Laundry treating apparatus
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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 the filter in the air circulation conduit, leading to malfunction and reduced efficiency, requiring manual disassembly for filter inspection, washing, and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a filter net and frame that is extractable from the outside for easy access, featuring nozzles for automatic washing and a guide to ensure proper water drainage, and a sensor for correct positioning, allowing for efficient filter maintenance without disassembling the entire apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the filter is fixed inside the circulation conduit for automatic washing, then the automatic washing function is improved, but the ease of manual access for washing, inspection, and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into separable components: the filter net and the frame. The frame includes a first frame portion fixed in the circulation conduit and a second frame portion that can be extracted. This segmentation allows the filter to remain in position for automatic washing while enabling manual access by removing the second frame portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The second frame portion is designed to be extractable from the circulation conduit. This extraction mechanism allows users to manually access, remove, and clean the filter net without disassembling the entire apparatus, while the first frame portion remains fixed to maintain the automatic washing function.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is made extractable for easy maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the airtight seal and proper positioning may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into fixed and extractable portions. The first frame portion remains fixed to maintain the airtight seal with the circulation conduit, while the second frame portion can be extracted for maintenance. This segmentation preserves sealing reliability while enabling ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor is provided to detect whether the second frame portion is properly positioned when inserted into the circulation conduit. This feedback mechanism ensures correct positioning and maintains the airtight seal, preventing reliability issues that could arise from improper installation after extraction.
3Extent of automation
If water drainage guidance is added for automatic washing, then the automatic washing function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water drainage guidance function is merged with the existing frame structure. The frame portions are designed to guide water drainage as part of their structural form, rather than adding separate drainage components. This merging improves automatic washing while minimizing increases in device complexity.
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 washing, inspection, and replacement of the filter, maintaining the apparatus's efficiency while ensuring the filter is properly cleaned and positioned, preventing damage and maintaining an airtight seal.
Implementation Method 1
nozzles for spraying water to remove foreign substances filtered by the filter net
Implementation Method 2
nozzles for spraying water to remove foreign substances filtered by the filter net
Implementation Method 3
a filter net disposed in the circulation conduit to filter foreign substances included in moving air
Implementation Method 4
a fan disposed in the circulation conduit to move air
Data Source
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).