Laundry Dryer Lint Filter Layout for Automatic In-Tub Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry machines with drying functions do not have an effective method for automatically cleaning lint filters during operation, leading to lint accumulation and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine design where the lint filter is exposed at the hot air outlet and cleaned by rotational airflow and water from the tub, with the option for additional water supply for enhanced cleaning, allowing automatic cleaning during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lint filter is installed in the drying duct to remove lint from hot air, then lint removal effectiveness is improved, but the filter requires manual cleaning and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned to protrude into the tub so that during the washing operation, water and airflow automatically clean the filter surface. The washing process itself serves to maintain the filter, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is cleaned during the washing cycle before the drying cycle begins. This preliminary cleaning action ensures the filter is ready for effective lint removal during the subsequent drying operation without requiring separate maintenance steps.
2Reliability
If the filter is placed inside the duct away from the tub, then it effectively filters hot air, but lint accumulates on the duct and filter cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted from the deep interior of the duct and repositioned to protrude into the tub. This extraction makes the filter accessible to the washing environment while still maintaining its filtration function in the hot air path.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter serves as an intermediary element positioned at the boundary between the tub environment and the drying duct. It is exposed to both the washing water/airflow for cleaning and the hot air for filtration, mediating between these two functional zones.
3Extent of automation
If the filter is exposed into the tub at the hot air outlet, then automatic cleaning during operation is enabled, but the filter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter utilizes the existing washing water and airflow in the tub to clean itself automatically. No additional cleaning mechanisms, motors, or control systems are required - the filter's strategic positioning allows it to be serviced by the normal washing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing water and airflow serve dual functions: they perform the primary washing function and simultaneously clean the filter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filter cleaning systems, reducing overall device complexity while achieving automation.
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
Effectively removes lint from hot air and prevents accumulation, maintaining duct cleanliness and improving drying efficiency by integrating automatic filter cleaning within the machine's operation.
Implementation Method 1
lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter
Implementation Method 2
the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter, whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven.