Rotating Airflow Valve for Filter Bypass in Clothes Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clothes treatment apparatuses lack functional versatility in combining air flow paths, struggle to remove ultrafine dust, and have difficulties in efficiently controlling air flow paths and filter replacement.
Innovation Solution
A clothes treatment apparatus with a rotating valve system that selects among multiple flow paths, including bypass, filtering, and ventilation paths, using a HEPA filter and steam module to enhance functionality and air quality, allowing for easy filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate valves are used to control different flow paths, then each flow path can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single rotating valve assembly that can selectively direct air flow through different paths (bypass, filtering, ventilation) by rotating to different positions. This single valve structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate valves, reducing device complexity while maintaining independent control of each flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating valve is designed as a universal control component that can direct air flow through multiple different paths depending on its rotational position. It serves multiple functions: bypass control, filtering control, and ventilation control, all through a single component that can be rotated to activate different flow paths as needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a HEPA filter is installed to remove ultrafine dust, then dust removal performance improves, but the filter can trap steam causing operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the air flow control into distinct paths: a bypass path that allows steam to circumvent the HEPA filter, and a filtering path that directs air through the filter for dust removal. The rotating valve can selectively activate either path depending on operational requirements, allowing the HEPA filter to remove ultrafine dust when needed while avoiding steam trapping issues by switching to the bypass path during steam generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different flow paths using the rotatable valve. During steam generation operations, the valve rotates to activate the bypass path, allowing steam to flow without being trapped by the HEPA filter. During dust removal operations, the valve switches to the filtering path, allowing the HEPA filter to effectively capture ultrafine dust. This dynamic switching resolves the conflict between dust removal performance and operational reliability.
3Ease of repair
If the filter is made easily removable for maintenance, then filter replacement becomes simple, but the flow path structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented as a separate, removable module that can be independently accessed and replaced. The flow path structure is designed with a bypass channel that remains functional even when the filter module is removed or accessed for maintenance. This segmentation allows easy filter replacement without requiring complex disassembly of the entire flow path structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass flow path acts as an intermediary structure that maintains system functionality during filter maintenance. When the filter is removed for replacement, the bypass path allows air flow to continue through the system, preventing complete system shutdown during maintenance operations. This intermediary bypass structure simplifies the overall design by eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or complete system disassembly for filter replacement.
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 apparatus achieves increased functional versatility, effective dust removal, and efficient air flow control, minimizing structural costs and ensuring easy filter maintenance while providing fresh air and high-performance filtration.
Implementation Method 1
a filter module having a filter portion for filtering out dust from air passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a fan for moving the air in the air flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treatment apparatus comprises: a cabinet forming a treatment space for storing clothes; a filter module having a filter portion for filtering out dust from air; an air flow path having a plurality of preset flow paths for directing air to be discharged into the treatment space; a fan for moving the air in the air flow path; a single valve disposed on the air flow path, that changes the air flow path by rotating around a predetermined rotational axis; a valve actuating module for rotating the valve; and a control part for controlling the angle of rotation of the valve to select one of the plurality of flow paths. The plurality of flow paths comprise: at least one bypass flow path for directing the air to bypass the filter portion; and at least one filtering flow path for directing the air to pass through the filter portion.