Lint Screen Cleaning Control to Prevent Dryer Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry dryers face issues with overflowing cleaning fluid when clearing lint particles from the lint screen, due to varying water pressure and condensate water levels, which can lead to inefficient cleaning and potential overflow in the lint repository.
Innovation Solution
A laundry-drying appliance with a controllable valve system that dispenses cleaning fluid based on the amount in the washing tank, using sensors to estimate condensate water and adjust the valve's opening duration and flow cross-section to release only the necessary amount of cleaning fluid, preventing overflow and ensuring effective lint particle removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve is open for a fixed length of time to allow cleaning fluid to flow, then the cleaning operation can be performed, but the cleaning fluid may overflow the collecting container due to varying water pressure and condensate water levels
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control device adjusts the valve opening duration based on real-time sensor feedback about the actual amount of cleaning fluid available in the washing tank, allowing the system to adapt to varying condensate water levels and pressure conditions while preventing overflow
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system is implemented where sensors monitor the actual amount of cleaning fluid in the washing tank, and this information is fed back to the control device which then adjusts the valve opening time accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents overflow by matching the discharge volume to the available fluid volume
2Reliability
If a large amount of cleaning fluid is stored in the washing tank to ensure sufficient cleaning, then effective lint particle removal can be achieved, but the collecting container may overflow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a fixed large amount of cleaning fluid or a fixed long valve opening time, the system applies partial action by adjusting the valve opening duration to match exactly the amount of fluid needed. This prevents excessive discharge that would cause overflow while still providing sufficient cleaning fluid for effective lint particle removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of valve opening time based on the actual cleaning fluid volume. By dynamically adjusting this parameter according to sensor feedback, the system optimizes the balance between providing enough cleaning fluid for effective cleaning and preventing overflow of the collecting container
3Device complexity
If the valve opening behavior is not controlled, then the system is simple, but the washing volume varies and cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback control system is implemented where sensors monitor the actual amount of cleaning fluid in the washing tank, and this information is fed back to the control device which then adjusts the valve opening time accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures uniform washing volume and effective cleaning while managing system complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically determines the appropriate valve opening time based on sensor feedback about the cleaning fluid volume, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex mechanical control mechanisms. The system self-regulates to achieve consistent washing volume and effective cleaning
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
This solution prevents overflow, allows for precise control of cleaning fluid release, and ensures efficient lint particle removal, accommodating a larger volume of lint without overflowing the collecting container, while maintaining a compact design and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a washing tank (SB1) located above the component (EV, FS) that requires cleaning, with it being possible for a cleaning fluid to be dispensed from the washing tank (SB1) through a controllable valve (VT1) against the component (EV, FS) that requires cleaning
Implementation Method 2
the valve (VT1) being able to be controlled, in particular actuated, on the basis of an amount of the cleaning fluid in the washing tank (SB1)
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry drying unit includes a process air circuit and a component arranged in the process air circuit. Provided above the component is a washing tank for dispensing a cleaning fluid, with a flow of cleaning fluid dispensed from the washing tank to the component being controlled by a controllable valve. The valve can be controlled on the basis of an amount of cleaning fluid in the washing tank.