Lint Filter With Integrated Cooling Coil For Laundry Applicance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washer and dryer combination appliances face engineering challenges in performing efficient drying cycles due to the presence of water and humidity from the wash cycle, which affects air drying performance.
Innovation Solution
A combination washer and dryer appliance with a condensing system that includes a filter coil acting as both a lint filter and condenser, dehumidifying drying air, and a secondary coil as a heat exchanger to improve drying efficiency by reducing humidity and enhancing air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a washer and dryer combination appliance is used to save space and eliminate laundry transfer, then space efficiency and convenience are improved, but drying performance deteriorates due to water and humidity remaining from the wash cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes water and humidity from the enclosed space after the wash cycle by introducing a heating element that evaporates remaining water and a ventilation system with a dehumidifying agent that extracts moisture from the air. This extraction process resolves the contradiction by eliminating the harmful residual moisture that degrades drying performance while maintaining the space-saving combination appliance design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the air within the enclosed space by heating it to a controlled temperature using a heating element and then introducing a dehumidifying agent that alters the humidity content. This parameter transformation converts the humid, water-containing air into dry, warm air suitable for effective drying, thereby resolving the performance deterioration while preserving the compact combination appliance structure.
2Device complexity
If a single drum performs both washing and drying functions, then device complexity is reduced, but drying efficiency worsens due to high humidity levels from the wash cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the air environment before the drying function operates. A heating element pre-heats the air and evaporates residual water, and a ventilation system pre-vents moisture accumulation. This preliminary preparation of the air environment ensures that when the drying cycle begins, the air is already in optimal condition for efficient drying, thus maintaining high productivity within the simplified single-drum structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance or system that mediates between the wash and dry functions. This intermediary could be a dehumidifying agent or controlled air circulation system that actively manages the transition from wet to dry conditions. The intermediary facilitates the drying process by absorbing or removing excess humidity, thereby maintaining high drying efficiency despite the reduced device complexity of a single-drum design.
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 system improves drying performance by using warm, dry air for better drying efficiency and self-cleaning lint filter functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the filter coil acts as both a lint filter and a condenser to dehumidify drying air entering the drying air inlet
Implementation Method 2
the second coil acts as a heat exchanger for transferring heat to ambient air located inside the cabinet
Data Source
AI summary
A combination washer and dryer appliance includes a cabinet, a drum housing and a drum with a drum wall that defines a laundry compartment. A drying air circulation path extends from an inlet positioned a drum wall to an outlet positioned in fluid communication with the laundry compartment. A filter coil is disposed adjacent to the drying air inlet. A condensing system includes the filter coil located on the drum wall at the drying air inlet and a second coil located in the cabinet and outside of the drying air circulation path. The filter coil and second coil are arranged in fluid communication and containing a heat-transfer fluid such that the filter coil acts as both a lint filter. A condenser dehumidifies drying air entering the drying air inlet and such that the second coil acts as a heat exchanger for transferring heat to ambient air located inside the cabinet.