Laundry Air Recovery Lint Filter With Self-Cleaning Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensing type drying and washing machines face inefficiencies due to lint accumulation, which reduces condensing duct efficiency, causes fan and heater malfunctions, and poses fire risks, while also wasting cooling water.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating machine with an improved condensing structure and a lint filter system that includes an air recovery unit with a lint filter and a filter cleaning unit using cleaning water to separate lint from the filter and cool the condensing surface, enhancing condensing efficiency and preventing lint-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a condensing duct is used to remove moisture from heated air, then moisture removal function is provided, but lint accumulates in the duct causing efficiency reduction and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter is installed in the air recovery opening to extract and separate lint from the air flow before the air enters the condensing duct. This prevents lint from entering and accumulating in the condensing duct, maintaining its efficiency and preventing malfunctions while preserving the moisture removal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lint filter acts as an intermediary component between the air recovery opening and the condensing duct. It intercepts lint particles in the air flow and prevents them from reaching the condensing duct, thereby protecting the system without interfering with the overall moisture removal process.
2Reliability
If cooling water is supplied to the condensing duct to condense moisture, then condensing function is achieved, but large amounts of cooling water are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the washing water already present in the washing machine tub to cool the condensing surface, rather than requiring separate cooling water supply. The washing water naturally circulates and cools the tub surface, enabling condensation without additional water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing water in the tub serves dual functions: it acts as both the washing medium for laundry and the cooling medium for the condensing duct. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling water supply, reducing water waste while maintaining condensing efficiency.
3Device complexity
If lint is not filtered from the air, then the system structure is simpler, but lint causes fan and heater malfunctions and fire risks
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter is installed in the air recovery opening to extract and remove lint from the air flow before it enters the heating and circulation system. This simple extraction approach prevents lint from reaching the fan and heater, eliminating malfunctions and fire risks without requiring complex filtration systems throughout the entire air path.
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 increases condensing efficiency by utilizing the tub's interior surface for condensation, reduces lint-related malfunctions, and conserves cooling water, thereby improving machine performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a lint filter mounted to an inside of the air recovery opening extended along an inside circumferential surface of the tub for filtering the lint from the air
Implementation Method 2
spraying cleaning water from the inside of the air recovery opening toward an inside of the tub and from an upper side of the lint filter to separate the lint from the lint filter
Implementation Method 3
utilizing the tub's interior surface for condensation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine, and more particularly, a laundry treating machine including an air supply unit for supplying air, a tub for having the air supplied thereto from the air supply unit to treat the laundry, the tub having an air recovery opening formed in an outside circumferential surface thereof for recovery of the air to the air supply unit, a lint filter mounted to an inside of the air recovery opening for filtering the lint from the air, and a filter cleaning unit for spraying cleaning water toward the lint filter to separate the lint from the lint filter, wherein the filter cleaning unit is extended and branched to the inside of the air recovery opening for spraying the cleaning water to the lint filter.