Lint Removal Apparatus with Separable Coupler for Easy Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes dryers lack an efficient mechanism for separating and cleaning the lint removal apparatus, leading to reduced drying performance due to lint accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A clothes dryer with a lint removal apparatus that includes a coupler structure with a first and second coupler, an elastic member, and a link member, allowing for easy separation and cleaning by rotating a front cover and using a holder and link member to decouple the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lint removal apparatus is made separable for easy cleaning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling and separation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lint removal apparatus is divided into separable components including a filter assembly, lint box, and coupling mechanisms. The filter can be detached from the lint box, and the lint box can be separated from the dryer body, enabling easy cleaning and maintenance without disassembling the entire dryer.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the lint box and the dryer body, allowing for easy connection and separation. The coupling device includes coupling protrusions and recesses that facilitate quick attachment and detachment while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is provided to be directly removed by users, then the ease of operation is improved, but lint may accumulate and drying performance deteriorates if not cleaned regularly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to easily remove and clean the filter themselves without requiring professional service. The filter is designed with simple attachment and detachment mechanisms that allow users to access, clean, and reinstall the filter regularly to maintain optimal drying performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates user cleaning needs by providing easy access to the filter and lint box before lint accumulation becomes problematic. The separable structure allows users to perform maintenance proactively, preventing performance degradation rather than addressing it after problems arise.
3Ease of operation
If a separate filter cleaning module is added to the dryer, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating a complex automated cleaning module into the dryer, the solution extracts the cleaning function to be performed manually by users. The filter and lint box are designed to be easily removable and cleanable outside the dryer, eliminating the need for additional motors, sensors, and control systems while maintaining effective lint removal.
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
Facilitates easy separation and cleaning of the lint removal apparatus, ensuring prolonged use and maintaining drying performance by preventing lint accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a driving device, and a coupling device coupled to each other in a disconnected state, wherein the coupling device includes a first coupler connected to the driving device, a second coupler arranged to be coupled to the first coupler, and an elastic member disposed between the first coupler and the second coupler
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothes dryer including a cabinet, a drum rotatably supported in the cabinet, a supply port configured to guide air into the drum, an exhaust port configured to guide the air in the drum to an outside of the drum, and a lint removing apparatus configured to remove lint from the air passing through the exhaust port. Where the lint removing apparatus includes a lint filter configured to capture lint, a rotation member rotatably installed to scrape and collect the lint captured in the lint filer, a driving device configured to generate power, a first coupler connected to the driving device to receive the power from the driving device, and a second coupler coupled to the first coupler to transmit the power to the rotation member.