Laundry Dryer Lint Filter Repositioning for Accessible Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing filtration system in laundry dryer machines, located near the base, increases manufacturing costs and reduces energy efficiency due to the need for a special inspection opening and door, leading to reluctant maintenance and potential operational failures from build-up deposits.
Innovation Solution
The filtration system is redesigned to allow filter removal and cleaning without a dedicated access door, with the condenser sections positioned under the laundry door, enabling easy access and maintenance, and the filter positioned within the laundry loading opening for immediate inspection and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the filter is located near the base of the machine, then the filtration function is achieved, but a special inspection opening and door must be provided, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing ease of maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is merged with the condenser structure, forming an integrated unit that eliminates the need for separate inspection openings. The filter is positioned within the condenser housing, allowing both components to share the same structural space and access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser housing serves multiple functions: it houses the condenser channels, contains the filter assembly, and provides the access door for both components. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant structural elements like separate inspection openings.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is located near the base of the machine, then the filtration function is achieved, but the user is reluctant to perform periodic cleaning, reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleaning process is simplified to a self-service operation that users can easily perform. The filter assembly is designed to be quickly removed and cleaned through the existing access door without requiring specialized tools or skills, encouraging regular maintenance by users themselves.
3Reliability
If the filter is located near the base of the machine, then the filtration function is achieved, but deposits build up on filtering walls, slowing down air flow and causing operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed with preliminary considerations for maintenance accessibility. The structure allows users to easily access and clean the filter before deposits significantly impact performance, preventing the progression to operational failures rather than addressing problems after they occur.
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
This design improves energy efficiency by facilitating regular filter cleaning, reducing maintenance costs, and preventing operational failures, while eliminating the need for a special inspection door, thus enhancing overall machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser with a plurality of channels for the flow of drying air, for removing the moisture absorbed by the flow through the laundry in the drum
Implementation Method 2
at least one filter for filtering the flow
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A laundry dryer machine, wherein a flow of drying air is circulated through a path, which comprises a fan (9) for moving said flow, a motor (10) for driving said fan, at least one filter (11) for filtering the flow, a drum (7) for containing the laundry to be dried, a condenser (12) with a plurality of channels (13) for the flow of drying air, for removing the moisture absorbed by the flow through the laundry in the drum (7), a container (17) for collecting condensate, a box-like structure for containing the components of the machine, said structure having a base (1), a top surface (2), a front vertical wall (3), a back vertical wall (4) and corresponding lateral vertical walls (5, 6), an opening (8) formed in said front vertical wall (3) for loading the laundry to be dried, a door (8A) adapted to open and close said opening (8) for loading and removing laundry, a conduit (19) for conveying a flow of cooling air to the condenser (12). Said opening (8) for loading and removing laundry comprising a tubular recess (3A) of said front vertical wall (3). The filter (11) for filtering the flow of drying air is located in said tubular recess (3A) coaxial with the axis thereof, with at least one chamber (32) being formed between the wall (11A) made of filter material of the filter (11) and the inner wall of said tubular recess (3A), means (11B) being provided to isolate said chamber (32) from the cavity of the drum.