Laundry Dryer Filter Assembly with Integrated Wiper Cleaning Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers require cumbersome and often neglected manual cleaning of filter assemblies, which can lead to reduced air flow and potential damage during the cleaning process, due to the need for external tools and improper handling.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer with a built-in filter assembly cleaning device featuring a slidable wiper and fluff collector, integrated within the dryer, that allows for easy and tool-free cleaning by sliding the wiper over the filtering surface and collecting filtered material, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with external tools is used, then the filter assembly can be cleaned, but the cleaning process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly performs its own cleaning through an integrated cleaning device that includes a wiper mechanism. The wiper is moved along the filtering surface to remove accumulated fluff and lint, eliminating the need for external cleaning tools and simplifying the maintenance process for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is integrated directly into the filter assembly structure. The wiper mechanism, fluff collector, and supporting components are combined within the filter assembly housing, creating a unified system that simplifies both the cleaning operation and the overall device architecture.
2Ease of operation
If the filter system is removed for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but damage may occur during improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly cleans itself without requiring removal from the dryer. The integrated wiper mechanism allows users to perform maintenance while the filter remains installed, eliminating handling risks and ensuring the filter connections and sealing surfaces are not damaged during the cleaning process.
3Productivity
If cleaning is postponed, then device complexity is reduced, but air flow rate decreases due to foreign substance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cleaning device enables users to quickly clean the filter assembly without requiring tool removal or disassembly operations. This simplicity encourages regular maintenance, ensuring air flow rate is maintained at optimal levels and preventing the productivity degradation that would result from postponed cleaning.
4Ease of operation
If external cleaning tools are required, then cleaning can be performed, but the tools can be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning functionality is merged into the filter assembly itself. The wiper, fluff collector, and all necessary cleaning components are integrated within the filter housing, eliminating the need for separate external tools and the associated management burden of storing and retrieving cleaning equipment.
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 solution simplifies the cleaning process, ensuring regular maintenance is performed without external tools, maintaining efficient air flow and reducing the risk of damage to the filter assembly, making it easier and more convenient for users to maintain their dryers.
Implementation Method 1
a slidable wiper to wipe the first filtering surface
Implementation Method 2
a slidable wiper to wipe the first filtering surface
Implementation Method 3
a filter supported by the frame and defining a first filtering surface
Implementation Method 4
a fluff collector apt to collect filtered material removed from the first filtering surface
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry dryer having a cabinet with a plinth, a first door on the plinth, a drum rotatable in the cabinet, a process air flow duct exiting the drum, and a filter assembly behind the first door in the a duct section inside the plinth. The filter assembly includes a frame, a filter supported by the frame, and a cleaning device. The cleaning device has a slidable wiper and a fluff collector. The cleaning device is movable within the frame to cause the wiper to wipe the filter, and to collect material wiped from the filter in the fluff collector.