A laundry dryer comprising a filter assembly and a method to clean a filter assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers require cumbersome and often overlooked filter cleaning processes, which can lead to reduced air flow efficiency and improper drying due to accumulated fluff or lint, and may involve external tools that can be lost or misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer with a pivotably attached cleaning device featuring a wiper portion and manually operable handle, allowing for easy and tool-free cleaning of the filter assembly by rotating from a resting position to wiping positions without altering the dryer's standard operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with external tools is used, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is cumbersome and tools can be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly performs its own cleaning through an integrated cleaning device that is part of the filter structure itself, eliminating the need for external tools. The cleaning device includes a cleaning element that can be manually actuated to clean the filter screen without requiring separate brushes or tools that could be lost or misplaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is merged with the filter assembly structure, combining the filtering function and cleaning function into a single integrated unit. The cleaning element is positioned within the filter assembly and can be actuated through the filter housing, merging the tool and the object being cleaned into one system.
2Ease of operation
If the filter system is removed for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but damage may occur due to improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the installed filter assembly, allowing cleaning to be performed in-situ without removal. The cleaning device is integrated into the filter housing and can be actuated through the same access point used for filter installation/removal, providing thorough cleaning while maintaining filter integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables cleaning without direct handling of the filter screen. The cleaning element is guided and constrained by the filter housing structure, providing controlled cleaning action that prevents damage to the filter screen while maintaining accessibility.
3Extent of automation
If automatic fluid spraying is used for cleaning, then cleaning is automated, but complex arrangements are required and washed-off fluff must still be removed by user
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed to be self-cleaning through manual actuation of the cleaning device. The simple mechanical cleaning element can be operated by the user through the filter housing without requiring automated fluid spraying systems, complex controls, or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex automation system and fluid spraying mechanism are extracted from the design, leaving only the essential manual cleaning function. The cleaning device relies on simple mechanical action rather than automated fluid delivery systems, reducing architectural complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
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
Simplifies filter cleaning operations, ensuring regular maintenance is performed without external tools, thereby maintaining air flow efficiency and preventing damage to the filter system.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper portion to wipe the first filtering surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A laundry dryer (1, 1') comprising a cabinet (2); a drum (3) rotatably supported in the cabinet; a duct (18) defining a flow passage for process air exiting the drum; a filter assembly (80, 80', 80", 90, 90') positioned at least partially in the duct so as to filter process air flowing therein. The filter assembly including a frame (31); a filter supported by the frame and defining a first filtering surface (32); a cleaning device (33) for cleaning the first filtering surface; wherein said cleaning device (33) includes a wiper portion (331, 331') to wipe the first filtering surface, said wiper portion being positioned in a wiper seat (40, 8), and a manually operable handle portion (338) connected to the wiper portion. The cleaning device (33) being pivotably attached to the frame so as to rotate around an axis, to be movable from a first resting position wherein the manually operable handle portion (338) is substantially completely housed in said wiper seat (40, 8) to a plurality of wiping positions in which the wiper portion (331, 331') wipes the first filtering surface (32) and wherein, at least in one of said wiping positions, said manually operable handle portion protrudes from said wiper seat (40, 8), and wherein said manually operable handle portion (338) is operable to perform the transition from the first resting position to any of the wiping positions.