Movable Washing Machine Filter Box for Easy Fiber Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional washing machine filters are difficult to access when clogged and suffer from fiber accumulation, leading to an unpleasant appearance and perceived dirtiness due to dried fibers, contributing to environmental pollution from microplastic discharge.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a movable dispenser with a microfilter and a cleaning member comprising a flexible headpiece and sweeper that scrapes and gathers fibers, along with an active carbon filter and vibration means to facilitate easy cleaning and prevent odor formation, allowing for easy removal and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is installed in the washing machine to filter fibers from washing water, then environmental pollution from microplastic discharge is reduced, but the filter becomes difficult to access and clean when clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is nested within the detergent dispenser assembly, which itself is integrated into the washing machine's water circulation system. This nested configuration allows the filter to be accessed by simply removing the detergent dispenser, providing easy maintenance access while maintaining a compact integrated structure that effectively filters washing water
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent dispenser serves as an intermediary component that provides access to the filter. By designing the filter to be removable together with the detergent dispenser, the dispenser acts as a mediator that simplifies filter maintenance without requiring direct access to the filter's installation location within the water circulation system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is installed to capture fibers, then fiber filtration is improved, but fibers accumulate on the filter surface and dry up causing unpleasant appearance and perceived dirtiness
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine performs preliminary action by automatically rinsing the filter with water during the washing cycle. This preliminary cleaning action prevents fibers from drying up and accumulating on the filter surface, maintaining a clean appearance without requiring manual intervention between washing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning function is integrated into the continuous washing operation. Water continuously flows through the filter during each washing cycle, providing ongoing cleaning action that prevents fiber accumulation and maintains the filter's appearance throughout the machine's operation
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
Enables easy cleaning of the filter by accumulating fibers at a single point, improving the perceived quality and reducing environmental pollution by effectively filtering microplastics and preventing odor formation.
Implementation Method 1
a filter box (9) placed onto the dispenser (7) so as to move together with the dispenser (7) and having at least one filter (8) through which the water coming from the circulation line (6) is passed and which filters the fibers in the water
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning member (12) having an arm (10) which is fixed to the housing (5) and a headpiece (11) which is provided on the arm (10) and which scrapes the filter (8) while the dispenser (7) is moved with respect to the housing (5)
Implementation Method 3
a filter box (9) placed onto the dispenser (7) so as to move together with the dispenser (7) and having at least one filter (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2); a drum (4) which is disposed in the tub (3) and wherein the washing process is performed; a housing (5) which is arranged on the body (2) and which is in fluid communication with the tub (3); a circulation line (6) which enables the water received from the tub (3) to be delivered to the housing (5); a dispenser (7) which is movably disposed into the housing (4); and a filter box (9) placed into the dispenser (7) so as to move together with the dispenser (7) and having at least one filter (8) through which the water coming from the circulation line (6) and which filters the fibers in the water.