Water spray feature of an appliance for separating particulate material from a filter member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry appliances face challenges in effectively separating lint particles from lint filters, which can lead to clogging and reduced efficiency, as current methods do not adequately direct fluid flows to prevent lint from being pushed towards drive components and ensure complete removal.
Innovation Solution
A laundry appliance design featuring a fluid spray system with a directing nozzle that directs a fan-shaped flow of fluid parallel to the rear wall and across the lint filter, positioned to avoid drive components and direct lint particles towards the outer edge, ensuring effective separation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid is directed across the lint filter to separate lint particles, then lint removal efficiency is improved, but lint may be pushed towards drive components causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system applies different fluid flow characteristics to different regions of the lint filter. The fan-shaped spray pattern creates high-velocity flow across the filter surface to dislodge lint, while the directional design ensures separated lint is carried away from drive components toward safe discharge zones, preventing localized clogging at critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray system counteracts the harmful effect of lint being pushed toward drive components by creating a controlled fluid flow field that redirects lint particles. The fan-shaped spray pattern generates airflow that opposes the natural tendency of lint to migrate toward the drive mechanism, effectively balancing the forces to prevent clogging while maintaining removal efficiency.
2Productivity
If spray system directs fluid across lint filter, then lint separation is improved, but fluid flow may not adequately cover entire filter surface
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system transitions from a simple linear or point spray to a fan-shaped spray pattern that distributes fluid flow across multiple dimensions of the filter surface. This angular distribution expands the effective coverage area while maintaining sufficient flow velocity across the entire filter face, ensuring comprehensive lint separation without requiring multiple spray sources.
3Productivity
If spray nozzle is positioned to direct flow across filter, then lint removal is improved, but drive components may be exposed to lint and fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system design extracts and redirects lint particles from the vicinity of drive components before they can cause harm. By positioning the spray to create a fan-shaped flow that carries lint away from the drive area toward designated discharge zones, the system effectively removes the harmful element (lint) from the critical region, protecting drive components while maintaining removal efficiency.
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 fluid spray system efficiently separates lint particles from the filter, preventing clogging and maintaining appliance efficiency by directing the flow away from drive components and ensuring complete removal of lint, enhancing the appliance's operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid spray system extends through the rear wall and directs a flow of fluid over the air flow port and the lint filter
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry appliance (12) includes a tub (10) having a rear wall (18). A drum (20) is rotationally operable within the tub (10). An air flow path (24) extends through an air flow port (26) defined within the rear wall (18). A lint filter (28) is positioned within the air flow port (26). A fluid spray system (30) extends through the rear wall (18) and directs a flow (32) of fluid (34) over the air flow port (26) and the lint filter (28) in a direction generally parallel with an inside surface (36) of the rear wall (18).