Lint Filter Unit with Movable Handle for Contamination-Free Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry drying apparatuses lack user convenience in filter handling, as users must grip contaminated filter bodies to remove fluff, which can damage the filter and is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with a movably arranged handle element that transitions from a flush rest position to an operational position, allowing easy manual removal and reducing contact with contaminated areas, combined with a locking mechanism for secure filter operation and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users grip the filter body to remove fluff, then the filter can be handled, but the filter may be damaged and user comfort is reduced due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is divided into functional components: a filter element for filtration and a separate grip section with handle elements for handling. This segmentation allows users to grip the handle elements rather than the contaminated filter body, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and avoidance of contamination/damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip section acts as an intermediary between the user and the filter element. The handle elements provide a contamination-free interface for user interaction, enabling easy removal and installation without direct contact with the fluff-contaminated filter body.
2Reliability
If the filter unit has a secure locking mechanism, then the filter remains fixed during operation, but the filter handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit incorporates movable handle elements that can transition between a stowed position during operation and an extended operational position for removal. This dynamic configuration provides secure fixation during drying cycles while enabling easy handling during maintenance, balancing reliability with operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip section with its movable handle elements serves multiple functions: it provides secure gripping for removal, acts as a leverage point for extraction from the housing, and maintains a compact profile during operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laundry drying apparatus (2) comprising: a cabinet (4); a rotatable drum arranged within the cabinet (4) and adapted to receive laundry to be dried; a loading opening (12) for loading and unloading laundry to and from the drum; a door (14) arranged at the cabinet (4) and adapted to close the loading opening (12); an air channel arranged within the cabinet (4) and adapted to guide within the cabinet (2) drying air exiting the drum; a filter unit (24, 24'); a filter unit seat (22) arranged at, upstream or in the air channel and adapted to receive the filter unit (24, 24'), wherein, when the filter unit is arranged in its operational position in the filter seat, the filter unit is adapted to filter fluff from the drying air exiting the drum; and a grip section arranged at the filter unit (24, 24') adapted to remove the filter unit from the filter unit seat (22). Specifically the grip section comprises at least one handle element (30, 30') that is movably arranged at the grip section; and the at least one handle element (30, 30') is movable between a rest position (I) and an operational position (II).