumulating on temperature and humidity adjustment devices, leading to malfunctions and reduced efficiency, requiring manual disassembly for filter cleaning, inspection, and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a washable filter net and extraction frame that can be easily removed from the cabinet for manual washing, featuring nozzles for automatic cleaning and a guide system to ensure proper positioning and airtight sealing, allowing for efficient drainage and reduced nozzle count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is disposed within a circulation conduit to remove foreign substances, then foreign substances are filtered from air, but the apparatus needs to be disassembled to access the filter for washing, inspection, and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted from the circulation conduit and mounted on an extractable frame that can be removed from the cabinet exterior. This allows the filter to be accessed, washed, inspected, and replaced without disassembling the cabinet or circulation conduit, resolving the contradiction between maintaining filter function and ensuring ease of operation.
2Extent of automation
If nozzles are provided for automatic washing of the filter, then foreign substances are removed from the filter, but the filter cannot be easily extracted from the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and nozzles are mounted on a common extractable frame that can be removed as a complete assembly from the cabinet exterior. This allows automatic washing to be provided while maintaining ease of extraction, as the entire washing system moves with the filter when extracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to be dynamically extractable and reinsertable, transitioning between a fixed state during operation and a movable state during maintenance. This dynamic capability allows the filter assembly to be easily extracted despite having automatic washing components attached.
3Reliability
If the filter is fixed within the circulation conduit, then the system remains airtight, but the filter cannot be easily removed for washing and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a fixed circulation conduit and a movable filter assembly mounted on an extractable frame. This segmentation allows the filter assembly to be easily removed for maintenance while the circulation conduit remains fixed and airtight. A sealing structure ensures airtightness is maintained when the filter assembly is reinserted.
4Ease of operation
If multiple nozzles are provided for comprehensive filter washing, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the washing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzles are merged into a compact assembly mounted on the extractable frame, positioned to comprehensively cover the filter surface. This combining approach provides effective cleaning of the entire filter while maintaining relatively simple system complexity, as all nozzles are integrated into a single removable unit.
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
Enables easy filter washing, inspection, and replacement, maintaining operational efficiency while preventing damage and ensuring an airtight system, with the extraction frame's angled design enhancing structural stiffness and the sensor ensuring correct positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nozzles (32) for spraying water to remove a foreign substance filtered by the filter net (22)
Implementation Method 2
a fan (17) disposed in the circulation conduit (10) to move air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus having a washable filter provided on an air circulation conduit for drying laundry. Disclosed is the laundry treating apparatus that is capable of automatically or manually washing the filter. The laundry treating apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises: a cabinet (1); an outer tub (2) disposed within the cabinet (1); an inner tub (3) rotatably disposed within the outer tub (2); a circulation conduit (10) that serves as a guide to allow at least a part of air within the outer tub (2) to be discharged from the outer tub (2) and supplied back to the outer tub (2); a fan (17) disposed on the circulation conduit (10) to move air; a filter net (22) disposed on the circulation conduit (10) to filter foreign substances included in the moving air; a filter frame (24) that supports the filter net (22); and a nozzle (32) that sprays water to remove the foreign substances filtered by the filter net (22). At least a part of the filter frame (24) includes an extraction frame (24a) that is able to be extracted from the cabinet (1).