Lint Capturing Assembly for Washing Machine Drain Clog Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Clogged drain holes in laundry tubs and P-traps due to clothing lint from washing machines hinder proper water drainage.
Innovation Solution
A lint capturing assembly comprising a bag holding member, a fabric bag, a cap member, and hook members that capture clothing lint from the washing machine hose, preventing it from entering the laundry tub and allowing water to drain freely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If washing machine expels water with clothing lint into laundry tub, then washing machine operation is normal, but drain hole becomes clogged with lint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laundry tub insert as an intermediary component between the washing machine and the drain hole. This insert includes a fabric bag that captures lint before it can reach the drain hole, while still allowing water to pass through. The fabric bag acts as a mediator that separates the harmful lint from the beneficial water flow, preventing clogs without interfering with washing machine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the lint from the water-lint mixture by using a fabric bag that allows water to pass through while retaining lint. The fabric bag selectively removes the harmful component (lint) from the flow, allowing clean water to continue draining while capturing clothing fibers for later disposal.
2Reliability
If fabric bag is used to capture lint, then lint capture effectiveness is improved, but assembly and cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry tub insert is segmented into distinct components: a removable fabric bag and a rigid support structure with attachment tabs. This segmentation allows the fabric bag to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire insert. The support structure remains in the tub while the fabric bag can be independently handled, simplifying maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric bag is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be easily inserted, removed, and repositioned within the rigid support structure. The attachment tabs provide a flexible yet secure connection that allows for quick assembly and disassembly. This dynamic design reduces the complexity of both initial assembly and ongoing cleaning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A lint capturing assembly includes a bag holding member having a top portion, a bottom portion, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a central open region. The assembly includes a fabric bag having a first end portion defining an open end. The first end portion is disposed through the central open region of the bag holding member. The first end portion is disposed against the top portion and the outer surface of the bag holding member. The assembly includes a cap member that is disposed against the first end portion of the fabric bag such that the first end portion is disposed between the cap member and the top portion of the bag holding member. The cap member has a central opening that communicates with the open end of the fabric bag. The assembly includes a first hook member that is coupled to the bag holding member.