Intelligent filter construction for electrical appliances, in particular drying/washing-drying machines, method for making the construction, and method for detecting in real time a partial or total clogging of the construction and a value of residual moisture for optimizing the operating cycle of the appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance filters, such as those in drying and washing-drying machines, face inefficiencies in filtering particles of specific sizes, lack effective clogging detection, and require frequent cleaning, leading to energy consumption issues and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent filter construction using a synthetic monofilament precision fabric with integrated capacitive sensors to detect moisture and clogging in real-time, allowing for optimized operation and automated or manual cleaning only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If paper or membrane filtering media are used, then filtering efficiency is improved, but holding capability and perspiring features deteriorate, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The filter construction combines multiple filtering media layers (precision fabric, non-woven fabric, foam) with different properties to achieve both high filtering efficiency and adequate holding/perspiring capabilities, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and energy consumption
2Quantity of substance
If multi-thread fabric filtering media are used, then holding capability is improved, but filtering efficiency deteriorates due to lack of precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines precision fabric (for efficient particle separation) with multi-thread fabric layers (for particle holding) in a multi-layer construction, allowing both high filtering efficiency and adequate holding capability to coexist
3Quantity of substance
If non-woven/foam filtering media are used, then particle restraining capability is improved, but filtering efficiency deteriorates due to uncontrolled pore distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions foam or non-woven layers in combination with precision fabric layers, where the precision fabric provides controlled pore structure for efficient filtration while the foam/non-woven layers provide additional particle trapping capacity
4Device complexity
If filtering media are used without integrated sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but real-time detection of clogging and residual moisture is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates capacitive sensors directly into the filter construction by embedding them within the filtering media layers, combining the filtering function with the sensing function in a single integrated component, enabling real-time detection without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter construction serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters particles, detects its own clogging status through integrated capacitive sensors, and monitors residual moisture, eliminating the need for separate detection systems
5Measurement precision
If filter cleaning is required after each operating cycle, then filtering efficiency is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated capacitive sensors provide real-time feedback on filter clogging status, allowing the system to monitor filter performance continuously and alert users only when cleaning is actually needed, rather than requiring cleaning after every cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The filter construction monitors its own condition through integrated sensors, enabling it to self-diagnose clogging status and communicate this information to the user, reducing the need for manual inspection and unnecessary cleaning operations
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 intelligent filter maintains high filtering efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and alerts users to clean the filter only when necessary, optimizing appliance performance and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor element (2) integrated in said filtering element (T) and adapted to detect, in real time, a moisture content of an air flow passing through said filter construction (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An intelligent filter construction for household appliances, in particular for drying/washing-drying machines, for separating solid particles from liquid or gaseous fluids, comprises a synthetic monofilament precision fabric material, of a weft and warp type, with which is integrally associated a capacitive sensor adapted to measure in real time values of a moisture in an air flow passing through the fabric material thereby optimizing the household appliance operating cycle.