Integrated Lint-Processing Pump Assembly for Washer Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances face challenges in effectively removing lint, which can lead to clogging and inefficiencies in the washing and drying processes, as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms for processing and disposing of wet lint.
Innovation Solution
A lint removal system incorporating a semi-open impeller and blade assembly within a continuous processing chamber, where the blade assembly processes wet lint into particles that are then delivered to a drain outlet through a filter, utilizing a motor-driven system to facilitate efficient lint processing and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pump system is used without lint processing capabilities, then the device complexity is low, but lint accumulates and causes clogging reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lint cutting function and pumping function into a single integrated assembly. The blade assembly with cutting blades is positioned within the pump housing, and the semi-open impeller is disposed within the continuous processing chamber of the pump casing. This merging eliminates the need for separate lint processing and pumping systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable lint removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the blade assembly cuts lint into particles, the semi-open impeller pumps fluid and lint particles, and the continuous processing chamber provides both cutting and pumping environments. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle both lint processing and fluid transport, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If lint is not processed into particles, then the device complexity is low, but fluid flow is blocked reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly cuts lint into smaller particles through a segmentation process. The cutting blades divide continuous lint into discrete lint particles that can be easily suspended and transported by the fluid flow. This segmentation prevents clogging and maintains productivity, while the simple blade design keeps the processing mechanism relatively uncomplicated.
3Reliability
If a closed impeller is used, then the pump efficiency is high, but lint particles accumulate causing clogging reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-open impeller design creates a dynamic flow pattern that prevents lint particle accumulation. The open structure allows lint particles to pass through the impeller passages more easily compared to a closed impeller, reducing clogging risks. While slightly less efficient than a closed impeller, the semi-open design maintains adequate productivity while significantly improving reliability in lint-prone environments.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for lint processing and pumping, then each component can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lint cutting function and pumping function into a single integrated assembly. The blade assembly with cutting blades is positioned within the pump housing, and the semi-open impeller is disposed within the continuous processing chamber of the pump casing. This merging eliminates the need for separate lint processing and pumping systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable lint removal.
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 system effectively processes wet lint into small particles, preventing clogging and ensuring efficient disposal, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of laundry appliances by maintaining fluid flow and reducing lint-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
A semi-open impeller is disposed within a continuous processing chamber of a pump casing. The semi-open impeller is operable to deliver a fluid from the disposal area to a drain outlet.
Implementation Method 2
A blade assembly is disposed within the continuous processing chamber, where the blade assembly is rotationally operable to process the wet lint from the disposal area to define lint particles that are delivered with the fluid to the drain outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A lint removal system for a laundry appliance includes a lint washing assembly adapted to deliver wet lint to a disposal area. An impeller is disposed within a continuous processing chamber of a pump casing, the impeller operable to deliver a fluid from the disposal area to a drain outlet. A blade assembly is disposed within the continuous processing chamber, the blade assembly rotationally operable to process the wet lint from the disposal area to define lint particles that are delivered with the fluid to the drain outlet.