Hinged Dual-Shell Lint Filter Cartridge for Easier Dryer Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotary-drum household laundry dryers have air-filtering cartridges that are difficult to clean due to fluff and lint particles accumulating on the permeable-to-air sidewalls, making the cleaning process unpleasant and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The air-filtering cartridge is designed with a bag- or pocket-shaped shell divided into two valve-like pieces hinged at the bottom, featuring permeable-to-air sidewalls and a plate-like upper lid, allowing for easy opening and cleaning, with a snap-on locking mechanism to prevent unintended opening, and a secondary air-filtering shell that further traps particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air-filtering cartridge uses permeable-to-air sidewalls to trap fluff and lint particles, then the filtering effectiveness is improved, but the cleaning process becomes difficult and unpleasant due to particle accumulation on the sidewalls
Solution Approach 1:
The air-filtering cartridge is divided into two separable valve-like pieces (first and second valve-like pieces) that can be opened relative to each other about a hinge axis. This segmentation allows the permeable sidewalls to be exposed and accessed for cleaning while maintaining the filtering function when closed, resolving the contradiction between effective particle trapping and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-filtering cartridge transitions from a static closed structure to a dynamic openable structure. The two valve-like pieces can rotate relative to each other about the hinge axis, allowing the cartridge to transition between a closed filtering state and an open cleaning state, enabling easy access to the permeable sidewalls for maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If the air-filtering cartridge is made openable for cleaning, then the maintenance efficiency is improved, but unintended opening may occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
A snap-on locking mechanism is provided that can be engaged before operation to preliminarily secure the two valve-like pieces in their closed position. This preliminary locking action prevents unintended opening during operation while allowing intentional opening for maintenance when the locking mechanism is disengaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-on locking mechanism provides self-service functionality by automatically securing the valve-like pieces when engaged, ensuring operational stability without requiring continuous external intervention. The mechanism can be easily engaged and disengaged by the user for maintenance while providing reliable automatic locking during operation.
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
The design simplifies the cleaning process by containing fluff and lint particles within the cartridge when opened, making it easier for users to remove accumulated debris, thus improving the maintenance efficiency of the air-filtering system.
Implementation Method 1
an air-filtering cartridge (15) which is fitted in removable manner into the air-vent (10), so as to cover/close the whole air-vent (10), and which is structured to restrain the fluff and/or lint particles in suspension into the airflow (f)
Implementation Method 2
two valve-like pieces (23a, 23b) which are selectively separable to one another, and which are laterally hinged to one another, approximately at the bottom of the air-filtering shell (20), for reciprocal rotation about a reference axis (D)
Implementation Method 3
A snap-on locking mechanism (26) is provided, which is structured for selectively rigidly anchoring/fixing the two complementary pieces (125) to one another when they are reciprocally coupled to form/compose the permeable-to-air upper lid (122)
Data Source
AI summary
Laundry dryer (1) comprising an outer casing (2) having a front wall (2a) provided with a laundry loading/unloading pass-through opening, and an air-filtering cartridge (15) which is fitted in removable manner into an air-vent (10) which is passed through by a laundry drying airflow (f), said air-filtering cartridge (15) comprising a first substantially bag- or pocket- shaped, air-filtering shell or vessel (20, 120) which is dimensioned for being inserted/plugged into said air-vent (10) and a second substantially bag- or pocket-shaped, air-filtering shell or vessel (30, 130) which is fitted/recessed into said first air-filtering shell or vessel (20, 120), so as to be passed through by substantially the same airflow (f) that crosses the first air-filtering shell or vessel (20, 120), each of said first and second air-filtering shells or vessels (20, 120, 30, 130) having a two valve-like structure (23a, 23b, 32a, 32b; 123a, 123b, 132a, 132b) which is openable in a book-like manner and has surfaces (21, 121, 31, 131) arranged to restrain fluff and/or lint particles in suspension into the airflow (f). The laundry dryer has the second air-filtering shell or vessel (30, 130) hingedly coupled to the first air-filtering shell or vessel (20, 120), such that, in an open position, both valve-like structures (23a, 23b, 32a, 32b; 123a, 123b, 132a, 132b) displace the inner faces (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b; 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b) of said surfaces (21, 121, 31, 131) on the same side.