Laundry Air Filter Sealing Structure for Debris Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry processing apparatuses face issues with air filtration efficiency due to gaps between filters and filter holders, leading to debris leakage and increased manufacturing complexity, as well as interference during filter installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A single sealing member is used to seal gaps between the inner and outer filters, as well as between the filter assembly and the filter holder, preventing air leakage and debris filtration inefficiencies, while maintaining a compact design and avoiding additional manufacturing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing member is provided between the inner filter and the outer filter to prevent air leakage, then filtration performance is improved, but the number of components and manufacturing processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated sealing member. This sealing member simultaneously seals the gap between the inner filter and outer filter, and also seals the gap between the filter assembly and the housing, thereby improving filtration performance without increasing the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is designed to perform multiple sealing functions at different locations within the filter assembly. It universally addresses air leakage issues at both the inner-outer filter interface and the filter-housing interface, making it a multi-functional component that simplifies the overall structure.
2Reliability
If a sealing member is added to improve filtration by sealing gaps, then debris filtration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sealing functions into one component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This integration approach lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining improved filtration efficiency.
3Reliability
If the filter assembly is designed with tight sealing to prevent air leakage, then filtration performance is improved, but filter installation and removal becomes more difficult due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed with elastic properties that allow it to dynamically adapt during installation and operation. When the filter assembly is inserted, the elastic sealing member deforms to create a tight seal, ensuring filtration performance. During removal, the elastic property allows the sealing member to return to its original shape, reducing interference and making removal easier.
4Reliability
If multiple sealing members are provided to seal all gaps in the filter assembly, then air leakage is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate sealing members into a single integrated sealing component. This unified sealing member addresses all air leakage paths (between inner and outer filters, and between filter assembly and housing) without requiring multiple separate parts, thereby preventing air leakage while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 enhances debris filtration efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies filter installation by using a single sealing member that integrates both sealing functions, ensuring effective air passage through the intended filtration path without leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member coupled to the inner filter and the outer filter. The sealing member is provided to cover at least a part of an outer surface of the outer filter that is assembled with a filter holder to seal a gap between the outer filter and the filter holder, a part of the sealing member being in contact with the inner filter to seal a gap between the inner filter and the outer filter
Implementation Method 2
a filter assembly detachably supported by a filter holder... to remove debris contained in the circulated air... circulated air passes through the inner filter and then outer filter to circulate the inside of the laundry processing apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laundry processing apparatus. The laundry processing apparatus includes a filter assembly (500) that is detachably supported by a filter holder (160) positioned between a processing module and a guide duct (310), and an inner filter (510) and an outer filter (550) that are overlappingly assembled with each other, and removes debris contained in circulated air and then supplies the circulated air into the guide duct (310). The filter holder (160) is assembled with a sealing member (580), and the sealing member (580) is provided to cover at least a part of an outer surface of the outer filter (550) to seal a gap between the outer filter (550) and the filter holder (160), and a part of the sealing member (580) protrudes toward the inner filter (510) to seal a gap between the inner filter (510) and the outer filter (550).