Laundry Dryer Filter Assembly with Integrated Wiper Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers require cumbersome and often neglected filter cleaning processes, which can lead to reduced air flow efficiency and incomplete drying due to accumulated fluff or lint, and may result in damage if the filter system is improperly handled during manual removal.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer with a filter assembly that includes a wiper mechanism for cleaning the filter surface, actuated by an internal mechanism accessible without external tools, allowing for easy and quick cleaning without the need for additional tools, and a fluff collector for easy removal of filtered material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with external tools is used, then the filter can be cleaned, but the operation becomes cumbersome and users postpone cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly performs self-cleaning through an integrated wiper mechanism that automatically removes fluff and lint from the filter screen during or after the drying cycle, eliminating the need for users to manually clean the filter with external tools
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper mechanism performs cleaning action preliminarily by removing accumulated fluff and lint from the filter screen before it significantly blocks air flow, maintaining optimal drying performance without requiring user intervention
2Ease of operation
If the filter system is removed for cleaning, then cleaning is possible, but damage may occur from improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly cleans itself through the integrated wiper mechanism while remaining installed in the dryer, eliminating the need to remove the filter system and preventing damage from improper handling during removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is segmented as a separate wiper mechanism that operates independently on the filter screen, allowing the filter to remain in place while being cleaned, thus maintaining system integrity
3Extent of automation
If automatic fluid spraying is used for cleaning, then cleaning is automated, but complex arrangements are required in the dryer architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex fluid spraying systems with a simpler mechanical wiper mechanism that uses a movable wiper element to physically scrape fluff and lint from the filter screen, achieving automated cleaning with minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is extracted as a separate wiper mechanism that operates independently from the main dryer components, allowing simple integration into the existing filter assembly without requiring complex architectural changes to the dryer
4Ease of operation
If external tools like brushes are used for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the tools can be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool (wiper mechanism) is merged with and permanently integrated into the filter assembly structure, eliminating the need for separate external cleaning tools that could be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly includes its own built-in wiper mechanism for self-cleaning, removing the dependency on external cleaning tools and simplifying the overall system by eliminating tool management requirements
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 the filter cleaning process, ensuring consistent air flow and efficient drying performance by eliminating the need for external tools and reducing the risk of filter damage during maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper (330) movable with respect to the frame (31) and in contact with the first filtering surface (32) to wipe the same through its movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A laundry dryer (1) comprising: o a cabinet (2) having a plinth (7) as base portion, said plinth defining an inner plinth volume within said cabinet; o a drum (3) rotatably supported in the cabinet; o a duct (18) defining a flow passage for process air exiting the drum (3); o a filter assembly (80, 80', 80", 90, 90', 90") positioned in a duct portion (18a) located at least partially in the inner plinth volume so as to filter process air flowing therein; said 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 includes a wiper (330) movable with respect to the frame (31) and in contact with the first filtering surface (32) to wipe the same through its movement; o an actuator (81), adapted to force said wiper (330) to perform said movement with respect to said frame (31) when actuated; o a connector (82), to connect the actuator (81) and the wiper (330), so that movements of the actuator (81) cause movements of the wiper (330); o a fluff collector (50) to collect filtered material wiped by the wiper from said first filtering surface (32); o a first door (61) arranged in said cabinet (2) at said plinth (7) to allow access to the inner plinth volume, said fluff collector (50) being located at least partially behind said first door so that the first door (61) needs to be opened in order to remove said filtered material in the fluff collector (50); o a second door (4) provided in said cabinet (2), said actuator (81) being arranged at least partially behind said second door (4), so that said second door needs to be opened in order to actuate said actuator (81).