Rotatable Lint Filter with Automated Cleaning for Clothes Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes dryers require manual cleaning of lint filters to prevent deterioration in drying performance, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A clothes dryer equipped with a lint removal device featuring a first and second filter, where the first filter is rotatable and powered by a motor to collect lint, and a cleaning member to remove lint from the second filter, ensuring automated lint removal without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning of lint filters is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter cleaning system performs self-service by automatically removing lint from the filters without user intervention. The rotation member with fins rotates to scrape lint from the first filter surface, while the cleaning member rotates to scrape lint from the second filter surface, enabling the system to maintain itself autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic cleaning mechanisms where the rotation member and cleaning member rotate in opposite directions to effectively scrape lint from both filters. The first filter rotates to facilitate lint removal, creating a dynamic cleaning process that adapts to the lint accumulation pattern
2Extent of automation
If automated lint removal is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated mechanism. The rotation member and cleaning member work together in coordination, driven by the same motor, to clean both the first and second filters simultaneously, reducing the need for separate cleaning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation member serves multiple functions: it rotates to scrape lint from the first filter, and its rotation also drives the cleaning member to scrape lint from the second filter. This multi-functional design reduces the number of independent components needed for automated cleaning
3Reliability
If lint is not removed from filters, then device complexity remains low, but reliability deteriorates due to deterioration in drying performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by removing lint from the filters before it can accumulate to levels that would deteriorate drying performance. The automated cleaning mechanism operates proactively to maintain filter effectiveness, preventing performance degradation rather than addressing it after occurrence
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains reliability through continuous monitoring and feedback control. The controller manages the operation of the motor that drives the rotation member and cleaning member, ensuring that lint is removed from both filters to maintain optimal drying performance and system reliability
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
Automated lint removal maintains drying performance by continuously clearing lint from the filters, enhancing user convenience and reducing maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to transmit power to the first filter to rotate the first filter
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning member mounted on the first filter to protrude toward the second filter... rotation of the first filter by the motor causes lint collected in the second filter to be removed from the second filter
Implementation Method 3
a first filter that is rotatable and is configured so that air discharged through the exhaust port passes through the first filter so as to be filtered by the first filter, a second filter configured so that the air passed through the first filter passes through the second filter so as to be filtered by the second filter
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothes dryer includes a drum, an exhaust port through which air in the drum is discharged to outside of the drum, a first filter that is rotatable and is configured so that air discharged through the exhaust port passes through the first filter so as to be filtered by the first filter, a second filter configured so that the air passed through the first filter passes through the second filter so as to be filtered by the second filter, to thereby remove lint in air, and a motor configured to transmit power to the first filter to rotate the first filter. The first filter and the second filter are configured so that rotation of the first filter by the motor causes lint collected in the second filter to be removed from the second filter.