Removable Filter Seal That Shields the Opening During Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance filter systems fail to reliably prevent lint, hair, and small objects from entering the receiving opening when the filter is removed, potentially disrupting the drying process.
Innovation Solution
A receiving device with a seal that automatically moves from a sealing to a shielding position when the filter is removed, using elastic sealing elements or pivotable sealing lips to prevent impurities from falling into the opening, and ensuring they cannot be pushed in during reinsertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter is removed for cleaning or maintenance, then the filter can be cleaned, but lint, hair, and small objects may fall into the receiving opening and disrupt the drying process
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be movable, transitioning between a sealing position (when filter is inserted) and a shielding position (when filter is removed). This dynamic behavior allows the seal to adapt to different operational states, maintaining reliability during filter removal while enabling easy cleaning access.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element automatically moves to the shielding position when the filter is removed, without requiring additional user action or external control systems. The element self-activates based on the filter's presence or absence, providing automatic protection against impurities entering the receiving opening.
2Reliability
If a seal is used to prevent impurities from entering the receiving opening, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be self-activating, automatically transitioning between sealing and shielding positions based on the filter's presence. This eliminates the need for motors, sensors, or control systems, maintaining device simplicity while achieving reliable impurity prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is implemented as a flexible, elastic component that can deform and move between positions. This flexible membrane approach provides effective sealing and shielding functions using a simple, single-piece elastic element rather than a complex mechanical assembly.
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
Effectively prevents lint, hair, and dirt from entering the receiving opening during filter removal and reinsertion, maintaining appliance operation and allowing easy extraction of retained contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
A receiving device (1) with a receiving opening (4) for at least partially receiving a removable filter (5) and with a seal (9) made of an elastomer that seals the receiving opening (4) from the filter (5) when the filter (5) is inserted
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an accommodating device 1 for a removable filter 5 in a domestic appliance, having an accommodating opening 4 for accommodating the filter 5 at least in part, and having a seal 9 which, with the filter 5 inserted, seals the accommodating opening 4 in relation to the filter 5. In order for fluff 31, hair and other deposits and contaminants 32 both adhering to the filter and deposited in the vicinity of the accommodating opening 4 to be reliably kept away from the accommodating opening 4 when the filter is being removed, the seal 9 is arranged at the accommodating opening and has at least one sealing element 10 which, when the filter 5 is being removed, passes out of a sealing operating position 8 into a screening position 24, in which it encloses at least part of the accommodating opening 4 with screening action.