Lint Filter Cassette with Automatic Suction Cleaning for Tumble Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumble dryer lint filter devices require frequent manual cleaning of the main filter and lint separator, which is inefficient and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
An automatically cleaning lint filter device design where the lint filter cassette, including a main filter and lint separator, can be easily removed and cleaned as a single unit, with a suction air flow system that transports lint from the main filter to a collector, reducing the need for frequent manual cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main filter is cleaned manually, then the lint filter device can be serviced, but the cleaning process is time-consuming and inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an automatic cleaning mechanism where a suction airflow generated by a fan removes lint from the main filter and transports it to the lint collector. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual cleaning operations, allowing the filter to clean itself during the drying cycle or between cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by generating a suction airflow that moves through the main filter, captures lint particles, and transports them via air flow to the lint collector. This pneumatic cleaning system replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated air-based transport mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the lint filter cassette is designed as a single removable assembly, then cleaning is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter device is segmented into a removable lint filter cassette assembly that includes the main filter, lint separator, and lint collector as integrated components. This modular segmentation allows the entire cleaning-related components to be removed as one unit, simplifying user access and cleaning operations while isolating the complexity from the main dryer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lint filter cassette is designed as a multi-functional assembly that combines filtration, lint separation, and lint collection capabilities in a single removable unit. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions, reducing the number of separate parts the user must handle during cleaning.
3Extent of automation
If the suction airflow removes lint from the main filter, then automatic cleaning is achieved, but lint may settle on heat exchangers during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The suction airflow system extracts lint from the main filter and directly transports it to the lint collector, removing the harmful lint particles from the air circulation path before they can settle on heat exchangers. This extraction process isolates the lint removal function from the main drying air flow, preventing contamination of other components.
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
Simplifies the cleaning process by allowing all components to be serviced efficiently without tools, preventing fluff from settling on heat exchangers and maintaining drying efficiency, while the lint collector can be easily emptied or replaced without disassembling the entire device.
Implementation Method 1
a second means for generating a suction air flow... the suction air flow removes the lint from the main filter
Implementation Method 2
The lint separator is designed in such a way that lint is separated from the suction air flow into the lint collector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An automatic suction device is provided for sucking off a main filter (5) of a tumble dryer (1). When the drying process is interrupted or between two drying processes, the lint that has settled on the main filter (5) is conveyed into a lint collector (6) by a suction air flow. The lint filter device includes a compact lint filter cassette (3-10) which contains the most important components that need to be cleaned regularly. The lint filter cassette (3-10) can be removed from the tumble dryer as a single assembly for cleaning, which makes cleaning work much easier for the user. The main filter (5), a cassette housing (3) and a fluff separator (6-9) should be cleaned regularly.