Filter device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices in washing machines have limitations in terms of lifetime, size, performance, and user convenience, as they often require premature replacement when a single filter becomes clogged, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with multiple filters that can switch between filtering and bypass modes, utilizing elastic members to adapt to pressure changes and maintain functionality even when individual filters become clogged, allowing for extended use and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is disposed at the bottom of the drum, then foreign objects can be collected, but the filter becomes difficult to remove and install due to the rotating drum structure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into a filter body and a cap that can be separated. The cap can be removed from the filter body without removing the entire filter assembly from the drum, enabling easy maintenance while keeping the filter in place for continuous foreign object collection
Solution Approach 2:
A cap serves as an intermediary component between the filter body and the drum bottom. The cap can be independently removed to access the filter body for cleaning, while the filter body remains positioned at the drum bottom to continue collecting foreign objects
2Ease of operation
If the filter structure is made complex to enable easy removal, then maintenance becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into simple segments (filter body and cap) connected by a straightforward threading mechanism. This segmentation enables easy maintenance through cap removal without requiring complex release mechanisms or additional components
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire filter assembly removable from the drum, the design inverts the approach by making only the cap removable while the filter body remains fixed. This simplifies the overall structure while achieving easy maintenance access
3Ease of operation
If the filter is designed to be easily removable, then maintenance is simplified, but the filter may not be securely positioned during drum rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into a filter body that remains securely positioned at the drum bottom and a cap that can be easily removed. The segmentation allows the filter body to maintain stable positioning while the cap provides easy access for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary that can be independently removed without affecting the positioning of the filter body. This intermediary structure enables easy maintenance while the filter body remains securely in place during drum rotation through its positioning protrusions
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter device comprises: a case; an outer filter which is disposed inside the case so that materials flowing into the case can be filtered out, and which can move with respect to the case; and an inner filter which is disposed inside the outer filter so that materials flowing into the case can be filtered out, and which can move with respect to the outer filter.